Casey Godwin

Casey Godwin is an Associate Research Scientist at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR). His work focuses on the interplay between carbon and nutrient cycles in freshwater ecosystems, particularly examining how microbial and algal elemental requirements affect biogeochemical processes.

• Ph.D., Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota (2013)
• M.S., Ecology, Pennsylvania State University (2006)
• B.A., Biology and Environmental Studies, Cornell College (2003)

Godwin’s research investigates whether nutrient pollution decouples carbon and nutrient cycling, with applications to harmful algal blooms, hypoxia in Lake Erie, and sustainable algal biofuel systems. He explores microbial physiological adaptations to nutrient imbalance, biodiversity impacts on biofuel stability, and nutrient retention in watersheds.

Key trends in his publications include biodiversity’s role in aquatic ecosystem stability, biogeochemical processes in Lake Erie, and stoichiometric flexibility of microbes. His work often bridges ecological theory with applied environmental solutions.

• 2021 Research Faculty Recognition Award (University of Michigan)

Godwin collaborates with NOAA GLERL to collect sediment and water samples from Lake Erie, advancing understanding of hypoxia and nutrient cycling. He has contributed to large-scale field experiments on algal biofuel polycultures and theoretical frameworks for coexistence in competitive communities.