she/hers - Class of 2027

Lauren Karas is a Director of Wellness and Support in Training for Badger Supports. A Psychology major pursuing a certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies, Lauren is interested in the mental health field and is exploring a future path as a therapist or psychologist. In the in training role, Lauren supports Badger Supports’ wellness work and contributes to peer facilitator training efforts that help prepare students to lead inclusive, responsive spaces grounded in care and student needs.

Lauren is equipped to help fellow students as she is currently a NAMI HelpLine Specialist, where she is trained in crisis support and helps people access services for various needs, including mental, legal, insurance, medical, or housing struggles. She is also a research assistant on campus for the PIVOT Lab, where she has direct experience with sexual assault survivors. Additionally, Lauren is a trained member of Badger Spill and responds to other students on campus who may need emotional support. 

Lauren loves to exercise and be outdoors! She will take you up on a run or hike any day! She is also on her way to seeing all 50 U.S. states, and hopes to be able to travel to the rest of them soon, then start tackling European countries! Lauren enjoys shopping (especially vintage and thrift stores) and trying new restaurants with her friends and family. In her free time, you may also find her watching lots of movies with extra buttered popcorn.