Lauren K. McKeague (pronounced Mc Keg) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Policy. She grew up on the Southwest Florida coast and spent her childhood avoiding hurricanes and reading political theory. As a child of public servants, after graduating from the University of Florida with degrees in political science and anthropology, she pursued an MPA at Florida State University. After completing her MPA, she worked for the state of Florida in various capacities, including with the Executive Office of the Governor and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Her passion for public service led her to pursue a doctorate in Public Administration and Public Affairs at Virginia Tech. Given her personal and professional experience, her research focuses on interorganizational collaboration and networks in disasters. On the weekends, you can find her hiking, rafting, or finding other outdoor adventures with her husband, two kids, and smooth collie named Tui.