Laurisa A.
5.0
(14)
Your PhD Admissions Coach | Your Story, Your Strengths, Your Success
Studied at Michigan State University
Admissions Committee at Michigan State University
Successful clients at
Available Thursday at 9:00 AM UTC
Usually responds within 16 hours
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Laurisa's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $69/hr
Get help with Defense Preparation, Editing, and .
Laurisa’s PhD Programs Qualifications
10+ people coached for PhD Programs
Laurisa has helped clients get into these schools:
Hello, welcome to my profile! I know what it’s like to navigate the challenges of applying to graduate school, I was a first-generation student myself. I’m here to help you take your experiences, your achievements, your potential, and present them in the strongest possible way. Together, we’ll review your application, highlight your unique story, and make sure your strengths come through authentically. I’ve helped students from all backgrounds feel confident and prepared to take the next step. Let’s work together to make your graduate school goals a reality.
Laurisa can help with:
Defense Preparation
Editing
Interviews
Research
School Selection
Application Strategy
Resume
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