Laura Bernhard

About Laura Bernhard

I am a higher education researcher and strategist who designs community-responsive solutions at the intersection of education, equity, and economic mobility. My work focuses on translating complex qualitative and quantitative research into actionable insights for policymakers, college leaders, and practitioners-and on building the cross-sector partnerships needed to turn those insights into real change. With experience leading multi-phase research projects, managing teams, and advising senior leadership, I specialize in- Community-centered program design and user-informed research- Adult learner enrollment, retention, and student-success strategy- Qualitative research design, fieldwork, and synthesis- Translating research into policy recommendations, briefs, and public communications- Managing consultants and cross-functional project teams

Experience

1. Women\'s Lacrosse Official

   Usa Lacrosse

   Jan 2005 — Present

   Certified L3 official, observer, trainer, and clinician working for the NCWLO and NCWLUA in the Bay Area. In 2025 I was honored to be the first recipient of the NCS Golden Whistle Award for Girls Lacrosse. The award acknowledges professional conduct, service to interscholastic athletics, outstanding officiating, and accomplishments and contributions to school and community.

Education

• UCLA

  MA, Higher Education

  2010 — 2011

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  MA, Sport Administration

  2008 — 2010

• UCLA

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Higher Education and Organizational Change

  2010 — 2015

• UC Santa Barbara

  BA, Black Studies

  2002 — 2006