Dr. Lorna Hermosura is the Project Director of STEP UP Texas and is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin where she teaches “Restorative Practices” to future teachers. Lorna holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy, a master’s degree in counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Prior to earning her PhD, Lorna administered federal grant-funded educational programs to support college access, college success, and dropout prevention among low-income and first-generation students. Lorna was highly influenced by her early work with foster children and youth, which informed her perspective that schools and those working with children and youth can serve as protective factors to offset difficult home lives. Lorna’s research interests are restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, and implementation. Her dissertation research was on the school-to-prison pipeline. When not working, Lorna enjoys exploring, baking, and spending quality time with her husband, pets, family, and friends.