Before joining OSA Laura developed and was Director of the Washington State University Food Systems Program.  She has her Ph.D. in biogeography with expertise in centers of origin for agrobiodiversity.  Her current work is focused on supporting the mission of OSA with particular focus on strengthening organic seed across the entire supply chain through utilization and diversification of cropping systems and markets.  Prior to coming to WSU, she was assistant professor of biogeography at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and her research focused on crop evolution in Africa and food access in the city of Baltimore.  She is most interested in how organic agrobiodiversity is utilized on farm and within communities to support resilient agroecosystems.