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
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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. ​
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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. ​
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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.