Laurie Trautman

Laurie Trautman is a seasoned professional engaging in diverse research activities with a particular focus on the U.S. – Canada border, notably in the Washington – British Columbia region. Her research interests span trade, transportation, security, and human mobility.

In her role, Laurie collaborates with academic peers, students, private sector entities, and government agencies to develop policy solutions that optimize cross-border flows while ensuring efficiency and security. She actively participates in various working groups centred around the U.S. – Canada relationship, such as the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Program and the Canada – U.S. Transportation Border Working Group.

Furthermore, Laurie Trautman serves as the co-chair of the Border Issues working group of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region and holds a prominent position on the steering committee for the Cascadia Innovation Corridor. Her current roles include being a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Laurie's educational background comprises a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Economics from Western Washington University, an MS in Earth Sciences from Montana State University-Bozeman, and a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Oregon.

Throughout her career, Laurie Trautman has held pivotal positions at esteemed organizations, including Director and Associate Director at the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University. She has also served as the Executive Director at Friends of Sawtooth Avalanche Center and has contributed to academia as a Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Oregon and an Education & Outreach Specialist at Montana State University - Big Sky Institute.