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Laura received a bachelor's degree in English literature and linguistics from Truman State University in 2019. She worked as a student support coordinator at Truman State's Center for International Students and spent her summers teaching English in both China and Germany. Laura is nearing the end of her master's degree program in teaching English to speakers of other languages here at Mizzou. Her research interests include teaching adult learners, navigating cultural differences and using literature in the language classroom. When she's not on campus, Laura also works at the Columbia Public Library and volunteers with the local nonprofit City of Refuge. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, caring for her pet rats and cozying up with a good book.