Lena Berens is a master’s student in the AXED program. She’s from Walla Walla, Washington, and traveled to NMSU to be on the rodeo team and pursue an undergraduate degree in the Fall of 2023. Lena was awarded her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies in May of 2025.

Lena started participating in rodeo at the age of 15 and has advanced to competing at the high school and collegiate levels. Lena has been a College National Finals Rodeo contestant in the breakaway on her horse, Dozer. In her free time, you can probably find Lena roping, drinking over-priced coffee, or driving to the next adventure.

Lena is pursuing a research assistantship that’s focused on groundwater learning modules for high schools. Up to this point, her research topics include farm labor conditions and immigration policy, and their effects on farming. Lena is excited to pair her research skills with her passion for journalism and graphic design to create relevant and engaging lessons for young audiences.