Laura L. Allen, PhD is a committed teacher, community writing consultant, and scholar whose research explores race at the intersections of professional writing, digital media, family literacy, and community literacy. She currently works as Assistant Professor of Writing and Rhetorics of Advocacy at York University in Toronto, Ontario. Her current project explores the role of digital and professional writing in the planning and sustaining of Black Family Reunions across North America. Laura is also interested in ethical artificial intelligence and machine learning, UX Writing, and UX Design. She has presented her work at several national and international conferences, including the Conference on College Composition & Communication (CCCC) and the Humanities, Arts, Science and Technology Alliance and Collaboratory (HASTAC). Laura is a recipient of the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing (ATTW) 2023 Nell Ann Picket Award for the best article in Technical Communication Quarterly, the 2020 Critel Digital Media Fellowship, and the CCCC Scholar for the Dream Award for 2019.
Laura earned a PhD in English from the Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy program at The Ohio State University. She earned a BA in English from Spelman College and an MA in Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing from Michigan State University. Laura is committed to both educational and social justice, and she continues to be inspired by her students. When she is not writing, researching or teaching, Laura can be found spending time with family and friends, volunteering with community organizations, listening to podcasts or live music, and learning to play new instruments.
