Lauren Boudreau
I am a versatile, experienced writer with a background in medical research. My interest in the interdisciplinary field of Medical Humanities stems from my need to advocate for myself as a patient. Growing up with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) meant navigating numerous chronic illnesses from a young age. Now, my goal is to help others in similar positions.
I am interning with the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina, where I am creating a magazine that amplifies EDS patients' voices, expressions, and adaptations. I plan to use this publication to disseminate research and identify common themes surrounding chronic illness through artistic interpretations.
My coursework has grown my skills in technical writing and communication, narrative medicine, technical editing, research, and feature writing. During my time at the College, I've worked for the Academic Success and Retention Office. This semester, I am a Peer Academic Coach, helping first-year students through the transition to College. My time as a paraprofessional reflects my need and ability to help others. Whether it's in a classroom or a medical setting, I prioritize transparency, adaptation, and listening.
I have also founded and served as President of the student-led organization, Crafts4Kids. We have partnered with the Ronald McDonald House Charleston to make crafts for the kids and their families there. My history as a patient drives my need to help others in a professional setting. With my talent for written communication and my ability to understand patients' experiences, I aim to make a difference in the lives of those like me.
The Art of the Stripes
Founder, Editor, and Researcher | Norris Lab at Medical University of South Carolina
The Art of the Stripes is a creative publication dedicated to amplifying the voices of those living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Developed through my internship with the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina, the project examines the intersection of chronic illness, identity, adaptation, and creative expression.
I created this magazine so that individuals living with chronic illness can share their stories through writing, art, and other creative mediums. The publication recognizes that illness extends beyond clinical symptoms. It shows how individuals understand themselves and navigate experiences of illness.
As founder and editor, I lead the publication's development, including editorial planning, contributor outreach, content development, patient narratives, and educational resource inclusion. Beyond the publication, I am developing a research agenda examining recurring themes in these illness narratives. I am also considering how creative expression may contribute to our understanding of patient experiences and illness.
Through this work, I hope to connect individual stories with broader questions in medical humanities and health communication.
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These patient-centered articles connect self-advocacy and empowerment within the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) community. Through "Your Voice Matters: Small Ways to Advocate for Yourself" and "You Can Do It Too," Accessible, encouraging content that equips readers with practical strategies to navigate healthcare experiences, build self-confidence, and recognize the value of their voices.
Research & Medical Communication
My initial interest in medical research began in 2019 when I started independently exploring Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). I analyzed numerous case reports and scientific publications. This has strengthened my understanding of human physiology, medical terminology, and the importance of communicating complex medical information. Through my academic studies in English and Medical Humanities, I have developed a multidisciplinary research approach. This combines scientific inquiry with an understanding of the human experience beyond medical diagnosis. Whether researching a medical topic, developing educational materials, or exploring patient narratives, I approach my work with curiosity and attention to detail.
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Research-based educational articles for The Art of the Stripes, translating scientific concepts and laboratory research into accessible, engaging content for individuals affected by Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Through "What's in the Lab?" and "Why It Matters," I bridge the gap between scientific research and patient understanding, emphasizing ongoing research and its relevance to the lived experiences of the EDS community.
Historical Research & Public Memory
Beyond the Facades of 70 and 72 Coming Street: Property History and Black Political Participation in Charleston
Archival Research Paper | Writing & Literacy
An independent historical research project examining how property records, archival collections, census data, and Reconstruction-era voter registrations reveal overlooked histories of Black economic and political participation in Charleston. Through an examination of two historic properties, this paper explores the relationship between historical preservation, institutional archives, and public memory.
Writing & Editing
Through my studies in Writing, Rhetoric, and Publication, I have developed experience in technical writing, professional communication, research, feature writing, proofreading, and editing. I am particularly interested in how language can make complex information more accessible, whether through a technical document, an educational resource, a research paper, or even a personal narrative.
My academic work has strengthened my ability to evaluate written material and make revisions for clarity and consistency. I approach each writing project with an emphasis on accuracy, readability, and audience awareness. My goal is to create work that communicates its message effectively while remaining engaging and accessible.
The Disregard of Disability: Its Representation Through Literature
Feature Article & Interview | College of Charleston
This feature article examines the representation of disability in English literature through an interview with Dr. Kathleen Béres Rogers, director of the College of Charleston's Medical Humanities program. Drawing on literary concepts, disability studies, and personal experiences, the article explores stereotypes, narrative prosthetics, and the importance of representing disability beyond familiar literary tropes.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Community Engagement
My professional experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful communication begins with listening. Whether I support college students through academic challenges, help first-year students navigate college, or organize creative community initiatives, I strive to create environments where individuals feel seen and supported.
At the College of Charleston, I worked as a Life Design Coach, guiding students' decision-making and encouraging them to face each challenge with a creative approach. I have also worked at the Academic Success and Retention Office. Last semester, I was an Academic Success Mentor, helping students on academic probation develop study strategies. This semester, I am a Peer Academic Coach. I work with first-year students to ease the transition to college. These roles have strengthened my active listening, communication, and mentorship skills.
I also established the student-led organization Crafts4Kids here on campus, using creativity to support children and families in the community. As president, I have helped build partnerships with campus organizations and Ronald McDonald House Charleston to create crafts for the kids and their families.
Follow @crafts4kidscofc on Instagram!
Creative Work and Visual Communication
Creativity is an important part of how I understand and communicate the world around me. Through my writing, art, and publishing, I explore the ways creative expression can convey experiences, communicate ideas, and connect people. I developed Laur's Brain as a personal art blog and digital portfolio to document my creative process. Maintaining the website has allowed me to explore the relationship between visual storytelling, digital presentation, and audience engagement.
My creative interests also inform my work in medical humanities. I am interested in how artistic expression can help individuals communicate experiences that may be too difficult to articulate through conventional language alone. Across my creative and professional projects, I value the opportunity to combine thoughtful design and meaningful content. Whether through a publication, presenting information visually, or sharing original artwork, I aim to create work that is both purposeful and engaging.
Created visual communication content that emphasizes the often-overlooked experiences of individuals living with invisible illnesses. Through thoughtful messaging and visual storytelling, I posted to increase awareness, validate patient experiences, and make the realities of chronic illness more visible to broader audiences.
Researched, wrote, and designed an educational pamphlet that presents historical information in an engaging and accessible format. Applied principles of information organization, concise writing, and visual communication to turn historical research into an approachable educational resource.
Personal Philosophy
My background in English and Medical Humanities has taught me to approach communication through both analytical and humanistic perspectives. Research requires accuracy and critical thinking, while meaningful storytelling requires empathy, careful listening, and respect for individual autonomy. These principles guide my work across writing, editing, and mentorship. I strive to make complex information more accessible, approach questions with curiosity, and create work that recognizes the experiences of the people it serves.
Resume
