Karen Lauffer

Karen has been teaching Fundamentals of Speech Communication part-time at Emerson since 2007.  She also teaches part-time at two other schools, teaching curricula including Public Speaking, Organizational Communication, Conflict & Negotiation, Group Communication, and Introduction to Literature. 

Before relocating to the Boston area in 2005 Karen taught communication at Kean University in New Jersey for eight years.  Her primary research interests are: the impact of self-esteem on academic and professional success; the impact of service-learning experience on subsequent civic engagement; and the impact of communication technology on interpersonal communication skills.  Prior to her teaching career Karen was a professional actress, public speaker, and workshop facilitator.  Some of Karen's favorite leisure activities are going to the theatre, going to museums, exploring craft shows, visiting the Jersey Shore, and spending time with her family.