She teaches courses in relational and health communication, conflict transformation, family communication, communication theory, and research methods. Her research projects address this question: How do families “heal and deal” in the wake of major traumas (such as addiction or illness)? Under this umbrella, Lauren has worked toward developing health communication interventions for family caregivers, children of alcoholics, and parents of children with severe allergies. These intervention projects focus on the role of the sibling relationship and the importance of positive communication practices such as gratitude and communal coping. She currently collaborates with the Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association in creating effective health communication campaigns for Latino/a family caregivers.