Research Interests
Millions of years is challenging for humans to fathom, but for our planet, it's an instant. I am interested in how ecosystems are influenced by rapid abiotic and biotic factors. By combining my passions of geology, biology and ecology my primary research focuses on plant-insect community dynamics across millions of years. Currently I am working within modern ecosystems to better calibrate the fossil record. Specifically by mimicking paleobotanical methods along an ecological gradient from highly diverse tropical ecosystems to less diverse temperate forests. I'm fascinated by plant-insect interactions and how that is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Lastly, my research interests combine field studies in modern and ancient ecosystems with organic geochemical methods to understand the influence abiotic and biotic factors have have plant biomarker production and eventual fossilization.
Anthropogenic climate change is dramatically influencing primary producers and the insects, primary consumers, that feed on them. By rigorously studying the base of the trophic pyramid on both the geologic and modern scale, we can hopefully understand how climate change will influence human populations and hopefully help us become better stewards for future generations.
Anthropogenic climate change is dramatically influencing primary producers and the insects, primary consumers, that feed on them. By rigorously studying the base of the trophic pyramid on both the geologic and modern scale, we can hopefully understand how climate change will influence human populations and hopefully help us become better stewards for future generations.
Diversity in science
The world is bursting with complex scientific problems as we enter an unprecedented era. We need to continue to support diversity across all sciences so that we can build a better future. These problems will not be solved by like-minded individuals but by diverse groups, with varying backgrounds and expertise.
Support organizations that support a changing scientific future:
Girls Who Code. The Bearded Lady Project. Building Diversity in Science.
Support organizations that support a changing scientific future:
Girls Who Code. The Bearded Lady Project. Building Diversity in Science.
contact information
University of Maine
Climate Change Institute
168 College Ave.
Orono, ME 04469
Lauren.e.schmidt@maine.edu
Instagram: paleobotany.dirt.person
twitter: @L_AzSchmidt
Climate Change Institute
168 College Ave.
Orono, ME 04469
Lauren.e.schmidt@maine.edu
Instagram: paleobotany.dirt.person
twitter: @L_AzSchmidt
"I shall collect plants and fossils, and with the best of instruments make astronomic observations. Yet this is not the main purpose of my journey. I shall endeavor to find out how nature's forces act upon one another, and in what manner the geographic environment exerts its influence on animals and plants. In short, I must find out about the harmony in nature."
-Baron Alexander von Humboldt
-Baron Alexander von Humboldt