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Peter BergView profile

Research Professor

• Eddy correlation technique
• Benthic oxygen fluxes
• Biogeochemical processes
• +7 more

Peter Berg is a Research Professor in the Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Virginia where he leads the Aquatic Eddy Covariance Lab. His work focuses on developing and applying the aquatic eddy covariance technique to measure oxygen, carbon, and greenhouse gas fluxes in underwater ecosystems. Education: Ph.D. Technical University of Denmark, 1988 Berg's research centers on the application and further development of the eddy correlation technique for measuring fluxes in benthic environments. His work spans diverse aquatic ecosystems including seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, coral reefs, permeable sediments, and freshwater systems. He has pioneered the use of eddy covariance 'upside down' below the air-water interface to measure gas exchange. His primary research areas include blue carbon flows, oxygen dynamics, whole-system metabolism, and greenhouse gas exchange in submerged environments where conventional flux methods are difficult to apply. Analysis of Berg's publication record reveals a consistent focus on advancing the aquatic eddy covariance methodology while applying it to increasingly diverse environments. His work has expanded from initial benthic applications to include air-water interfaces, freshwater systems, and extreme environments like sea ice and deep ocean sediments. The research demonstrates how this non-invasive technique provides valuable insights into ecosystem metabolism across various habitat types. Peter Berg leads the Aquatic Eddy Covariance Lab at UVA, which serves as a training center for students and researchers interested in this specialized measurement technique. The lab has conducted fieldwork across multiple continents and diverse aquatic environments, from Virginia's coastal waters to coral reefs in Florida, sea ice in Greenland, and deep ocean sediments near Japan. The lab focuses on three main areas: in situ studies of aquatic fluxes, training of new users, and development of improved sensors and calculation protocols.

• Fish eco-physiology
• Bioenergetics
• Kinematics of predator-prey interactions
• +4 more

Christel Lefrançois is a Lecturer at the University of La Rochelle , France, affiliated with the CNRS scientific institute INEE. She conducts research in fish eco-physiology, bioenergetics, and predator-prey interaction kinematics, focusing on physiological and behavioral responses to environmental stressors like temperature shifts, oxygen variation, and pollutant exposure. Academic Rank: Lecturer Institution: University of La Rochelle Research Affiliation: CNRS INEE Laboratory: AMARE Team Her work spans marine environmental toxicology, climate change impacts on aquatic organisms, and nutritional ecology, particularly omega-3 fatty acid availability. She explores how environmental modifications affect fish metabolism, locomotion, and microbial communities, with recent studies on sunscreen pollution and heatwaves. Analysis of her 15 most recent articles reveals trends in marine pollution , climate adaptation , and nutritional constraints affecting fish physiology. Topics include UV filter contamination, omega-3 deficiency impacts, and microbiota disruption from chemical exposure. Her full portfolio includes collaborations across France and international institutions, with publications in journals like Marine Environmental Research , Aquatic Toxicology , and Journal of Experimental Biology , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.

• Biogeochemistry
• Stable isotopes
• Carbon cycling
• +8 more

Dr. Joanne Oakes is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University, where she also serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry and Deputy Director of Higher Degree Training and Research. She holds a BSc(Hons) and PhD from Griffith University. With over 20 years of research experience, Dr. Oakes specializes in applying stable isotope techniques to investigate biogeochemical processes across coastal, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems. Her research examines carbon and nitrogen cycling under environmental changes including nutrient enrichment, ocean acidification, and warming. Key focus areas include: Tracing element flows using isotope labelling in microphytobenthos, seagrass, and mangrove systems Climate change impacts on sediment biogeochemistry from the Arctic to tropics Coastal carbon dynamics including blue carbon ecosystems and greenhouse gas fluxes Her recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on coastal biogeochemistry (65% of last 15 articles), climate change interactions (40%), and methodological innovations in stable isotope applications (20%). Research spans fundamental microbial processes to global-scale carbon databases. Awards & Recognition: Southern Cross University Research Award (2023) Academic Leadership: Dr. Oakes has secured over $2.2M in research grants, supervises 5 current PhD students (with 2 completed), and has mentored 5 Honours students. She teaches undergraduate units including Cells and Molecules, Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems, and Biogeochemistry. She leads research teams at the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry focusing on isotope-enabled investigations of ecosystem processes. Current projects examine carbon-climate feedbacks in Australian estuaries and tropical blue carbon systems.

