Her archaeological training spans from Middle Bronze Age through the Roman Imperial Period. However, her specific research and interests are within the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Her current research explores ancient polytheistic religions; and the ruler's political ploys, which appropriated and, in some instances, created erasure of ancient Egyptian deities east and west of the Mediterranean. The scope of her research showcases material culture used as forms of media that became dynamic tools within the political propaganda of ancient rulers. Her research ultimately exhibits various aspects of how ancient religion helped shape ancient cultures and societies.
Dr. Laughlin has a B.A. in Business Management and Psychology from DePaul University (Chicago, Illinois), an M.A. in Intercultural Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies with a minor in Biblical Studies from Catholic Theological Union (Chicago, Illinois), and a Ph.D. in Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and Anthropology with a minor in Early Church History from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan).