Laurie Trautman

Dr. Laurie Trautman is the Director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University, where she engages in a range of research activities focused on the Canada – U.S. border space, and the Washington State – British Columbia region. In addition to working with faculty and students, she collaborates with the private sector and government agencies to inform policy solutions and advance cross-border collaboration, both regionally and globally. Laurie participates in numerous efforts that are actively engaged in the Canada – U.S. relationship, and co-chairs working groups focused on the border for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region and the Cascadia Innovation Corridor.

She is currently a Global Fellow with the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, a Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, and Vice President of the Association for Borderland Studies.  Laurie holds degrees from Western Washington University, Montana State University, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Oregon. 

In addition to being professionally focused on the Canada – US border, Laurie lives in a borderland community, and has a personal appreciation for the impact that border management and mobility have on everyday lives and livelihoods.