Dr. Lauren O Connell

Associate Professor

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Biography

Lauren O'Connell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Stanford University. Her research focuses on understanding amphibians and how they adapt their behavior and physiology in changing environments. After receiving her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, she started her lab at Harvard University as a Bauer Fellow before joining Stanford. O'Connell's lab investigates various aspects of amphibian biology, including parent-offspring interactions and the physiology of chemical defenses in poison frogs. Her work aims to uncover the evolutionary mechanisms that allow animals to adapt to their environments, with particular emphasis on behavior, communication, and toxicity. O'Connell has received several awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2024), and her research contributes to K-12 education through the Froggers School Program, which teaches kids about ecology and evolution. O'Connell is actively involved in mentoring students at various educational levels and advocating for the inclusion of research findings in academic curricula.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Palo Alto, CA

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Biology.

Awards

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Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

2024-01-01
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Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award

2023-01-01
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Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching

2021-01-01
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Director’s New Innovator Award

2019-01-01
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Frank Beach Award

2018-01-01
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Women in Science Fellowship

2015-01-01
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Capranica Prize

2013-01-01
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Young Investigator Award

2012-01-01
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Early Career Award

2011-01-01

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.