• Marine Ecology
• Remote Sensing
• Coral Reef Biology
• +3 more

Dr Borrego Acevedo Rodney is a Research Fellow at the School of the Environment , University of Queensland , within the Faculty of Science. His expertise lies in marine and environmental sciences, with a focus on coral reef ecosystems and remote sensing applications. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Queensland (2014), specializing in microphytobenthos dynamics using remote sensing technologies. His research integrates field data collection, spectral analysis, and spatial modeling to understand benthic habitats and coral reef health. Research Interests : Coral reef ecology, microphytobenthos distribution, remote sensing techniques, environmental monitoring, and geospatial data analysis. His work emphasizes global-scale coral reef habitat mapping and ecosystem conservation strategies. Publications : His work includes high-impact studies on global coral reef mapping, benthic habitat classification, and microphytobenthos abundance modeling. Key contributions involve developing methodologies for expert-derived training data in remote sensing and applying multiscale earth observation frameworks for coral reef assessment. Grants & Supervision : Available for postgraduate supervision in marine remote sensing and coral reef science. Active in collaborative projects with international research teams. Additional Contributions : Data collection on microphytobenthos composition at Heron Reef (Australia) using HPLC analysis, published via Pangaea datasets. Presented research at the IGARSS 2013 conference on coral reef spatial modeling.

Alice BestermanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Coastal Ecosystems
• +3 more

Alice Besterman is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, affiliated with the Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on coastal ecosystems, climate resilience, and environmental monitoring, particularly examining disturbance recovery in estuaries, salt marsh adaptation, and interactions between geomorphology and invasive species. She utilizes high-frequency data analysis and ecological modeling to study climate impacts on aquatic environments. Email: afb5kg@virginia.edu . Recent publications highlight her work on: Quantifying tropical cyclone effects using oxygen and salinity metrics Mapping aquatic heatwave co-occurrence with hypoxia and acidification Developing algorithms for time series disturbance detection Investigating invasive macroalgal impacts on shorebird predation

• Aquatic Ecology
• Microbial Ecology
• Trophic Ecology
• +5 more

Christine Dupuy is a full Professor at La Rochelle University , affiliated with the CNRS/INSU - LIENSs Laboratory (UMR 7266). Her research focuses on Aquatic Ecology , Microbial Ecology , and Blue Carbon dynamics, particularly in coastal environments like marshes and intertidal zones. Deputy Director of LIENSs Laboratory (2020–present) Member of EMBRC-France (2018–2021) Coordinator of multiple national/international projects (ANR VASIREMI, BIOMIC, TETRAE, etc.) Her research interests center on microbial trophic networks, planktonic-benthic coupling, and climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems. She uses innovative methodologies including ZooScan/ZooCAM imaging systems, stable isotope analysis, and biofilm mesocosm studies. Her publication trends (135+ peer-reviewed papers) reveal a strong focus on: Microbial community responses to environmental changes Carbon cycling in temperate and tropical coastal systems Trophic interactions in anthropized marshes Blue Carbon assessment frameworks Long-term ecological monitoring (Bay of Biscay, Charente-Maritime) She has served as: Expert for ANR CE32 (2018–2021) Member of CNU 67 (2007–2009, 2011–2019) Coordinator of educational programs (BIOSOUM, BIOEM diplomas) Her laboratory (LIENSs) engages in regional and international collaborations through networks like Acclimaterra , NAIADES , and PEPR Faircarbon . Current projects include: ESA Blue Carbon Project (2024–2026) LIFE MARAISILIENCE (2024–2028) PPR RIOMAR (2023–2028)

• Aquatic Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Nutrient Cycling
• +7 more

