Rachel McLaren Ph.D.

Rachel McLaren, Ph.D., is an associate professor of interpersonal communication at the University of Iowa and a workshop facilitator and coach for the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity.

McLaren is a scholar, teacher, and speaker who is passionate about helping people improve their communication, relationships, and overall well-being through evidence-based education and embodiment practices. Her social-scientific research explores how individuals navigate and derive meaning from significant experiences within their relationships, such as conflict resolution, handling transgressions, and managing emotions. Her recent work focuses on parent-adolescent communication and sense-making. Her research has been published in Communication Monographs, Human Communication Research, The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, and the Journal of Family Communication, among others. McLaren also translates her expertise on emotion and empathy into embodiment practices through public-facing workshops and yoga classes.