NextGen: Elliott Marsh

Tell us about yourself

My name is Elliott Marsh and I am a Research Specialist in the Townsend Lab at UW-Madison. I am in charge of the drone program in the lab, and I am interested in all things drones/remote sensing! I am originally from Sycamore, IL, and I went to undergrad at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.

When did you know that you wanted to become a scientist?

Since my dad and brother are also in the sciences, I have been surrounded by the sciences for as long as I can remember. I've always loved being outside and exploring the outdoors. I took a watershed ecology class in high school where we did research in agricultural ditches, and I was hooked. I loved being outside all summer collecting data, getting my hands dirty, and using advanced pieces of equipment. That led me to major in environmental studies and geoscience in college. I was lucky enough to be able to do summer research on the bluffs of Lake Michigan with drones in college, and that is when I got hooked on drones and remote sensing.

What are the main research projects you work with in ASCEND?

 I collect and process data for the WisAsp project here in WI, and sites at Cedar Creek and Cloquet in Minnesota.

How would you explain your research to someone who is not a scientist?

I fly drones with sensors that can take images in wavelengths that we can’t see as humans. These images can tell us a lot about the chemistry and structure of plants, which can be used to give us insights into how these systems are responding to things like climate change, disease, and invasive species.

Elliot Marsh, research specialist and drone operator at UW Madison

What are your hobbies and preferred activities when you are not doing science?

I love flying my own drones and taking pictures and videos from above. I really can't get enough of beautiful sunsets from a bird's eye view! Other than that I love all things baseball, (Go Cubs!) enjoying the outdoors, and hanging out with friends.