Laura began her groundbreaking career at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where she was one of the institution’s first research nurses. Over a 30-year tenure, she helped formally define the modern role of the oncology research nurse, co-founded the Clinical Research Nurse Committee, and served on the UTMDACC Office of Protocol Research Scientific Advisory Committee. Her early work included managing numerous clinical trials and contributing to over 60 scientific publications.

Following her retirement from M.D. Anderson, Laura joined US Oncology Research / McKesson Specialty Health. There, she implemented the network’s Translational Oncology Program, launching up to 30 early-phase trials annually and enrolling over 1,400 patients in five years—an achievement that earned her the prestigious USOR Leadership Award. She later co-founded and served as Chief Clinical Officer of CORE (Clinical Oncology Research Excellence), aligning clinic logistics with trial performance for community practices before transitioning to her current leadership role at Oncology Consultants.

A passionate advocate for patient access, Laura’s professional philosophy centers on the belief that cutting-edge cancer treatments should be available to every patient within their own community. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Clinical Research Professionals and has served as Chair of the Operational Research Committee for Exigent Research. Laura earned her nursing degree from Galveston College, completed her practicum at UTMB Galveston, and attended Texas Woman’s University.