Academics

Biology Resources & Opportunities

Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory

The Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory is a tall grass prairie restoration located on the Ohio State Marion campus. The restoration project was started by a small and highly dedicated group of people in 1976 and the site has grown and changed quite a bit since then. Today, more than 11 acres of restored tall grass prairie are a showpiece on the campus and an attraction for the surrounding communities.

The Ohio State University at Marion welcome researchers from all disciplines to conduct short- or long-term research at the Larry R. Yoder tall grass prairie. Recent research projects include:

An investigation on the effect of the age of prairie patches on soil organic carbon, recalcitrant carbon (chemically resistant materials and organic remnants) and coal carbon (due to the prairie burning process).

Research characterizing the biogeochemical evolution of dissolved organic matter in the prairie pond under different climate regimes.

Measuring the effect of water supplementation on honeybee hive productivity.

Contributing seeds to the Project Baseline seedbank project at the University of Minnesota at Duluth.

If you are interested in conducting research on the Larry R. Yoder prairie, please contact Susan Gershman

The Pelotonia Undergraduate Fellowship Program

The Pelotonia Undergraduate Fellowship Program provides one-year research fellowships to the best and brightest Ohio State University undergraduate students who want to help cure cancer. Cancer is a complex disease and curing it will take a multidisciplinary effort. So, no matter what their field of study, from traditional scientific fields to fields like engineering, history and business, all Ohio State undergraduate students may apply.

STEM Summer Camp for High School Students

JUNE 9-13, 2025

The Summer STEM Camp program for all high school students is a week-long day camp that focuses on a broad sampling of relevant science and engineering topics. Camp attendees will experience multidisciplinary projects working with Ohio State Marion faculty in molecular genetics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, robotics, programming, and engineering. During this camp student participants will:

  • Exercise their critical thinking skills during problem solving sessions focusing on building boats they must pilot across the Marion YMCA swimming pool.
  • Build and program an Arduino-compatible robot they will take home as a souvenir.
  • Experience inquiry-based learning in OSU science labs when they take on the role of biotechnology explorer as they express GFP protein in cells and purify it via column chromatography.
  • Learn about mechanical engineering as they tour the Honda Facility and experience the museum at Honda Heritage Center.
  • Experience hands-on activities in the field as they examine live macroinvertebrate specimens in the creek at Recreation Unlimited.
  • Receive a Certificate of Successful Completion from The Ohio State University at Marion.

Program Details 
Where: Ohio State Marion, Science and Engineering Building   
When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
Cost: $150 (lunch and lab costs are included in the registration fee)   
Eligibility: Applicant must be enrolled as a rising freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in any high school.  

Application Procedure  

STEM Camp is full.

If you have questions please email Tiffiny Rye-McCurdy at mrn-summerprograms@osu.edu.

Girl Scouts Earn Shapes in Nature Badge

Explore fun math activities, such as identifying symmetry, create nature inspired art, and discovering fractals, all while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Find patterns in nature and using math, create your own! Badge included!

This program takes place in Marion. Adults must register and attend the entirety of the program. Due to the nature of this partner program, no late registration will be accommodated. No tag-a-longs or walk up registration. Registration fee: $5/Girl, $2/Adult. Click here for more information.

Student Organizations, Publications, and Programs

Ohio State Marion offers students a wide array of extracurricular opportunities that encourages them to express themselves creatively, interact with like-minded students and faculty, and participate in the larger Marion community.

Academic Support

The following links provide access to various resources and services that psychology majors will find particularly helpful for research, assistance with writing, and access to technology.

Career Services

It is never too early for students to work on a career plan for after college. Will you need to continue your education with graduate school? Do you plan to enter directly into the work force after you complete your undergraduate degree? How do you strengthen your resume or graduate school application with internships, organization membership and volunteer opportunities while in college? Ohio State Marion's Career Services Office, Maynard Hall 124, can help you with these issues. Schedule an appointment with Jane Arnold, our Career Services Coordinator, by calling (740) 725-6061.