The Land Institute
Laura van der Pol currently serves as Lead Soil Scientist at The Land Institute, leading a research program focused on ecological intensification and soil ecology while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Prior experience includes roles as a Soil Health Research Scientist at Colorado State University and a Soil Scientist at BCarbon. Laura van der Pol holds a PhD in Ecology from Colorado State University and previously worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at the same institution. Teaching experience includes high school science instruction at Colorado Springs School District 11 and middle school science at Harrison District 2 Schools. Earlier roles involved research in terrestrial ecology at the Marine Biological Laboratory and leadership positions in the U.S. Coast Guard, where significant responsibilities included directing waterways management and overseeing safety and security operations. Laura van der Pol earned a BA in Environmental Studies from Wellesley College.
The Land Institute
The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, truly regenerative agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises.