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About Dr. Lauren 

My Story

I was born and raised in New York City, and I currently live in Austin, TX.

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For 10 years I was a professor of sociology at Penn State University, at the Schuylkill Campus, where I conducted qualitative research and taught courses on race, gender, sexuality, qualitative research, public policy, and criminal justice. I know what it takes to write a strong paper, conduct a meaningful research project, and craft a successful graduate school application.

 

As a professor, I earned tenure, published 10+ journal articles and reviews, co-authored a book, received $45k+ in research grant funding, and gave countless conference presentations and invited lectures.​

 

I started LJ Academics as a way to reach college and graduate students in need of personalized academic support. 

Penn State University logo seal

Professor, Sociology

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PhD. Sociology

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MA, Sociology

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BA, Sociology

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My Approach

I have taught hundreds of students as a professor, and I know that many students have great ideas but struggle to get them down on paper clearly. 

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My philosophy now is the same as it has always been: I do not just help you get an A+ on that assignment, I teach you the tools you need to earn an A+ on your own in the future, again and again. 

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I’m an excellent copy editor and can spot a grammatical error from a mile away -- and explain to you how to fix it.

 

I am also aware that not everyone feels welcomed and empowered within the mainstream educational system. Therefore, I am passionate about mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups.

Selected Experience

  • Associate Professor of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, Schuylkill Campus, 2010 - 2019; earned tenure in 2016

  • Course Instructor, Stony Brook University, 2007 - 2008

  • Teaching Assistant, University of California, Irvine (2001 - 2003) and Stony Brook University (2003 - 2005). ​

  • Taught more than 40 courses in sociology, public policy, and criminal justice, in-person and online. Selected course titles: Race and Ethnic Relations; Sociology of Gender; Race and Public Policy; Sociology of Sexualities; Social Problems; Women and Justice

  • Supervisor to Honors Students/Honors Research Projects, Penn State Schuylkill, 2010 - 2019

  • Mentor to Undergraduate Students, 2010 - current

  • Mentorship Committee Board Member, American Sociological Association section 2013 - 2017

  • Diversity Council Board Member, Penn State Schuylkill, 2010 - 2018

  • Online Teaching Certificate, OL 2000: Effective Teaching Online, Pennsylvania State University World Campus Faculty Development, 2011

  • Academic Support to Students K-12 and Higher Education, Online and In Person, 2020 - current

Interested in receiving individualized, expert- level support when applying to college or graduate school? 

Whether you're at the start of the application process and want personalized, hands-on, one-on-one coaching as you apply to college or to a PhD or master's program, or you are putting the final touches on your applications and want a second set of well-trained eyes to look over your work, I can help. 

Are you an aspiring PhD or master's student looking to learn the grad school application ropes? Check out GradLaunch. 

If you are applying to a PhD or master's program and ready to be part of a live, intensive, small-group, six-week course to systematically walk you through the graduate school application process, from start to finish, guiding you through the key steps you need to complete in order to get into your top choice schools, then this program is for you. Come join us during our next cohort enrollment. 

Seeking advanced help in writing a research paper, or found yourself stuck in designing your thesis? 

Whether you are struggling to complete a research paper, want feedback on a grant application before submission, or you're seeking ongoing, expert guidance in designing your doctoral dissertation research, I'm ready to jump in. Get in touch to find out how I can support your research goals, at any level of learning, from high school to faculty research projects and everything in between.  â€‹

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