Degrees:

• Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston;
• M.A. Clinical Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston;
• B.A. Psychology, Boston University.

Biography:
Professor Tauriac received his Ph.D. and M.A. in clinical psychology from UMass Boston, his B.A. from Boston University, and was a fellow of the American Psychological Association's Minority Fellowship Program. His clinical training included internships at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Cambridge Youth Guidance Center and the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology/Boston University School of Medicine, where he led groups for diverse Black and Latino K-12 students in urban schools and community centers, as well as for adults in college and prison settings, and conducted individual and family therapy.

Professor Tauriac's scholarly work reflects his interest in factors promoting academic engagement and success among racially- and ethnically-diverse students, particularly Black American males, and first-generation college students, as well as utilizing culturally-relevant stress reduction and mindfulness-based techniques to promote well-being and academic resilience. His research explores social and academic resources promoting positive educational experiences and outcomes for non-traditional students; improving campus climate through cross-racial social support, intergroup dialogues, and transformative education; and academic interventions utilizing mind-body relaxation techniques. His research has been published in the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, the Journal for Specialists in Group Work, and other peer-reviewed journals and book chapters.

Additionally, Professor Tauriac has facilitated numerous cultural competence workshops and developed the Transcend program, a strengths-based, culturally relevant group framework for enhancing academic performance, psychosocial well-being, and positive identity development among diverse students. He has also delivered workshops focused on mindfulness and well-being.

What do you like about teaching at Lasell?
"Teaching at Lasell allows me to get to know my students and deliver course content experientially in ways that are interesting and relevant to them. As students share their perspectives and experiences, we all learn this material in fresh and meaningful ways, which makes the class environment refreshing, energizing, and, often, fun. Furthermore, Lasell is invested in developing socially responsible students, and I feel passionate about empowering students to affect social change in ways that they deem to be worthwhile."