Lauren Z

Critical Reading and Writing Instructional Specialist

Aug 2021 - Present • 5 yrs 2 mos

I’m a college instructor specializing in critical reading, critical thinking, research, and academic writing, with a particular focus on helping first-year college students develop the skills they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. My student evaluations consistently rank among the highest, and my students maintain a course GPA above 3.0 each semester. My students have gone on to graduate school and professional careers after completing their undergraduate education. My teaching and curriculum-development experience includes: • Critical reading and academic writing • Research methods and the research process • Research paper development and revision • Source evaluation and information literacy • Citation practices and academic formatting • Rhetoric and rhetorical analysis • Critical thinking and argumentation • Research, synthesis, and integration of sources • Curriculum and assignment design • Ethical and effective use of AI in academic work I specialize in helping students move beyond simply completing an assignment to understanding how to approach complex texts, develop ideas, conduct meaningful research, construct effective arguments, and communicate those ideas clearly. My approach combines teaching, coaching, and practical feedback. I can help students understand difficult academic material, develop and organize their ideas, strengthen their writing, navigate the research process, and become more confident and independent thinkers.

Founder and Chief Designer

Jan 2021 - Present • 5 yrs 9 mos

I am the founder and travel designer behind a boutique travel-planning business specializing in thoughtfully designed, highly personalized trips. My approach goes far beyond assembling a list of popular attractions. I research destinations in depth and design travel experiences around each client’s priorities, interests, travel style, budget, pace, and practical needs. I look for the details that can transform a good trip into a genuinely memorable one: distinctive accommodations, meaningful cultural experiences, local communities, unique transportation options, wildlife and nature experiences, historic sites, food, and opportunities that may not appear in a typical travel guide. My process combines extensive research, careful questioning, comparison of options, logistical planning, and synthesis of information into a cohesive, practical itinerary. I particularly enjoy solving complex travel-planning challenges—balancing multiple travelers’ interests, minimizing unnecessary driving, working around nap schedules or other constraints, finding accessible or family-friendly options, and connecting seemingly unrelated possibilities into a thoughtful overall experience. I create customized itineraries rather than one-size-fits-all plans, with the goal of giving travelers both a clear plan and the flexibility to enjoy the journey.

Executive Search Consultant

Mar 2018 - Oct 2019 • 1 yr 7 mos

Before transitioning into education, I worked as an executive search consultant in the healthcare industry, supporting some of the largest healthcare employers in identifying and hiring highly qualified candidates for C-suite and other senior-level positions. I managed the recruitment process from initial research through placement. For employer clients, I researched and identified prospective candidates, developed and refined position descriptions, conducted and evaluated first-round interviews, supported in-person client interviews, negotiated compensation, and facilitated employment contracts. I also worked directly with executive candidates throughout the process. I provided insight into prospective employers and positions, reviewed and edited resumes, coached candidates through interviews, and supported compensation and contract negotiations. In an 18-month period, I successfully placed more than 20 candidates in executive and senior-level positions. This experience strengthened my skills in research, relationship management, interviewing, professional writing, negotiation, and understanding the needs of both clients and candidates.