Lauren Kruse joined the Allen Institute in 2021 and serves as the Senior Scientific Project and Alliance Manager for the large-scale Human and Mammalian Brain Atlas (HMBA) project. HMBA aims to to create a comprehensive cell atlas of the human and closely related non-human primate brain, linking cellular and molecular phenotypes to brain imaging and functional architecture through collaborations with 18 institutions located domestically and internationally. Lauren partners with cross departmental teams across the Institute including scientific, financial, legal, regulatory, and sponsored research to successfully execute internally- and externally-funded neuroscience projects.

Prior to joining the Allen Institute, Lauren served as a Project Manager at the University of Washington where she supported seveal NIH-funded independent and collaborative research awards. Lauren also completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Washington studying the neurobiology of poly-substance use disorders. Lauren earned her doctorate in Behavioral Neuroscience studying the neurobiology and genetics of alcohol use disorders in preclinical models at the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, OR.