Laurisa A.

Laurisa A.

5.0

(15)

2,105 min coached

11 followers

Michigan State University Logo

Studied at Michigan State University

Michigan State University Logo

Admissions Committee at Michigan State University

Successful clients at

Available Wednesday at 12:30 AM UTC

Usually responds within 7 hours

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About Laurisa

Applying to graduate school is challenging and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Hi, I’m Laurisa, and I help students get into graduate programs with clarity, confidence, and a plan that makes sense. I’ve committed my career to supporting graduate students at every stage, from the application all the way through to the dissertation and career search. Not sure if a PhD is right for you? Not sure where to apply? Not sure what to highlight in your application? Let's chat. I can answer all of your burning application questions and provide guidance that will shape your story into a compelling application. We’ll start with one key question—why do you want to go to graduate school?—and build from there. Schedule a free intro call to get started. I look forward to meeting you.

Why do I coach?

I coach because I know how overwhelming the PhD application process can be. I love helping applicants see their strengths, tell their story, and submit confident, competitive applications.

Work Experience

Michigan State University Logo

Director of Graduate Student Success

Michigan State University

April 2024 - Present

Admissions Committee

Partner with faculty and graduate programs to support admissions and graduate student success across the natural sciences. Advise students on navigating graduate school, from application through completion.

A Developing Small Business Logo

CEO and Founder

A Developing Small Business

2024 - Present

Lead a venture focused on creating innovative solutions to support graduate students in their academic and career journeys.

Michigan State University Logo

Founder and Director of the GRIT Application Feedback Program

Michigan State University

2021 - 2023

Interviewer

Designed and led an application review program for PhD applicants, creating accessible, supportive pathways and resources to ensure high-quality feedback—especially for first-generation and historically excluded students.

Michigan State University Logo

Founder of the MSU Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT)

Michigan State University

2020 - 2023

Interviewer

Developed and led equity-focused recruitment and retention programs for multiple Ph.D. departments, managing a team of 10, securing grant funding, and using data-driven strategies to optimize impact and align with institutional goals.

Education

Michigan State University Logo

Michigan State University

PhD, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

2018 - 2023

Developed expertise in research, professional development, and student mentorship, drawing on experience as a first-gen, LGBTQ student to support peers and build skills for graduate admissions coaching. Highlighted experiences include: CGIU Fellow, Peer Mentor, GRIT Founder, Application Feedback Program Founder, Small Business Owner, five publications, and nine research presentations.

Eastern Washington University Logo

Eastern Washington University

Bachelor of Science, Biology

2016 - 2018

My first-generation college 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 include: TRIO McNair Scholar, NSF S-STEM recipient, one research publication, and nine research presentations.

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Overall Rating

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Knowledge

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Value

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Responsiveness

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Supportiveness

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Laurisa has helped clients get into these schools:


Laurisa has helped Leland clients get into Michigan State University

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Laurisa A.

Laurisa A.

5.0

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