Areas of Expertise

• Food systems and food marketing

• Qualitative and quantitative research methods

• Nutrition, physical activity and well-being

• Nutrition security

Food Story

Ballu understood the importance of nutrition in her adult years. While working as a benefits specialist for SNAP, she witnessed firsthand the challenges her clients faced in accessing nutritious foods. Ballu's experiences, both personal and professional, made it clear that the food environment needs to change. She shifted her focus to working upstream in public health and emphasized the importance of food systems in her MPH program. She is passionate about creating a healthy food environment for all and enjoys evaluating public health programs that support these efforts.

Academic History

M.P.H., Community Health Promotion, University of Minnesota, 2024

B.A., Anthropology & International Studies; Minor: Spanish, University of South Dakota, 2018