Lara Cristina Perez-Felkner

Dr. Lara Perez-Felkner is a Professor of Higher Education and Sociology in the Higher Education Program within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at Florida State University. She is also an Affiliated Faculty member in the Department of Sociology, and Senior Research Associate with FSU’s Center for Postsecondary Success. Her research uses developmental and sociological perspectives to examine the mechanisms that shape entry into and persistence with respect to college and career pathways, from secondary school through the workforce. She especially focuses on post-secondary access and success in scientific and technological career fields. Published work appears in major education and social/behavioral science journals including as well in several edited volumes. She serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Higher Education, Sociology of Education, and others, and is now Associate Editor of Research in Higher Education. She has been supported by external funders including the National Science Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the Sloan Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation. Her research has been covered on a range of news and public communication outlets and disseminated for policy and practice. She values the integration of teaching, mentoring, and research, as well as community-engaged impacts.