Lauren Fernandez

Lauren Fernandez is the Contract Lead for the Master’s Degree Program at CHDS, where she teaches Introduction to Homeland Security, mentors graduate research, and leads programmatic self-study efforts. Her professional background spans government service and private-sector consulting, where she advanced national capability assessments, designed and executed exercises, and guided strategic and tactical planning initiatives. Dr. Fernandez holds a Doctor of Science in Engineering Management from The George Washington University and both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia. Beyond her academic and professional roles, she serves as a volunteer firefighter, a court-appointed special advocate, and a board member supporting community organizations.