Student Field Education Manager
Lauren Ballejos hails from the hills of West Virginia. She received her Bachelor’s at Vanderbilt University, studying studio art and philosophy. After graduating, she split her time between working at a ranch and artist residency in the Nebraska Sandhills and developing a career in nonprofit arts organizations in Nashville, TN. She is currently enrolled in the Graduate Liberal Studies program at Duke, exploring Environmental History and Art History.
Lauren works closely with the Field Education Manager to lead DCF's student field crew, training up greenhorns and keeping things humming. In her role, she also supports big-picture systems thinking for our farm operation, including long-range plans for soil fertility, integrated pest management, and crop planning.
Outside of work and school, you’ll find Lauren going on plenty of walks with her doggo, Thoreau, and loving husband, Dillan. She loves oil painting, crafting, sailing, soccer, and brewing tea.