Lauren Plouff, a recent recipient of the Matthew Myles Walsh II Safety Award, has worked as a project engineer with The Walsh Group in Galveston, Texas, since June 2016. Among other responsibilities, Lauren Plouff performs various engineering office tasks such as completing drawing reviews and making requests for information submissions. Prior to joining The Walsh Group, she gained relevant on-site and office experience through her internships with Illinois' BNSF Railroad and the Downers Grove Public Works Department.

Lauren Plouff earned her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, completing courses in structures, concrete design, and consulting engineering, while also holding executive positions in the Delta Xi chapter of the Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity. Moreover, she is a past president of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association and former secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Plouff enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as playing volleyball and shopping.