Open to opportunities

Lauren Frances Guerra, PhD

@laurenfrancesguerrap

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Lecturer and scholar-educator specializing in Chicana/o, theological, and gender studies with DEI-driven pedagogy.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to continue teaching and mentoring at the intersection of Chicana/o, theological, and gender studies—building DEI-centered curricula, supporting student success, and advancing publishable research through community-engaged, interdisciplinary learning.

I’m a scholar-educator and academic professional with 15+ years of higher education experience across research universities, liberal arts colleges, and secondary education. I teach and mentor graduate and undergraduate students while building courses and curricula grounded in interdisciplinary inquiry and student success.

At UCLA, I currently serve as a Lecturer in the Cesar E. Chavez Department of Chicana/o Studies and Central American Studies. I develop interdisciplinary curricula integrating critical race theory, religious studies, and community-based learning frameworks, and I provide academic advising and mentorship to support degree progression and scholarly development.

Previously, I was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Loyola Marymount University, where I designed and delivered undergraduate courses in Theological Studies and Gender Studies using feminist, postcolonial, and cross-cultural methodologies. I also contributed to departmental curriculum review and assessment aligned with WASC accreditation standards and built community-based learning partnerships tied to social justice and Latinx community organizing.

My scholarship is strengthened by postdoctoral research and teaching fellowship experience at Southern Methodist University, and earlier roles as a research assistant and Resident Minister supported student counseling, pastoral care, and faculty research. I’m deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I engage diverse student populations through community-based and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Lecturer, Chicana/o Studies

Current

University of California, Los Angeles

Jan 2020 - Present (6 years 3 months)

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Chicana/o Studies and Central American Studies, developing curricula on Latinx spirituality, art, and community organizing. Lead interdisciplinary course design, student advising, and scholarly research with a focus on equity initiatives and publication in Latinx theology and social movements.

Academic Advising Diversity DE&I

Visiting Assistant Professor

Loyola Marymount University

Jan 2018 - Jan 2020 (2 years)

Designed and delivered undergraduate courses in Theological Studies and Gender Studies using feminist, postcolonial, and cross-cultural methodologies. Supported departmental curriculum review and assessment aligned with WASC accreditation while advising students on academic planning and independent research.

Theological Studies Teaching Gender Studies Academic Advising Feminist Postcolonial Methods Cross Cultural Communication

Postdoctoral Research & Teaching

Southern Methodist University

Jan 2016 - Jan 2017 (1 year)

Completed a competitive postdoctoral fellowship supporting advanced scholarly research and academic publication. Co-taught graduate-level seminars and produced interdisciplinary research advancing scholarship in theology, religion, and Latinx studies.

Postdoctoral Research Graduate Seminar Teaching Theology & Religion Scholarship Theological Education

Religion Teacher

Mercy High School

Jan 2008 - Jan 2011 (3 years)

Delivered full-time Religious Studies instruction for first- and third-year students, developing lesson plans, materials, and assessments aligned to departmental learning outcomes. Provided student counseling and academic advising to support holistic development and wellness.

Religious Studies Teaching Lesson planning Counseling Academic Advising Assessments Classroom Instruction

Resident Minister

University of San Francisco

Jan 2004 - Jan 2006 (2 years)

Provided individual counseling and pastoral support to undergraduate students. Planned community service programs, events, and spiritual retreats to strengthen student engagement and community life.

Counseling Community Service Program Planning Event Coordination Spiritual Retreat Facilitation Mentorship Community Engagement

Research Assistant

Graduate Theological Union

Jan 2004 - Jan 2006 (2 years)

Supported faculty research through document indexing, literature review, and compilation of course materials. Transcribed research interviews and contributed to academic resource preparation.

literature review Research Interview Transcription Academic Resource Compilation Research & Documentation Attention To Detail

Research Assistant

Loyola Marymount University

Jan 2002 - Jan 2003 (1 year)

Assisted faculty with indexing, document organization, and editing of academic materials and undergraduate student work. Supported research and instructional preparation through accurate academic documentation.

Academic Editing Indexing Research Support Undergraduate Work Support Attention To Detail

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Graduate Theological Union

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Systematic and Philosophical Theology

Earned a Ph.D. in Systematic and Philosophical Theology with an allied field in Art & Religion (Theological Aesthetics) from the Graduate Theological Union.