Education
- PhD Electrical Engineering (2025), Stanford University
- MS Electrical and Computer Engineering (2018), Brigham Young University
- BS Mathematics (2014), University of Utah
- BS Physics (2014), University of Utah
Teaching Experience
- Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, BYU-Idaho (2026 – Present)
- Adjunct Instructor, Salt Lake Community College (2026)
- Adjunct Instructor, Brigham Young University (2025)
- K-12 Education Graduate Student Intern, Lawrence Berkley National Lab, (2022)
- 7th and 8th grade Math teacher, Monroe Demonstration Academy, Tulsa, OK (2014-2016)
Volunteer Experience
- Director, Science Education Enrichment for Diversity Program, Stanford University (2020-2024)
- Outreach Officer, Society of Women Engineers BYU Chapter (2017-2018)
- Secretary, Mortar Board Acorn Chapter (2013-2014)
- Outreach Officer, Society of Physics Students, University of Utah Chapter (2013 – 2014)
- Classroom volunteer, Emerson Elementary Spanish Language Immersion Program (2013)
- Tutor, Transitions for Refugee Youth and Sudanese Refugee Youth Programs (2013)
- Missionary, Boston Massachusetts Mission – Spanish Speaking (2011-2012)
Biography
Sister Hales’s technical research focused on medical imaging, specifically developing new applications of MRI to improve imaging of knee structure and function and using machine-learning techniques to enhance MRI images. However, her main interest is teaching, particularly making engineering more accessible and exploring how thoughtful course design can support students’ development of skills that contribute to success in academics and the workplace. Outside the classroom, Laurel enjoys creating things, usually while listening to a cozy mystery audiobook. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, knitting, embroidery, and bookbinding and book repair. She also enjoys hiking with her dog, Gizmo, and looks forward to winter so she can improve her cross-country skiing.