LAURA DEFAZIO
New Orleans
Summary
Multifaceted Writer, Editor, and Ethnographer with extensive experience in archaeology, publishing, education, and radio. Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that bridge storytelling with historical and cultural insights. Committed to projects that elevate local communities and foster meaningful connections. Core competencies include research proficiency, editorial excellence, and an enthusiasm for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Editor
Ellipsis: A Journal of Art, Literature, and Ideas
New Orleans
08.2024 - Current
- Generated interest and attracted contributors for Ellipsis, the University of New Orleans' literary journal.
- Provided comprehensive editorial feedback on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, scholarly essays and visual art.
- Copyedited content meticulously to ensure alignment with style standards.
- Coordinated and executed in-person and virtual readings.
- Co-instructed practical academic publishing course for graduate students, supervising their contributions to journal production.
- Organized and led editorial meetings to brainstorm content ideas and strategies.
- Oversaw artwork, layout and printing, adhering to deadlines and budget requirements.
- Published online journal and maintained website backend.
Writing Coach
Delgado Community College
New Orleans
08.2024 - Current
- Provided personalized guidance to community college students of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
- Guided students in drafting essays, implementing research techniques, and managing time effectively for diverse assignments.
- Collaborated with students to create customized revision plans.
- Guided students through proofing processes aligned with MLA, APA, and Chicago formats.
- Promoted self-awareness in the writing process to enhance learning.
- Consistently recognized and celebrated student achievements.
Co-author (Autobiography of Judge Calvin Johnson)
University of New Orleans Press
New Orleans
05.2024 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with Johnson covering his Civil Rights Movement experiences, judicial tenure, and subsequent life events.
- Generated chapters by synthesizing interview transcripts and research data.
- Collaborated with Johnson to refine text.
- Organized collaborative sessions with Johnson, University of New Orleans Press management, and beta readers.
Co-Founder & Editor
Frenchmen Notes Digital Archive
New Orleans
01.2020 - Current
- Compiled oral histories and economic data into a digital archive of Frenchmen Street's music heritage.
- Conducted interviews with musicians, bartenders, and community members.
- Edited transcripts to enhance brevity and coherence while sustaining the speaker's original tone.
- Secured funding and sponsorship from local cultural organizations (Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies).
- Mentored interns in transcription and editing.
- Coordinated efforts with partners and students to develop effective techniques for showcasing data visually.
- Delivered presentations at the 2024 Organization of American Historians conference in New Orleans and the 2024 National Council on Public History mini-conference in Lafayette; accepted to present at the 2025 NCPH Annual Meeting in Montreal.
Historical Researcher
SWCA Environmental Consults
New Orleans
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted comprehensive research totaling 50 hours on Louisiana Freetown Scotlandville as part of a contract with SWCA through the Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies.
- Aided in preparing various property documentation forms for NRHP submission.
Graduate Assistant
University of New Orleans Press
New Orleans
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Offered meticulous and comprehensive editorial feedback for upcoming novel Tomorrow Brings Joy.
- Managed communications with over 90 contributing artists for photography book SEEING BLACK, ensuring timely acquisition of release forms, archival permissions, and caption information.
- Copyedited diverse published and forthcoming manuscripts with high attention to detail, maintaining alignment with style guides.
- Coached interns on effective proofreading methods.
- Generated press releases and other promotional material.
Field Archaeologist & Report Writer
R. Christopher Goodwin & Assoc.
New Orleans
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Surveyed multiple Phase I sites across various ecosystems in Louisiana.
- Maintained detailed documentation of artifacts and soil stratigraphy during fieldwork.
- Assisted with lab work and artifact analysis.
- Collaborated in creating site maps.
- Conducted historical research on archaeological sites and related environmental contexts.
- Contributed as a writer to three published academic papers.
Host/Producer
WHIV 102.3 New Orleans
New Orleans
11.2016 - 11.2018
- Hosted and produced a weekly radio show focused on storytelling and songwriting.
- Promoted original songwriting, traditional music, and under-sung community voices.
- Fostered musical and personal connections among show attendees from different backgrounds using an open-to-the-public hosting approach.
- Volunteered at station-wide events benefiting local and global social justice causes.
- Produced a compilation album from live recordings, and donated 100% of the proceeds to WHIV 102.3 and the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic.
- Organized, promoted, and coordinated musical shows and crawfish boils to fundraise and celebrate the album release.
Staff Writer & Promotions Manager
OffBeat Magazine
New Orleans
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Conducted weekly interviews with local artists, musicians, and culture bearers.
- Authored consistent articles for both print and digital publications.
- Boosted awareness for community cultural activities through digital news postings.
- Reported on dozens of festivals and events.
- Directed intern and volunteer activities during numerous festivals.
- Oversaw the distribution of magazines at promotional events.
- Arranged comprehensive event plans integrating artist and vendor involvement.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing - Nonfiction
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology (Minor: Spanish Language)
McGill University
Montreal, QC05.2014
Skills
- Creative Nonfiction Writing
- Biography Writing
- Fiction and Nonfiction Editing
- Copyediting
- MLA, APA, and Chicago Formatting Expertise
- Research-Based Historical Writing
- Thorough Manuscript Evaluation
- Field Archaeology
- Archaeological Field Report Documentation
- Oral History Collection
- Ethnographic Research
- Writing Tutoring
- Postgraduate Teaching Proficiency
- Project Management
Languages
- Spanish, Intermediate
- French, Intermediate
Timeline
Managing Editor
Ellipsis: A Journal of Art, Literature, and Ideas
08.2024 - Current
Writing Coach
Delgado Community College
08.2024 - Current
Historical Researcher
SWCA Environmental Consults
06.2024 - 08.2024
Co-author (Autobiography of Judge Calvin Johnson)
University of New Orleans Press
05.2024 - Current
Graduate Assistant
University of New Orleans Press
08.2023 - 05.2024
Co-Founder & Editor
Frenchmen Notes Digital Archive
01.2020 - Current
Field Archaeologist & Report Writer
R. Christopher Goodwin & Assoc.
11.2019 - 03.2020
Host/Producer
WHIV 102.3 New Orleans
11.2016 - 11.2018
Staff Writer & Promotions Manager
OffBeat Magazine
09.2014 - 09.2015
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing - Nonfiction
University of New Orleans
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology (Minor: Spanish Language)
McGill University
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