Marco Bartoli is Associate Professor (Professore di II fascia) in the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences at the University of Parma , Italy, where he also heads the Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology at the Podere Ambolana. Since 2016 he has held a tenured faculty position, following two decades of research and technical roles at the same university. Education Laurea in Biological Sciences (110/110 cum laude), University of Parma, 1991 – thesis on trophic evolution of the Sacca di Goro lagoon. PhD in Ecology, University of Parma, 1996 – dissertation on benthic nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes in lagoon environments. Qualified as Professional Biologist, University of Parma, 1993. National habilitation as Associate and Full Professor in Ecology (2014-2020). Research Focus Prof. Bartoli’s work integrates biogeochemistry and aquatic ecology across scales—from microsensors in sediments to watershed budgets—addressing: Primary production, decomposition, and C, N, P, Si cycling in transitional and coastal waters. Role of macro- and micro-vegetation, meio- and macrofauna, and aquaculture in regulating nutrient fluxes. Impacts of eutrophication, climate change, and agricultural loads on ecosystem metabolism. Development of in-situ microsensor techniques, isotope protocols, and remote-sensing tools. His research spans Mediterranean lagoons, the Po River basin, the Baltic Sea, and Lithuanian coastal lagoons, often within EU (e.g., BONUS, INFORM) and national projects. Scientific Output & Recognition ≈180 publications (106 ISI/Scopus-indexed, h-index 27 Google Scholar). Associate Editor, Estuaries and Coasts (since 2012). Frequent invited speaker and reviewer for international journals and funding agencies. Teaching & Mentoring He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, international master classes, and has advised ~100 bachelor theses and 11 PhD dissertations, including service on foreign PhD committees. Laboratories & Teams He directs the Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology , equipped with microprofilers, planar optodes, isotope facilities, and experimental flumes, hosting national and international collaborators.

Anaïs RichardView profile

Researcher

• Marine Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Coastal Ecosystems
• +4 more

Anaïs Richard is a French postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences at Stockholm University. Her work focuses on understanding ecological processes in coastal ecosystems, particularly the roles of benthic fauna and plant communities in mitigating global changes. Education: PhD (2018-2022): Conducted at Bordeaux University’s marine research station under Professors Olivier Maire and Xavier de Montaudouin, studying bioturbation processes and their impacts on biogeochemical fluxes and microphytobenthos in soft-bottom intertidal ecosystems. Research Interests: Anaïs investigates how benthic macrofauna influence ecosystem functioning, the interplay between plant communities and Blue Carbon storage in saltmarshes, and the effects of grazing/management pressures on coastal habitats. Her current NordSalt project at the DEEP (Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences) aims to elucidate saltmarsh resilience to climate change and anthropogenic stressors. Grants & Collaborations: Engaged with the NordSalt initiative, funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, focusing on Swedish coastal ecosystems. No specific awards or grants listed in available texts. Labs/Teams: Associated with the DEEP research group, contributing to interdisciplinary studies on ecological dynamics in marine and coastal environments.

Julie HopeView profile

Lecturer

• Marine Biology
• Microplastics Pollution
• Benthic Ecosystems
• +3 more

Dr. Julie Hope is a Lecturer in Marine Biology at the University of St Andrews' School of Biology and an affiliate of the Scottish Oceans Institute. Her research focuses on benthic ecosystems, microplastic pollution, and sediment dynamics. She leads projects such as the 'Impact of Microplastics Pollution' (Marine March Initiative, 2024–2025) and 'Benthic Responses to Extreme Weather Events' (Carnegie Trust, 2024–2025), and has secured grants including a BBSRC award (2023). Her work examines how microplastics affect coastal sediments, biofilm dynamics, and ecosystem function. She has supervised PhD students Tamara Darbar, Cathilyn McIntosh, and Michael Vail. Julie’s research integrates field and laboratory studies, addressing topics like biostabilization processes, hydro-climate impacts, and the ecological consequences of microplastic contamination. Key projects include analyzing microplastic distribution in estuaries, modeling bedform dynamics in mixed sediments, and exploring diatom biofilm engineering. Her contributions advance marine conservation, sedimentology, and climate change adaptation strategies.

