SHSU McNair Staff
Dr. Lydia Cruz Fox- Director
Dr. Lydia Cruz Fox is a first-generation college student. She obtained her baccalaureate degree in psychology from Texas A&M University in 1994. She then attended Texas Tech University where she obtained a Master’s degree in 1997 and a Ph.D. in 1999, both in developmental psychology. She was a university professor at a liberal arts college in West Virginia for three years before moving back to Texas. She came to SHSU in January of 2004 at the inception of the McNair Program. She was initially hired as Coordinator and later became Director of the McNair Program. Dr. Fox truly enjoys working with McNair Scholars. She also serves as adjunct instructor for the psychology department at SHSU.
Dr. Fox is married to another psychologist, Daniel, and has two children, daughter Alex—4 years and son Sebastian—2 years. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and exercising.
Laura Buccafurni- Staff Assistant
Laura is a native Oregonian. She has a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Marketing and a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from Oregon State University. Laura would like to pursue a career in public relations and advertising.
Laura enjoys cooking, baking, and watching The Office, The Suze Orman Show, and listening to Clark Howard. She also is a huge DMB Fan!
Lauren Vera- Graduate Mentor
Lauren Vera grew up in Houston and did her undergraduate work at SHSU, attaining her B.S. in psychology. She then moved to New York where she attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and graduated with an M.A. in forensic psychology. Lauren is now enrolled in SHSU’s Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program with a forensic emphasis.
When she is not working or in class, Lauren enjoys playing soccer which she has played since the age of five. In fact, she just recently joined the HWSA Angels and will be starting the new soccer season with them this fall. Additionally, Lauren also enjoys spending time with her large and amazing family, especially her two adorable nieces.
Contact the McNair office at mcnair@shsu.edu for more information
