Marine Microbial Ecology &
Ocean Biogeochemistry
Welcome! Our group explores the molecular ecology, physiology and functional diversity of marine microbes
Marine phytoplankton are incredibly important on our planet – they provide approximately half the planet’s oxygen supply through photosynthesis and influence climate over geologic timescales by transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean. Their growth is dependent on a supply of macronutrients and various trace metal micronutrients required for biological processing, some of which are unfortunately hard to come by in the ocean.
We aim to explore how variations in nutrients influence metabolism, physiology, and ecological interactions among diverse groups of single-celled marine eukaryotes through a combination of field-based community experiments, lab-based culture analyses, and bioinformatic processing. By linking the concentrations of macronutrients and bioactive trace metals with gene expression and protein abundance patterns, we hope to better understand the clever strategies phytoplankton have evolved for subsisting across biogeochemically distinct and highly complex marine environments.
We are passionate about creating welcoming environments in STEM, and in recruiting and retaining diverse scientists. We strive to ensure our lab and educational spaces are non-discriminatory and judgement-free, fostering safe and productive learning environments. Learn more about our inclusivity efforts in the Dept of Marine Sciences @ UGA