Lauren Marsh
Nature-Based Solutions Scientist
- Hi, I'm Lauren! I grew up in a big Italian-American family outside of Youngstown, Ohio in western PA. I have spent most of my adult life attending school and riding bikes around Cleveland. My love for adventure and the outdoors led me to pursue degrees in environmental science, biology, and ecology. My research in these fields has led me to some incredible places including the Atacama Desert in Chile, SA, The University of Queensland in Australia, and the Wild West (Arizona and New Mexico). My focus has always been on soil and plants and most recently I've applied this and my love for food and its connection with cultural rituals to nature-based solutions in agriculture. Not only do healthy soils give rise to nutrient-dense healthy foods but the entire surrounding ecosystem thrives as well.
Topics that get me excited and skills that are related to the above include: Research Skills · Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) · Microscopy · Field Work · DNA Sequencing · Evolutionary Biology · Taxonomy · Time Management · Measurements · Environmental Science · Stable Isotope Analysis · Soil Sampling · Problem Solving · Enzyme Assays · Coding in R (Programming Language) · Networking · Scientific Writing · FinTech · Early-Stage Startups · Soil Science · Start-up Environment · Proposal Writing · Sustainable Agriculture · Team Management · Food Industry · Client Relations · Agricultural Research.
I can share my passion and experience that span across academia, consulting, and the startup space in a fun and approachable environment!
- Universities attended -
- Kent State University Kent State University Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- John Carroll University John Carroll University Master of Science - MS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- John Carroll University John Carroll University Bachelor of Science - BS, Environmental Science
- Preferred format of mentorship - Flexible / I’m open to different formats
- Time zone - EST
- Your general weekly avability for sessions - flexible ATM
- Any additional information you’d like to share with us? -
- Please see CV!
- Brief Summary of Your Research Interests.
- Ecology, Climate, Agriculture, Biology, Environmental Science, etc. See full list in previous question.
- Please describe your past experience mentoring or teaching students.
- I've taught classes to undergrads in Biological Diversity, Ornithology, and General Ecology. I've also mentored and managed multiple undergrads and assistants in a classroom setting, the lab, and in the field.
- List 3–5 example project ideas students could pursue with your guidance.
- Greenhouse studies
- observational frameworks
- experimental designs
- statistical replication
- natural studies
- What types of final deliverables can your students expect to produce?
- Research paper
- Literature review
- Data analysis report
- Presentation or oral defense
- Any additional project themes, trending ideas, or real-world challenges you’d love to explore with motivated high school students?
- Climate standards
- 🗣️ Communication & Presentation
- Academic writing (papers, reports)
- Public speaking / oral presentations
- Creating research posters or infographics
- Storytelling through data
- 🔍 Research & Inquiry Skills
- Formulating research questions
- Conducting literature reviews
- Understanding academic research structures (papers, abstracts, citations)
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- 🧠 Critical Thinking & Analysis
- Analyzing arguments and data
- Identifying biases and limitations
- Drawing logical conclusions
- 📊 Quantitative & Qualitative Methods
- Designing experiments or surveys
- Statistical analysis
- Data visualization
- Coding for data analysis (Python, R, etc.)
- 🎨 Creativity & Problem-Solving
- Brainstorming innovative solutions
- Connecting interdisciplinary ideas
- Applying knowledge to real-world challenges
- 📅 Project Management & Organization
- Setting research goals and timelines
- Managing independent work
- Documenting progress
- Revising based on feedback
- 🤝 Collaboration & Mentorship
- Working in small research teams
- Engaging in intellectual discussions
- Receiving and applying constructive feedback
- Building research confidence and autonomy