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Irina Marinov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in climate science, focusing on the critical role of oceans in global climate dynamics and carbon cycling. Her research integrates Earth system models and satellite data to study phenomena such as Southern Ocean convection, phytoplankton ecology, and the impact of climate change on oceanic processes. Marinov’s research spans biogeochemical cycles, marine ecology, and climate modeling, with a particular emphasis on Southern Ocean dynamics. She explores teleconnections between tropical atmospheric systems and Southern Ocean processes, polynya variability, and the use of satellite data to understand phytoplankton biomass and carbon distribution. Her recent publications (2024-2025) highlight the Southern Ocean’s influence on multidecadal climate variability, nonlinear CO2 dynamics, and the development of the GLOBAL CLIMATE SECURITY ATLAS. These works bridge climate modeling, satellite remote sensing, and policy applications. Scientific Awards: Undergraduate Research Mentorship award First woman to be tenured in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at Penn

• Climate Science
• Oceanography
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• +5 more

Zackary Johnson , the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography and Marine Biotechnology at Duke University, leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine microbiology and biogeochemical innovation. Affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment and based at the Duke Marine Laboratory , his work spans microbial ecology, algal biotechnology, and climate mitigation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (Duke University, 2004), B.S. in Biology (MIT, 1994) Research Interests focus on marine microbial communities, particularly the model phytoplankton Prochlorococcus , algal cultivation for sustainable bioproducts, and the ecological impacts of ocean acidification. His lab investigates microbial interactions across diverse environments—from coastal estuaries to open-ocean gyres—and develops technologies for carbon-negative aquaculture systems. Publications highlight expertise in microbial biogeography, algal biofuels, and climate-resilient marine food webs. Recent work explores drone-based ocean color sensing, Gulf Stream eddy microbiomes, and the role of Labyrinthulomycetes protists in carbon export. Scientific Awards: Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professorship DOE and NSF-funded projects Grants include high-profile initiatives like the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) and REU Site program for coastal research training. His lab maintains a dedicated research site for studying microbial dynamics and sustainable algal cultivation.

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Biological Oceanography
• Algal Biotechnology
• +4 more

Jeffrey Guasto , Associate Professor at Tufts University, holds joint appointments in the School of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and School of Arts and Sciences (Physics & Astronomy). His work bridges engineering, physics, and biology to study transport properties in complex systems. Ph.D., Engineering (2009), Brown University Sc.M., Engineering (2004), Brown University Dual B.S. in Physics and Mechanical Engineering (2003), Lehigh University Research Interests focus on: Biophysics : Flagellar mechanics, chemotaxis, cell-fluid interactions Soft Matter : Active suspensions, colloids, viscoelastic materials Microfluidics : Device design for cell motility studies and gradient generation Environmental Transport : Microbial ecology in porous systems Scientific Trends from his 77+ publications show emphasis on microscale fluid dynamics, bacterial transport mechanisms, and viscoelastic flow instabilities. His 2024 Nature Microbiology work reveals phage-infected bacteria driving marine chemotaxis, while 2023 PNAS research explores stress topology in viscoelastic flows. Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award (2016) for cell dispersal mechanisms Collaborative NSF grants (2015-2023) Advising includes mentoring 15+ students and postdocs. His grants portfolio features 9+ awards, notably NSF grants for viral-microbe interactions (2018) and flagellar mechanics (2020). Labs & Teams : Leads the Guasto Laboratory at Tufts, integrating microfluidics and high-speed imaging for studying microbial transport, while collaborating with MIT, Harvard, and international institutions.

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Microscale Fluid Mechanics
• +5 more

Victoria J. Orphan is the James Irvine Professor of Environmental Science and Geobiology at Caltech, where she directs the Center for Environmental Microbial Interactions. Her research investigates microbial processes in anaerobic ecosystems including deep-sea methane seeps, hydrothermal vents, and coastal sediments using interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, stable isotope techniques, and geochemistry. Her laboratory focuses on: Microbial partnerships in methane cycling Ecophysiology of uncultured archaea and bacteria Viral ecology in marine environments Biogeochemical impacts of microbial communities Blue carbon sequestration in seagrass ecosystems Professor Orphan has developed innovative methods including BONCAT-FISH and nanoSIMS for studying microbial activity in environmental samples. Her research group maintains active field programs in Monterey Canyon and hydrothermal vent systems, and develops high-pressure incubation systems for studying deep-sea microbes. She teaches courses on microbial ecology and evolution, and mentors graduate students through the Geobiology and Environmental Science programs.

