Dr. Laura Stef Praun

Biography

Laura Stef-Praun is a lecturer and award-winning content strategist at Purdue University, where her work explores the intersections of storytelling, technology, and leadership communication. A trained qualitative researcher and data-driven professional writer and editor, she holds an MA from Purdue University and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Chicago, specializing in Victorian literature and disability studies. Stef-Praun began her post-graduate teaching career at Purdue in 2001, initially as part of the OWL Writing Lab. After 13 years in the corporate sector, she returned to teaching, focusing on courses in strategic business writing, integrated business engineering communication, and executive presence. Her pedagogy is grounded in aiding students to communicate persuasively across professional, technical, and creative contexts. Stef-Praun's extensive corporate experience enriches her teaching, enabling her to bridge academic inquiry with real-world applications. She has worked as an executive ghostwriter and strategic advisor, assisting thought leaders in transforming complex research-based ideas into clear and influential narratives. Her roles at global firms, including Accenture, Baker McKenzie, and Grant Thornton, involved leading research-based marketing initiatives and high-impact communications strategies, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive, evidence-based storytelling that engages audiences and drives change.

Research Interests