PHYTOPLANKTON
Phytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms which drift in the upper water column. These minuscule microbes monumentally shape global ecology & biogeochemistry. Yet, certain genera of phytoplankton are harmful due to their production of toxic secondary metabolites and/or accumulation of biomass which contributes to hypoxia.
In the Phytoplankton EcoPhySi 'omics (PEPSi) Lab, we investigate the various drivers which shape the ecological success and competition of bloom-forming phytoplankton across the global freshwater-marine continuum.
MAJOR PLAYERS
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Aquatic continuum: freshwater, estuarine & marine systems are all connected - with the transport of biogeochemistry between these systems operating on the premise that "water flows downhill".
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Algal Blooms: algae undergoing prolific and unregulated growth which incur detrimental ecological, economic and human health consequences due to the accumulation of biomass and / or production of toxins.
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Climatic Stressors: anthropogenic disruptions to the natural balance of environmental systems which result in episodic and long-term change
METHODOLOGY
To investigate research questions at the intersection of the aquatic continuum, algal blooms and a changing climate - we employ an integrative approach of in vitro, in situ and in silico methods.
In vitro
In situ
In silico
Controlled laboratory experiments are performed using model, unialgal cultures. This approach allows us to discern the drivers of physiology within a phytoplankton cell.
Multivariable field experiments are conducted using complex, diverse communities. This approach allows us to elucidate the factors that shape ecology across a community.
Molecular and computational approaches are performed to deduce the genomic potential, transcriptional response, and/or metabolic process of a cell and / or community.
RESULTS
By integrating these three approaches, we can bridge what is occurring physiologically within a cell in the lab - to what is occurring ecologically across a community in the sea. As a result, we can generate hypotheses for subsequent investigation across various spatial, temporal, and biological scales.