She received her Ph.D in mathematics from Duke University, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago. Her research includes singular algebraic geometry, knot theory, and the mathematics of puzzles. She is the author of <em>Integrated Calculus</em>, a textbook that combines calculus, pre-calculus, and algebra into one course, and a recipient of the Trevor Evans Award and the Alder Award from the Mathematical Association of America.&nbsp; As part of Brainfreeze Puzzles, she is an author of the puzzle book <em>Color Sudoku</em>.&nbsp; Laura lives in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she spends way too much time playing and making puzzles.