Daena Vautor-Laplaceliere M.S.

About

I am a Ph.D. Candidate at St. John's University specializing in Multi-Sector Communications and Digital Communications with a passion for operating at the intersection of global research, policy and strategic communication. My goal is to leverage my skills to help organizations navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. My professional experiences have given me a unique perspective. As a Communications Intern with the World Youth Group, I was based at the UN Headquarters, where I engaged directly with foreign ministers and UN ambassadors, developing expertise in high-level diplomatic protocol. At the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, I worked with executive leadership, where I analyzed workflows for over 700 employees and developed communications strategies to improve the veteran healthcare experience. My academic work, including a recent publication on the impact of Large Language Models in education, complements my hands-on experience in research and data analysis. I am driven by a desire to translate complex information into actionable insights. I am currently seeking full-time opportunities in digital communications, public affairs, policy analysis, or international relations. I would welcome connecting with professionals and leaders in these fields.

Experience

• Graduate Research Assistant · St. John's University2023-09-01 – 2025-05-01

  Served as a Research and Systems Assistant at the University Libraries, leading initiatives that enhanced library database functionality and improved research workflows. Conducted beta testing on integrated library systems, contributing directly to system optimization and user experience improvements. Developed subject-matter expertise in digital tools such as ScreenPal, Zotero, and Google Maps, applying them to streamline the research process and support academic inquiry. Reviewed and validated complex data sets across key scholarly areas, including ADA compliance in academic writing and the ethics of human research. Ensured accurate citation and cataloging of St. John’s University Journals by meticulously analyzing specific volumes and issues. Designed and delivered five graduate-level workshops for 200+ students focused on the electronic submission and publication of theses and dissertations. Created detailed outlines, transcripts, and instructional materials to support student learning and demystify the academic publishing process, resulting in increased student confidence and submission quality.

• Health Administration Intern · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs2024-06-01 – 2024-08-01

  Collaborated directly with the Chief of Health Administration Services (HAS) at the Atlanta VA Hospital to streamline communication between inpatient and outpatient clinics. Analyzed staff roles and workflows to recommend operational improvements, and developed a comprehensive organizational chart for over 700 HAS-affiliated employees. Participated in executive board meetings alongside the Chief of Staff, reviewing key administrative, fiscal, and healthcare management documents, gaining firsthand insight into hospital operations. Led 20+ patient experience interviews, synthesizing qualitative data into 3 actionable recommendations to executive leadership to enhance quality of care. Conducted independent research on VA’s digital healthcare system, the Insurance Capture Buffer, and created a strategic communications plan to improve veteran interactions with the VA’s online portal and boost staff engagement in digital services. Engaged with U.S. congressional representatives on veteran care policy and funding during virtual meetings, contributing to advocacy efforts for improved federal support. Worked closely with the Chief of Health Information Services (HIS) to understand the digital transition of patient records, focusing on data entry, coding, and privacy protocols in electronic health record management.

• Communications Intern · World Youth Group2022-08-01 – 2023-05-01

  Served in the International Communications Department at World Youth Group, the world’s largest consortium of nationally elected youth leaders aligned with United Nations initiatives. Based primarily at UN Headquarters, I engaged directly with the organization’s advisory board, composed of permanent representatives from UN member states. Tasked with high-level communications, I coordinated diplomatic forum events by contacting foreign education ministers, UN ambassadors, and members of the United Nations Correspondents Association. Countries I worked with included Botswana, Liberia, Qatar, Namibia, Brazil, Bahrain, Côte d’Ivoire, and Georgia, among others. Under the direct mentorship of Mohammed Samra, Chief Coordinator and Co-Founder, I developed expertise in diplomatic communications and protocol. I gained firsthand exposure to global diplomacy through participation in foreign relations meetings, international negotiations, and UN education summits, contributing to initiatives at the intersection of youth advocacy and global policy.

Education

• St. John's UniversityDoctor of Philosophy - PhD, Multi-Sector Communications
• St. John's UniversityMaster of Science - MS, International Communication
• St. John's UniversityBachelor of Arts - BA, Global Development and Sustainability

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