Laura Dillard (she/her) is an undergraduate research assistant at RISE. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, specifically journalism as well as a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at VCU. Laura recently graduated with her associates in both STEM and general
studies. She has past experience conducting research at her past institutions with topics such as gender stereotypes or norms in comparison to children’s books. Her interests in societal issues, progression, and communication led her to being interested in this position.