I study microscopic ocean plants (called phytoplankton) that live at the base of the Southern and Antarctic Oceans’ food web. I am particularly interested in what drives their productivity—nutrients and light—and how these factors change across the oceans, seasonally and over longer time scales. To answer these questions, I use large observational datasets of ocean properties collected by robotic ocean profilers, seals equipped with data loggers and satellites. And why should we care? Phytoplankton take up dissolved carbon when they grow, which in turn allows the ocean to store more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere!
Research keyword: Phytoplankton
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.