• Microbial Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Marine Microbiology
• +2 more

Thomas Lippmann is a Professor and Director of the Center of Ocean Engineering within the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He holds dual affiliations with the Ocean Engineering program and retains a research associate position at Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Integrated Oceanography Division. His career includes roles as a Research Oceanographer at Scripps (1995–1999), Research Scientist at Ohio State University (1999–2008), and a Postdoctoral scholar at the Naval Postgraduate School (1992–1995). Dr. Lippmann earned a BA in Mathematics and Biology from Linfield College (1985), followed by an MS (1989) and PhD (1992) in Bio Oceanography from Oregon State University. His research focuses on shallow water oceanography, hydrography, and bathymetric evolution in coastal waters, combining experimental fieldwork, theoretical analysis, and numerical modeling. Key areas include nearshore processes, inlet dynamics, sediment transport pathways, and effects of sea level rise on estuaries. He has conducted 14 field experiments and accumulated over 18 months of fieldwork experience. His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses such as Beaches and Coasts , Ocean Measurements Lab , and Spectral Analysis of Geophysical Data , reflecting his expertise in nearshore hydrodynamics and coastal engineering. He also advises doctoral research and oversees special programs like Advanced Research Experience . Advising and grants: While no specific grant details are provided, his extensive fieldwork and collaborative projects suggest significant grant-funded research. His academic leadership includes directing UNH’s Ocean Engineering Center and organizing interdisciplinary programs like CLOSES-GAP. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the texts. Labs and teams: Active in the Integrated Oceanography Division (SIO) and the Byrd Polar Research Center. Collaborates with institutions like Ohio State University, Naval Postgraduate School, and the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping. His work integrates with the Great Bay Estuary’s tidal energy test site and remote sensing projects.

• Coastal Engineering
• Physical Oceanography
• Sediment Transport
• +7 more

Dr. John Lehrter is a Professor of Marine Sciences and Associate Director of the Stokes School of Marine & Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama, as well as a Senior Marine Scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of Alabama (2003). His research focuses on coastal biogeochemistry, ecosystem modeling, and satellite ocean color remote sensing, with an emphasis on understanding eutrophication, hypoxia, and multiple stressor impacts on coastal ecosystems. Dr. Lehrter has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students and leads a lab engaged in field studies, numerical modeling, and satellite data analysis. His work addresses societal challenges in coastal management and climate change adaptation. Research Interests: Multiple Stressor Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems, Marine Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Modeling, Satellite Remote Sensing, and Hypoxia Dynamics. His lab develops tools to quantify nutrient pollution effects and predict ecosystem responses to management actions. Advising and Grants: Dr. Lehrter oversees a dynamic lab with graduate students, postdocs, and technicians. Current projects include modeling nutrient dynamics, satellite data applications for water quality, and experimental studies on multiple stressors (e.g., temperature, pH) impacting marine organisms. His lab collaborates with agencies like the EPA and NOAA, contributing to coastal policy and restoration efforts. Labs/Teams: Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) and the University of South Alabama’s Stokes School of Marine & Environmental Sciences. The lab recently established a state-of-the-art facility for multiple stressor experiments on marine species.

• Coastal Biogeochemistry
• Eutrophication Dynamics
• Hypoxia Modeling
• +7 more

Deepak R Mishra is the Merle C. Prunty, Jr. Professor of Geography at the University of Georgia, where he serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Geography. He directs both the Center for Geospatial Research (CGR) and the UGA Small Satellite Research Laboratory (SSRL), demonstrating leadership across multiple significant research initiatives. His academic career spans geospatial science, remote sensing applications, and environmental monitoring with particular focus on coastal ecosystems. Dr. Mishra earned his PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 2006 and completed his M. Tech in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in 2002. His research focuses on combining field-based remote sensing with satellite technologies to monitor and study coastal and inland water resources. His work addresses critical environmental challenges including harmful algal blooms, salt marsh conservation, carbon sequestration in tidal wetlands, and sea level rise impacts. Dr. Mishra's research portfolio reveals strong trends in geospatial analytics for environmental monitoring, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence and small satellite technologies. His recent publications show a growing emphasis on climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, particularly salt marsh vulnerability and carbon sequestration capacity. The work demonstrates innovative applications of remote sensing for tracking cyanobacterial blooms and developing early warning systems through platforms like CyanoTRACKER. Outstanding Service Award, SEDAAG 2019 Creative Research Medal, University of Georgia, 2017 Best Poster Award, TROPMET 2016, India Article ranked #4 in Altmetric Attention Score in Nature Climate Change 2016 Mississippi State University Faculty Research Award (2012) GRI Academic Faculty of the year (2011) Dr. Mishra has secured substantial research funding, including a $7.5 million NSF LTER grant and a $4.7 million Army Research Lab grant for autonomous navigation systems. His lab actively mentors graduate students including Tyler Lynn, Lishen Mao, and Chintan Maniyar, who contribute to projects spanning coastal monitoring, small satellite development, and AI applications. The Small Satellite Research Laboratory recently achieved a historic milestone with the launch of SPOC satellite to the International Space Station, marking UGA's first satellite deployment.

