Lauren Alvaro is the IRA/BIL Engagement Specialist for the National Sea Grant Office and a 2024 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow.

Lauren is a marine ecologist interested in finding solutions to protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems and is passionate about making science more accessible and inclusive. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) at William and Mary and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science with a minors in Biology and Climate Change from Florida Gulf Coast University. Before becoming a Knauss Fellow, her research focused on seagrass ecosystems. Her Master’s thesis investigated how shifts in dominant seagrass species affect faunal communities in the Chesapeake Bay.

While at VIMS, Lauren was also involved with the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Workgroup, which interacts with researchers and managers to apply research findings to the protection and restoration of SAV. In her free time, you can find her practicing her photography skills or checking out too many books from the library.

Email: lauren.alvaro@noaa.gov