Jeremy Marshall

Trained as a biologist, Dr. Marshall's research has explored insect behavior, genetics, reproductive isolation, and the processes that produce new species. His career scholarship includes 48 publications, more than $1.5 million in grant support, and extensive mentorship of undergraduate and graduate researchers. Increasingly, his work has focused on making scientific education and research accessible to a wider range of students and preparing them to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and thoughtful professionals.

Currently, his research program is centered on undergraduate training and expanding access to meaningful scientific experiences. Since 2011, he has mentored more than 140 undergraduate researchers, whose work has contributed to hundreds of presentations at university, regional, and national meetings. Through capstone projects, independent studies, laboratory research, and conference presentations, Marshall helps students develop practical skills in experimental design, data collection and analysis, scientific communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

A defining part of this work is the Department of Entomology’s Undergraduate Research Experience, or URE, which Marshall created in 2016 to remove many of the barriers that traditionally prevent students from participating in research. The short, open-access program welcomes students regardless of major, previous research experience, grade-point average, or ability to commit to a traditional year-long laboratory position. Marshall recruits students from across the university, meets with them individually, matches them with faculty mentors, provides training in scientific poster development, and coordinates a departmental research symposium. Between 2016 and 2026, the program trained 430 undergraduates, including 103 mentored directly by Marshall. Participants represented 26 majors and every college at K-State; 24% had GPAs below 3.0. Among students for whom complete outcomes were available, 91.5% graduated with a degree from K-State - demonstrating how open, well-supported research experiences can strengthen both scientific preparation and student success.