Katie Lorenzen, who joined the Buffett Institute in 2019 as a graduate assistant, transitioned in 2021 to be a research associate. As a research associate, she is working in support of the Preschool Development Grant needs assessment. Lorenzen earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University of Idaho. Before coming to Nebraska for graduate school, Lorenzen lived in England, where she worked as a resource counselor for a nonprofit agency. She also has been a special education paraprofessional for Papillion La Vista Community Schools.