Dr. Lauren Zwirn has taught at IWU since 2009 when she began as an adjunct professor for the Social Work Department on the Marion Campus. She comes to IWU having spent 8 years practicing in medical social work with specific expertise in grief, bereavement, and end-of-life care. In 2013 Lauren joined IWU’s National and Global campus to develop curriculum and teach for the online BSW program while helping to grow the field practicum programs for both the Addictions Counseling and BSW programs for online learners. In 2015, Dr. Zwirn joined the Marion campus faculty to teach full time for the BSW residential program. She was involved with the development of IWU’s Masters of Social Work programs, which are now offered on both the traditional campus as well as the online format. Dr. Zwirn now serves as Director of the Bachelor of Social Work program for IWU’s traditional program.

Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan where she was awarded a McGregor Fellowship for Geriatric social work. Lauren earned her Doctor of Social Work degree from Capella University with her dissertation research focusing on facilitating resilience in social work professionals. Lauren holds a Certificate in Aging from the University of Michigan and has enjoyed practicing geriatric social work in several settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, outpatient geriatric clinics, senior adult care, memory loss care, as well as home care and partnering with community senior resources. Lauren is licensed to practice social work in the state of Indiana and maintains that licensure while in her current role at IWU. Her professional memberships include the National Association of Social Workers, the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, and the National Honor Society for Social Work, Phi Alpha.