Lauren is the MSSP Associate Director. In this role, she is responsible for managing the internship process for MSSP and MSSP+DA students, improving MSSP alumni relations, developing partnerships with local organizations, advising students, and contributing to strategic planning initiatives. She also manages MSSP admissions and recruitment efforts.

Lauren received her BA in Global Studies with highest distinction and a minor in Teaching ESL from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also holds her MSEd in Intercultural Communication from Penn’s Graduate School of Education. Lauren’s professional interests include bi/multilingual education policy, adult education, and program facilitation, which inform her approach to her work at SP2. Prior to SP2, Lauren taught English in multiple capacities, including as a Fulbright scholar in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand and as an adult education instructor at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. Lauren has also lived and traveled extensively in China, Ecuador, and Southeast Asia. She enjoys hiking, traveling, adding to her ever-growing plant collection, and playing with her cat Clover.