Prior to joining COS Lara worked part-time as a Research Assistant at the University of Kent, and at Canterbury Christchurch University. She was involved in the writing of systematic reviews, recruitment, conducting interviews, transcribing and data entry. She has worked on a range of research projects including conducting data entry for university departments and has previously won a prize for her Undergraduate Research Opportunities Project at the University of Reading.

Lara has achieved an MSc (with Distinction) in Applied Health Research from the University of Kent. Lara also obtained a BSc (1st class) and extended Diploma from the University of Reading.