Lauren holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary and a Master of Social Work degree from Ryerson University. Her doctoral work is rooted broadly in sexuality; specifically in exploring non-normative sexual behaviour (including kink, fetish, and BDSM). Her particular interest is exploring how understanding and expression of gender may be impacted through participation in non-normative sexual behaviour, or exposure to spaces wherein non-normative sexual interactions are welcome. Her additional research interest is rooted in critical and radical perspectives on fatness. Her other interests include constantly questioning the things other people tell her she should have accepted already, and show tunes.