H. Dail Laughinghouse

Dr. H. Dail Laughinghouse serves as an Associate Professor of Applied Phycology at the University of Florida, based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. His work bridges algal research with environmental biotechnology, focusing on both polar and tropical ecosystems.

• Phycology and cyanobacterial systematics
• Harmful algal bloom mitigation strategies
• Bioremediation and biofuel applications
• Metagenomic analysis of aquatic systems

Research Interests center on cyanobacterial diversity, toxicity, and environmental interactions. Current projects include:

• Assessing bioactive compound effects on HABs
• Developing algal treatment methods with industry partners
• Investigating microbial photoautotroph responses to climate change
• Exploring cyanobacteria in extreme environments (Antarctic to tropical)
• Phycoremediation for water purification
• Genomic characterization of toxigenic strains

Recent publications highlight trends in harmful algal bloom detection via hyperspectral imaging, nanobubble ozone technology for bloom control, and global cyanobacterial diversity studies across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. The Laughinghouse Lab actively collaborates on projects involving granular algaecides, biochar-based remediation, and climate change impacts on Florida estuaries.

Labs & Teams: Dr. Laughinghouse leads the Research Extension Lab Team at Fort Lauderdale’s University of Florida facility, located at 3205 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314. The lab prioritizes interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, chemistry, and ecology.