Lauren Haygood is a graduate student at The University of Tulsa. Her research focuses on establishing a baseline of heavy metals in the Kiamichi River, and determining implications of these heavy metals for biogeochemical processes. Currently, she serves as the womENS (women in Engineering and Natural Sciences) President and a Graduate Student Association (GSA) Senator. Lauren is actively involved in STEM outreach in the Tulsa community, as well as in water groups who are fighting for legislation to protect freshwater systems in Oklahoma, as well as informing the public about freshwater issues, including the current threats facing the Kiamichi River.