Lauren Kaplan

Lauren Kaplan is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers University, specializing in Environmental Security and Human Rights. Her research focuses on the relationship between large-scale land acquisitions and women's food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lauren’s passion and interest in sustainable development, food and water security, agriculture, women's land rights, and climate change were solidified during her time living in Cameroon and Morocco. In addition to her studies, Lauren has gained field experience through her work with USAID's Global Development Lab in South Africa. Here, she conducted research on the agricultural enterprises of smallholder farmers and analyzed the laws, policies, and programs related to women's access to, use of, and control over land and water resources. Lauren holds a master's degree in Global Affairs, with a concentration in Conflict and Human Rights, where she explored the conflict-development-human security nexus. Her core competencies include research, writing and editing, communications, and administrative capabilities.