Lauren McLeod (CAS ’27, Questrom ’27, SPH ’27) Combines Business and Public Health to Revolutionize Preventive Education

October 10, 2024

At Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, students are not just learning—they’re transforming ideas into impactful ventures. One such standout is Lauren McLeod, a sophomore who is forging her path at the intersection of business, health, and social entrepreneurship. Majoring in Neuroscience at the College of Arts & Sciences while double minoring in Business Administration at Questrom and Public Health at the School of Public Health, Lauren exemplifies the dynamic and interdisciplinary approach encouraged at BU.

As an emcee for IDEA Con 2024, Lauren will bring her entrepreneurial story to the stage, sharing how Questrom and Innovate@BU, Boston University’s premier incubator, have empowered her to launch her health-focused startup, EduPrev.

Lauren’s drive to make a difference stems from her personal experiences witnessing the effects of health inequities in her hometown of St. Louis. Motivated to address these disparities, she founded EduPrev, a venture that teaches children preventive health practices through interactive, engaging curricula. EduPrev’s mission is to empower young students with the knowledge and habits they need to avoid future health complications, such as cavities, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

It was at Innovate@BU (earlier BUild Lab) , Boston University’s incubator, where Lauren’s idea took shape. Innovate@BU provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to turn their ideas into reality. Through this incubator, Lauren was able to access BUild Lab’s Innovation Pathway, which guided her through the process of building a startup—from ideation to execution.

Innovate@BU’s emphasis on hands-on learning and its vibrant entrepreneurial community have been crucial in helping Lauren refine her business model, develop strategic partnerships, and gain exposure to a broader audience.

While Innovate@BU has been essential in fostering Lauren’s entrepreneurial spirit, her academic journey at Questrom School of Business has provided her with the strategic foundation to navigate the complexities of running a startup. Through Questrom’s Business Administration program, Lauren has honed her leadership skills and developed a strong understanding of how to apply business principles to create lasting impact.

Lauren credits Questrom’s experiential learning opportunities for her ability to think critically about public health challenges and build effective, sustainable solutions. Courses on entrepreneurship and innovation have helped her approach EduPrev from a business perspective, ensuring its long-term success.

As Lauren takes the stage at IDEA Con 2024, she’ll share her experiences building EduPrev through Innovate@BU and the critical role Questrom has played in her success. Her talk will emphasize:

  • The importance of early preventive health education.
  • Overcoming challenges as a young entrepreneur.
  • The impact of diversity and representation in educational materials.

Lauren’s participation in IDEA Con reflects her dedication to leadership and innovation—qualities that have been fostered at Questrom and Innovate@BU.


As Lauren continues her journey, her ambition is clear—expand EduPrev and integrate it into more schools across the country. With the skills she’s gained at Questrom and the support from Innovate@BU, she is well-equipped to scale her venture and drive meaningful change in the field of public health education.


Lauren’s story is a testament to the power of combining business education with entrepreneurial innovation. At Questrom School of Business, students like Lauren are turning ideas into impactful ventures, with the support of resources like Innovate@BU. As she leads and inspires at IDEA Con 2024, Lauren exemplifies the future of interdisciplinary, purpose-driven entrepreneurship.