Research Interests

I am an interactions ecologist interested in how communities respond over spatiotemporal gradients in order to understand interactions as they respond to abiotic and biotic variables. This research is at the intersection of ecology, biology, and geology. I primarily investigate plant-insect interactions using feeding damage recorded on leaf tissue, a method that can be used within modern and paleo studies. By combining modern and fossil datasets we root our understanding of interactions within evolutionary time.

My research interests are driven by a passion for understanding how plants mitigate a multitude of environmental factors as they cultivate nearly every inch of the terrestrial biosphere. 

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.  

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