When Lauren Poster ’07 looks back on her time at Ithaca College, she remembers a path shaped by science, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world. As an Environmental Studies major with a minor in Still Photography, she found ways to explore both her scientific curiosity and artistic perspective—interests that would continue to influence her career long after graduation.
After graduating in 2007, Lauren returned home to Philadelphia, where she worked as an environmental scientist at an environmental consulting firm. She also completed a year-long internship at the Morris Arboretum, researching the native flora of Pennsylvania, and continued pursuing photography through part-time work as a wedding photographer.
Her interest in plants and ecology eventually led her west to begin a PhD program in plant physiology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She transferred to Rutgers University, where she completed a master’s degree in plant systematics and went on to earn a PhD studying the ecological genetics of native blueberry populations.
After completing her doctorate, Lauren spent a year teaching as an adjunct faculty member at The College of New Jersey, Rider University, and the College of Staten Island, offering courses in biology, plant ecology, and related subjects. She then transitioned into industry, joining Biomeme, Inc. in Philadelphia as a Quality Control Specialist.
At Biomeme, she helped develop quality control methodology and procedures for testing and releasing molecular diagnostic products, including a portable, battery-powered handheld real-time PCR thermocycler and a variety of companion diagnostic tests manufactured on site. Seven years later, she now serves as Senior Quality Manager, overseeing the company’s quality department, including both quality control and quality assurance for its GMP manufacturing facility.
Her work spans document control, audits, training, non-conformance and CAPA management, change control, complaint handling, risk management, receiving inspection, quality control testing, and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Biomeme manufactured a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test and provided testing support for a wide range of movie and television productions, including Hustle, Servant, Stranger Things, and one of the Spider-Man films. The company has also manufactured diagnostic tests for healthcare applications, environmental monitoring, and bacterial, viral, and toxin detection.
Although her current role often involves desk work and time in the lab, Lauren’s love for the outdoors remains central to her life.
“You can usually find me hiking or camping with my kids,” she says, “or in the yard tending to my native plant gardens or vegetable garden.”