Michael Follows

Michael Follows is a Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research focuses on understanding biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nutrients in the ocean through numerical modeling, integrating physical transport, chemical, and biological processes. He leads projects that explore phytoplankton physiology, nutrient dynamics, and climate-ocean interactions using advanced computational tools. His work bridges micro-scale cellular processes with large-scale oceanic phenomena, emphasizing ecological and biogeochemical consequences of environmental changes. Follows collaborates with international observatories and employs Lagrangian models to study plankton blooms and eddy-driven biogeochemical processes. His research also addresses methodological challenges in metatranscriptomics and microbial ecology.

Key areas of investigation include phytoplankton acclimation to environmental conditions, nitrogen fixation in marine systems, and the role of microbial diversity in shaping global biogeochemical cycles. Follows' studies often involve observational data from sites like the Blanes Bay Microbial Observatory and model outputs to predict ecosystem responses to climate change. Recent work highlights the importance of macromolecular composition, metabolic trade-offs, and symbiotic relationships in marine microbial communities.

Publications frequently emphasize model-based analyses of nutrient cycling, viral-host interactions, and the impact of physical oceanography on biological productivity. His research has implications for understanding past climate transitions and future ocean carbon sequestration potential. Follows maintains an active lab at MIT, contributing to both theoretical and applied marine science through interdisciplinary collaboration.