Meet the Marketing and Communications Manager: Laura Zseleczky

Photo of Laura Zseleczky
Photo by Megan Bean/MSU


Laura Zseleczky
Mississippi State University

Tell us about your background and international/research-for-development interests.
I first started working with international research-for-development projects as an undergraduate and then graduate assistant for the Women and Gender in International Development program at Virginia Tech. Through this work, I supported several USAID-funded programs to incorporate a gender lens into research for agricultural development. This led to an opportunity to complete my thesis research under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management, and I earned a master’s degree in public and international affairs. Prior to joining the Fish Innovation Lab, I worked at the International Food Policy Research Institute, where I provided support for a range of strategic projects, institutional communications, and conferences/events. 

How does your professional background inform your approach at the Fish Innovation Lab?
I have been fortunate to work in a variety of roles supporting research-for-development projects. These experiences have helped me see what an impact can be made when farmers, small-business owners, and other community members have access to the tools and resources they need to improve their livelihoods and food and nutrition security. Communicating the importance of research in tackling global food security challenges is key, and it’s a privilege to play even a small role in helping the results of Fish Innovation Lab-supported research reach a wider audience.

In your view, what are the most pressing challenges related to food and nutrition security worldwide and what are some ways we can overcome these challenges?
If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that there are a range of complex and interrelated challenges affecting our global and local food systems. We will not be able to improve food and nutrition security worldwide without approaches that address major challenges like climate change and global conflict as well as individual- and community-level issues like access to information and diverse dietary options. Sustainable approaches to aquaculture and fisheries development are just a piece of the puzzle, but they offer tremendous potential to address food and nutrition security challenges at local, regional, and global levels. 

What do you wish other people knew about fish and/or food security?
I’m married to a fish biologist, but I knew very little about the important role fish can play in addressing global food security challenges before starting my work with the Fish Innovation Lab. Fish are a rich source of critical nutrients, often locally available, less expensive, and with a smaller environmental footprint than other animal-source foods. Helping fish farmers, fishers, and consumers access more sustainably grown and harvested fish and aquatic foods will be essential to improving global food and nutrition security in the coming years. 

If you weren’t the Fish Innovation Lab’s communications manager, what other careers might you have pursued?
I think psychology is fascinating, and for a while, I considered pursuing a career as a counselor or therapist. I have always wanted to help others through my work, and I hope that my role with the Fish Innovation Lab contributes to the great work being done through our research activities. 

What are your hobbies or activities outside of work?
I love cooking and being outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and kayaking. I also enjoy exploring new places, whether it’s a small town in Mississippi or a bustling metropolis on the other side of the world!

What is on your bucket list? (What do you hope to do, accomplish, see, experience, etc. in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?)
I would love to tour the national parks of the western U.S. with my family. I’ve also always wanted to make croissants from scratch—it seems like a very time-intensive activity but with a worthwhile result!

If you would like to, tell us about your family, where you are from, and any personal details you would like to share.
I live in Starkville with my husband and our two young children. We’re originally from Maryland and Virginia, so we have really enjoyed exploring this part of the southeast since moving here.

Published January 31, 2023