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Dr. Lauren Ilano
Senior Researcher, Research & Evaluation
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Lauren is a Senior Researcher at The RP Group with extensive experience in higher education research across all segments of California's public higher education system. Her journey into education work began as a student leader, where she contributed to student-led outreach and retention initiatives focused on educational equity. This experience motivated her to use research to inform education policies and practices that enhance student outcomes. With a deep commitment to advancing equity and improving student experiences, she brings a wealth of expertise in data and higher education policy, institutional research, and student success strategies to our organization.
Prior to joining The RP Group, Lauren served as the Director of Financial Aid and Student Affordability Analytics at the California State University’s Office of the Chancellor, where she led efforts to support financial accessibility and student success. Before this, Lauren worked as a Research and Planning Analyst at Irvine Valley College, where she provided data support to faculty-led initiatives such as Guided Pathways, Student Learning Outcomes assessment, and Program Review.
Lauren holds a PhD in Higher Education and Organizational Change from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of California, Davis.