Blanca Maria Priego TorresView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Vision
• Deep Learning
• +4 more

Blanca Maria Priego Torres serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Automation, Electronics, Architecture and Computer Networks Engineering at the Universidad de Cádiz, where she conducts research through the Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences (INiBICA) and the TIC212 Bioengineering, Automation and Robotics group. Her academic foundation includes a Doctorate from Universidade da Coruña (2017) with the thesis "A comprehensive approach for the efficient acquisition and processing of hyperspectral images and sequences" supervised by Dr. Richard J. Duro Fernández. Dr. Priego Torres' research spans biomedical engineering , computer vision , and robotics , with pioneering work in deep learning applications for medical imaging and hyperspectral processing. Her contributions include automated disease screening from chest X-rays, lung segmentation algorithms, breast cancer diagnostics, and cellular automata-based hyperspectral image analysis, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in medical image analysis (chest X-rays, breast histopathology) using advanced architectures like Mamba-YOLOvX and SAM, alongside sustained contributions to hyperspectral imaging for environmental monitoring and biomedical applications, highlighting her dual expertise in clinical diagnostics and remote sensing technologies. As an active member of the TIC212 research group at INiBICA, she leads projects integrating automation, robotics, and AI for biomedical solutions, including autonomous ship modeling for marine testing and cough detection systems using wearable sensors, advancing practical applications of her theoretical work.

• DNA Replication
• DNA Repair
• Structural Maintenance Chromosome (SMC) Proteins
• +5 more

Dr. Desiree Villahermosa Caballero is a Researcher at the University of Sussex , focusing on DNA replication, repair, and the role of Structural Maintenance Chromosome (SMC) proteins in stabilizing replication forks and maintaining genomic integrity. Current research explores the Smc5/6 complex in chromosome segregation and homologous recombination. Prior work centered on mismatch repair (MMR) and microsatellite stability. Her interdisciplinary work bridges Molecular Biology and Environmental Microbiology , with publications on wastewater bioreactors and biofilm dynamics. Recent Publications highlight expertise in: Genetic mechanisms in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (2017). Single-molecule tracking of Smc5/6 chromatin interactions (2021). Wastewater biofilm engineering and sulfide production (2010–2011). Contact: D.Villahermosa-Caballero@sussex.ac.uk

• Phycology
• Marine Ecology
• Polar Ecology
• +7 more

Professor Ulf Karsten serves as Chair of Applied Ecology and Phycology within the Institute of Biosciences at the University of Rostock, Germany. His research program focuses on algal ecology, particularly examining polar ecosystems, marine environments, and terrestrial habitats with emphasis on diatoms and green algae. Dr. Karsten's research interests span Phycology and algal physiology Polar marine and terrestrial ecology UV radiation protection mechanisms in algae Biocrust formation and function Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems Methane cycling in coastal zones Cell wall properties of marine and terrestrial algae His work integrates molecular, physiological, and ecological approaches to understand algal adaptation to extreme environments. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on polar research, particularly examining algal responses to environmental stressors in Arctic and Antarctic regions. His work on UV-protective compounds, biocrust dynamics, and methane production demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between marine biology, climate science, and biogeochemistry. Dr. Karsten has secured substantial research funding through the German Research Foundation (DFG), leading numerous projects as principal investigator and serving as speaker for priority programs. His work demonstrates consistent productivity across multiple research domains with particular emphasis on climate change impacts on polar ecosystems. His research program involves collaborations across multiple institutions and has established significant infrastructure for polar and marine research. Current work focuses on methane production in coastal zones, UV protection mechanisms, and cell wall dynamics in green seaweeds, reflecting both fundamental and applied research directions.

