معرفی
Dr. Lara Perez-Felkner is a Professor of Higher Education and Sociology at Florida State University (FSU) within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She holds affiliations with the Department of Sociology and the Center for Postsecondary Success. Her work focuses on mechanisms shaping access and persistence in underrepresented fields, particularly in STEM education and postsecondary pathways for marginalized groups.
- Education: Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Chicago; B.A. from Wesleyan University.
- Leadership Roles: Co-Team Lead for AAAS SEA Change, Director of FSU’s NSF ADVANCE team (INCREASE), and former Co-Chair of the Latin* Faculty and Staff Collective.
Research Interests: Dr. Perez-Felkner examines racial-ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in higher education, with a focus on STEM equity. Her work integrates developmental and sociological perspectives to propose systemic interventions. Key themes include institutional policies, mentorship, and curricular reforms to support underrepresented students.
Publications highlight interventions to reduce gender gaps in computing and engineering, the role of community colleges in STEM degree attainment, and policy briefs advocating for equitable STEM pathways. Her work has been featured in Review of Educational Research, International Journal of STEM Education, and Science News for Students.
- Awards: Includes FSU’s Transformation through Teaching Award (2014), multiple Hardee Center Mentor Awards, and recognition as a SERN Mid-Career Fellow.
- Grants: Supported by NSF, Gates Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and others.
Teaching & Mentoring: Courses include Sociology of Education and Student Development Theory. She has mentored dozens of students in collaborative research, emphasizing inclusive pedagogy and institutional change.
