Laurel is passionate about using policy and research to build sustainable and healthy communities. She earned her M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Johns Hopkins University in 2024 and has a B.Sc. in Biological Science from Colorado State University. Her curiosity about how food, water, and energy systems shape everyday life continues to guide her work. Laurel was raised and currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.

She previously interned at a nonprofit where she led environmental education and youth outreach on online platforms. She also helped administer outdoor recreation grants with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and supported environmental policy while working for the U.S. Department of Transportation.