• Marine Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• Estuarine Ecosystems
• +3 more

Graham Underwood is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex, with a joint appointment as Senior Fellow at the Zukunftkolleg, University of Konstanz. His leadership roles include Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health (2024–2025) and Chair of the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership (2023–2025). He holds a D.Phil from the University of Sussex (1989) and a BSc (Hons) in Zoology with Microbiology from the University of Reading (1986). Underwood's research integrates marine microbial ecology, estuarine dynamics, and climate change impacts. His work examines microalgae-bacteria interactions, dissolved organic matter cycling, and coastal ecosystem resilience. Key themes include: Diatom biofilm ecology and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) Salt marsh restoration and blue carbon sequestration Polar sea ice microbiomes and organic carbon fluxes Managed realignment strategies for coastal adaptation His publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, with recent articles exploring coastal habitat connectivity, diatom adaptive mechanisms, and nanoparticle impacts on biofilms. A consistent focus is the intersection of microbial processes with broader environmental challenges like sea-level rise and biodiversity loss. Underwood actively advises graduate researchers, with current projects on seagrass meadow dynamics, estuarine biodiversity, and intertidal ecology. He secures significant grant funding, including projects from NERC, EU commissions, and UK environmental agencies, supporting field studies in Essex estuaries, Arctic sea ice, and restored coastal habitats. He collaborates with government bodies (DEFRA, Environment Agency) and international teams to translate research into policy frameworks for sustainable seascapes.

Elka T. PorterView profile

Associate Professor

• Benthic-Pelagic Coupling
• Physical-Biological-Biogeochemical Interactions
• Coastal Ecosystems
• +3 more

Elka T. Porter is an Associate Professor of Marine Science and Department Chair at St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM). She holds a Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, and degrees from Christian-Albrechts-Universität in Kiel, Germany. Her research focuses on benthic-pelagic coupling processes, particularly the effects of water flow and marine organisms on sediment-water interactions and water quality. She designs and uses specialized mesocosms like STURM (Shear Turbulence Resuspension Mesocosms) to study tidal resuspension and climate change impacts. Porter emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities, mentoring students in fieldwork and publications. She teaches courses including Physical Oceanography and Marine Science fundamentals. Education: Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES), University of Maryland, College Park M.S. in Zoology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität (Kiel, Germany) B.S. in Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität (Kiel, Germany) Research Interests: Porter investigates how physical forces (e.g., water flow, turbulence) and biological agents (e.g., oysters, clams) influence nutrient dynamics, sediment stability, and ecosystem health. Her work highlights the role of storms and climate change in altering coastal water quality. Recent studies include tidal resuspension effects on phytoplankton blooms and oxygen dynamics. She collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL). Awards & Recognition: Porter received the 2019 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the University of Baltimore and a 2014 award for collaboration with undergraduate teaching assistants. Her work bridges experimental design (e.g., STURM tanks) with real-world coastal management challenges. Advising & Grants: Porter has guided multiple undergraduate researchers, leading to honors theses and co-authored papers. Her grants support summer fieldwork and equipment development for mesocosm experiments. Current projects explore how bivalve populations mitigate eutrophication through biodeposit resuspension mechanisms. Labs & Affiliations: She leads research at SMCM’s Marine Science Department and collaborates with external groups like the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation. Her lab focuses on innovative mesocosm setups and field-based studies in Chesapeake Bay regions.

David PatersonView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function
• Climate Change Impacts
• +4 more

Professor David Paterson is Executive Director of the Marine Alliance for Science & Technology Scotland (MASTS) and holds a faculty position at the School of Biology, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on marine ecology, biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, and climate change impacts on coastal systems. He leads interdisciplinary studies on biogenic stabilization, sediment dynamics, and the ecological effects of human-made offshore structures like oil platforms and wind farms. Education: Ph.D. (University of Bath), B.Sc. (University of Glasgow). Professional affiliations include the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and the International Society for Diatom Research. Key grants include NERC-funded projects on sustainable marine resource management (SMMR) and decommissioning strategies for offshore structures (FuECoMMS). Collaborations span academia and industry, addressing environmental impacts of energy infrastructure and coastal zone management. He chairs the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) General Assembly and SOTEAG Shetland Oil Terminal Advisory Group. Research groups: Scottish Oceans Institute, Coastal Resources Management Group, Sediment Ecology Research Group. Projects emphasize biogeochemical processes, microphytobenthos, and the role of microbial biofilms in sediment stability.