Laurisa A.
5.0
(14)
Studied at Michigan State University
Admissions Committee at Michigan State University
Successful clients at
Available tomorrow at 5:30 PM UTC
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Work Experience
Director of Graduate Student Success
Michigan State University
April 2024 - Present
Admissions Committee
--Teach and lead a first-year PhD professional development course; redesigned curriculum to build research, writing, and career-readiness skills. --Advise first-year PhD students on selecting lab rotations, helping them assess research fit, mentorship style, and long-term career goals. --Serve on graduate admissions committee, reviewing applications and advising on candidate selection. --Create and scale innovative student success initiatives across the college, including professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and career exploration programming.
CEO and Founder
A Developing Small Business
2024 - Present
--Fostering collaborations with 10+ universities to pioneer an innovative online tool addressing common graduate recruitment challenges. --Will advance equity, belonging, and inclusion nationally by reducing academic barriers in the admissions pipeline.
Founder and Director of the GRIT Application Feedback Program
Michigan State University
2021 - 2023
Interviewer
--Paired PhD applicants with current students for personalized review of application materials --Designed training and resources to ensure high-quality, constructive feedback on statements of purpose, CVs, and other application materials. Collaborating with university application committee leaders. --Increased accessibility for first-generation and historically excluded applicants by creating structured, supportive pathways into graduate admissions.
Founder of the MSU Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT)
Michigan State University
2020 - 2023
Interviewer
--Established equitable recruitment and retention programming for six Ph.D. departments, securing $30,000+ in annual grant funding. --Led a 10-member team overseeing five impactful programs, achieving participation rates ranging from 10 to 90 individuals. --Played a key role in advancing the MSU strategic plan through active engagement in four influential committees. --Utilized data-driven analysis to measure success and continuously adapt initiatives for optimal short and long-term outcomes.
Education
Michigan State University
PhD, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
2018 - 2023
--Built expertise in graduate-level research, professional development, and student mentorship. --Applied personal experience as a first-gen, LGBTQ student to guide peers through academic milestones and complex processes, building skills directly relevant to admissions coaching. Highlighted Experiences: CGIU Fellow, Peer Mentor, GRIT Founder, Application Feedback Program Founder, Small Business Owner, five publications, nine research presentations.
Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Science, Biology
2016 - 2018
-First-generation college student experience shaped my perspective on navigating higher education and supporting others through admissions and academic success. -Developed foundational skills in research, critical thinking, and academic writing. Highlighted Experiences: TRIO McNair scholar, NSF S-STEM recipient, one research publication, nine research presentations.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Laurisa has helped clients get into these schools:
Laurisa has helped Leland clients get into Michigan State University