she/hers - Class of 2027

Lauren Karas is the Director of Wellness & Support for Advancement at Badger Supports. She helps organize and strengthen the systems that support peer facilitators, lead peer facilitators, and peer support groups. In her role, Lauren supports group logistics, helps integrate peer support across programs, and works to ensure that Badger Supports’ peer-to-peer model is consistent, connected, and grounded in student care.

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.

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.