Loren Welles
M.Ed. in Education Policy and Planning, The University of Texas at Austin, 2022
M.M. in Music Performance, The University of Texas at Austin, 2012
B.M. in Music Education, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 2009
Email: lkw544@my.utexas.edu
Office: SZB
M.M. in Music Performance, The University of Texas at Austin, 2012
B.M. in Music Education, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 2009
Email: lkw544@my.utexas.edu
Office: SZB
Loren Welles is a doctoral student in the Education Policy and Planning program. Her research interests center school and district improvement, teacher and school leader workforce issues, and school district governance and finance. Her work aims to bridge the gaps between research, policy, and practice. Currently, Loren works as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Rachel White. She previously worked on the Texas Legislative Budget Boards School Performance Review team, where she crafted evidence-based recommendations for Texas school districts in the areas of strategic improvement planning, leadership, governance, and community involvement.
While earning her master's degree in education, Loren was selected for the University of Texas System's Graduate Archer Fellowship, which develops leaders who understand the federal policymaking process, tackle relevant policy problems, and elevate public discourse about policy and politics. She interned in the education department of a D.C. think tank, working on projects across the early childhood, K-12, and higher education teams, and previously gained federal policy experience as a congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier in her career, she worked as a research associate for the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, a program manager for the nonprofit Austin Soundwaves, and a music teacher in the public school systems in Kansas and Texas. Her background in teaching sparked her passion for policy and applied research that supports more equitable educational systems.
While earning her master's degree in education, Loren was selected for the University of Texas System's Graduate Archer Fellowship, which develops leaders who understand the federal policymaking process, tackle relevant policy problems, and elevate public discourse about policy and politics. She interned in the education department of a D.C. think tank, working on projects across the early childhood, K-12, and higher education teams, and previously gained federal policy experience as a congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier in her career, she worked as a research associate for the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, a program manager for the nonprofit Austin Soundwaves, and a music teacher in the public school systems in Kansas and Texas. Her background in teaching sparked her passion for policy and applied research that supports more equitable educational systems.
