Marijke Hecht

Marijke Hecht is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Education at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the Learning Ecologies Lab and the Environmental and Social Sustainability Lab. Her work bridges learning sciences, ecological design, and community stewardship to investigate how urban environments foster environmental identity and lifelong learning.

• PhD in Learning Sciences and Policy from University of Pittsburgh
• MS in Botany from University of Vermont

Her research focuses on urban environmental education, emphasizing:

• Relational processes between humans and more-than-human entities
• Learning ecosystem theory and design
• Informal education in parks and museums
• Equitable multispecies urban communities

Recent publications explore stakeholder perspectives in protected areas, decentering humanism in education, and water-based learning frameworks. She teaches courses including Environmental Education & Communications and Environmental Education in Action.

Previously, Hecht led environmental nonprofit initiatives in Pittsburgh, directing projects like the Frick Environmental Center and Nine Mile Run stream restoration. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates naturalist practices, ecological design, and research-practice partnerships.