I use chemistry to understand processes in the ocean at the modern day and 1000s of years into the past. A key question I’m trying to answer is whether desert dust helps to fertilise ocean ecosystems. To help answer this question I use radioactive elements in seawater and deep sea mud to trace the amounts and source regions of dust landing in the ocean, and compare this to chemical measures of biological activity. I’m currently applying these techniques to mud from the southern Indian Ocean, 3500km off the coast of Western Australia.
Research keyword: Paleo-Oceans
About the BEAKER STREET ROVING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Each August, hundreds of Roving Scientists descend upon Hobart, filling up pubs and chatting to strangers as part of Beaker Street Festival. Discover a new world down the lens of microscope, and joining the least-boring bar conversations you’ve ever heard and these free (the chats – not the drinks) events.
For Scientists, Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist Program offers an excellent outreach, professional development, and networking opportunity. It’s the nerdiest and funnest way to share your research with the public, expand your network, and be inspired by leaders in all sectors of science and science communication.
