LTC Lauren Koban (Colonna) Ph.D.

LTC Lauren Koban (Colonna) Ph.D., 2000 Graduate

Following graduation from Ambridge Area High School, Lauren Koban attended the United States Military Academy and majored in Environmental Science. Upon graduation in 2004, she was commissioned into the United States Army as a Quartermaster Officer. Lauren served in leadership and staff positions at the 101st Airborne Division for over five years, including maintenance platoon leader, company executive officer, battalion personnel officer, and battalion logistics officer.  During this time, she deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).  Following her time at Fort Campbell, she commanded a Quartermaster company in the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade in Fort Lee, Virginia.

After earning a master’s in environmental science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she taught in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at the United States Military Academy from 2014-2017.   She served the following years with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command from 2017-2020 in Fort Belvoir, VA, working extensively with interagency partners and the intelligence community. She commanded a troop, served as an executive officer, and was a brigade logistics support officer.   She also deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror.

Lauren earned her PhD in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University. Her PhD research focused on the utility of invasive clams as biomonitors for chemical contamination in water and sediment. Lauren’s research interests focus on environmental chemistry, invasive species, and contaminants of emerging concern.

Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Koban currently serves as an Academy Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at the United States Military Academy, West Point.

Her significant awards and decorations include two Bronze Star medals, one Defense Meritorious Service medal, three Meritorious Service medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the air assault badge, and the parachutist badge.

Lauren lives in West Point, New York, with her husband Dan and children, Annabelle and Daniel. They enjoy hiking and exploring the nearby area.