Craig Carlson

Craig Carlson is a Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He serves as Vice Chair of the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science (IGPMS) and is affiliated with UCSB’s Marine Science Institute. His research focuses on microbial oceanography, particularly the role of marine microbes in biogeochemical cycles, with an emphasis on dissolved organic matter (DOM) dynamics and their impact on global carbon cycling. He leads or co-leads multiple federally funded projects in microbial oceanography.

Carlson holds a BA from Colby College and a PhD in marine science from the University of Maryland. His postdoctoral work at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS) focused on DOM biogeochemistry. Prior to joining UCSB’s EEMB department in 2001, he was on BIOS faculty.

His research integrates marine microbiology and oceanography to study microbial processes shaping DOM composition and dynamics. Techniques include molecular analyses and cutting-edge methods to characterize DOM and microbial communities. Key themes include DOM bioavailability, microbial community responses to environmental changes, and the role of DOM in carbon sequestration. His lab provides analytical services for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (TDN) analysis.

Carlson’s grants fund studies on topics like kelp-derived DOC, coral reef microbiomes, and the impacts of hypoxia on microbial communities. He collaborates on large initiatives such as the EXPORTS (Export Processes in the Ocean from Remote Sensing) project and NAAMES (North Atlantic Aerosols and Marine Ecosystems Study). His work addresses critical questions about ocean carbon cycles, climate mitigation via seaweed cultivation, and microbial ecology in extreme environments.

Lab services include high-precision DOC/TDN analysis using Shimadzu TOC systems. Collaboration opportunities exist for sample submission, with protocols emphasizing proper sample handling and storage to preserve DOM integrity. Research outputs span over 100 peer-reviewed articles, reflecting his leadership in microbial oceanography and biogeochemical research.