• Remote Sensing
• Geospatial Technologies
• Coastal Ecosystems Monitoring
• +7 more

Dr. Sarah Tominack is a Lecturer and Lab Coordinator in Biology at the University of West Florida's Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. She earned a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (2021), an M.S. in Biology from UWF (2014), and a B.A. in Environmental Biology from the University of North Alabama (2011). She teaches Biology I and II laboratories and mentors students through the UWF Botanical Society and OUR Explorers Program. Her research examines phytoplankton ecology in low-inflow estuaries, Karenia brevis red tide dynamics, and environmental dataset validation. Key interests include: Microbial community responses to nutrient fluctuations Climate oscillation impacts on coastal ecosystems Biogeochemical cycling in estuarine environments

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Estuarine Ecology
• Phytoplankton Dynamics
• +1 more

Paul Carini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on microbial genomics, environmental microbiology, and microbial diversity in extreme environments. He is affiliated with the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences through a joint Micro Graduate Program. His work emphasizes genomic sequencing of understudied microbes, particularly those from arid soils and subseafloor sediments. He explores microbial adaptation strategies to nutrient-poor and extreme conditions, including anaerobic respiration and toxic gas utilization. Recent studies highlight culturomics advancements, such as high-throughput cultivation and predictive modeling of microbial growth. Key contributions include genome-based taxonomic frameworks for uncultivated archaea and bacteria, and insights into microbial roles in climate change mitigation. His research bridges traditional cultivation methods with modern genomic tools, addressing challenges in capturing Earth's microbial biodiversity.

• Environmental Microbiology
• Microbial Genomics
• Soil Science
• +3 more

Bethany Jenkins is Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology and Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island's College of the Environment and Life Sciences, and serves as Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Oregon and a BS in Biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College. Her research examines coastal ecosystem responses to climate change, marine plastic pollution, and ocean biogeochemistry. She leads NSF EPSCoR projects on coastal ecology and marine plastics, employing genomic methods to study nutrient metabolism. Her work spans the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean, with emphasis on diatom physiology and harmful algal blooms. Awards: URI Research and Scholarship Excellence Award (2018) Brown University Inspiring Women in Science Award (2016) Jenkins has held leadership roles in the Ocean Carbon Biogeochemistry Program and NSF GEOTRACES. She previously directed graduate programs in Biological and Environmental Sciences.

• Coastal Ecology
• Climate Change Impacts
• Marine Plastic Pollution
• +3 more

B. B. Cael is an interdisciplinary climate and ocean scientist affiliated with the Department of the Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago and the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative . His work integrates data analysis and theoretical models to investigate global-scale questions about Earth's carbon cycle and climate system. Cael's research interests span climate mitigation , climate sensitivity , climatic extremes , ocean biogeochemistry , plankton ecology , remote sensing , and paleoclimate . His publications focus on ocean carbon fluxes, climate feedbacks, and marine ecosystem dynamics, with recent work applying machine learning to oceanographic data. His academic journey includes a PhD from the MIT-WHOI Joint Program , a Simons Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, and a Principal Scientist role at the UK's National Oceanography Centre. Current research at UChicago addresses both carbon dioxide removal and solar geoengineering strategies. Scientific Awards Simons Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow

• climate mitigation
• climate sensitivity
• climatic extremes
• +6 more

Christoph J. Fahrni is a Professor at the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned his M.S. from the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Basel in 1995. After postdoctoral work at Northwestern University, he joined Georgia Tech in 1999, where his research focuses on metal ion biochemistry, particularly copper and zinc, using fluorescent probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Education: M.S., Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich Ph.D., University of Basel, 1995 His research integrates synthetic fluorescent probes and X-ray fluorescence microscopy to study intracellular metal ion dynamics, including copper trafficking, zinc homeostasis, and their roles in diseases like Menkes syndrome. The lab develops high-affinity ligands for copper buffering, investigates P-type ATPase transporters, and uses 3D X-ray tomography to map metals in zebrafish embryos. Key methodologies include ratiometric two-photon microscopy and bioorganometallic catalyst design. Recent publications highlight advancements in subzeptomolar copper probes, dynamic zinc imaging during development, and metal chelation therapy applications. Collaborative projects with Prof. Robert Dickson explore low-background fluorescent protein imaging. The Fahrni group trains graduate students like Daisy Bourassa and Adam McCallum, focusing on biochemical copper/zinc interactions and probe development.

• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Fluorescent Probes
• Metal Ion Homeostasis
• +4 more

James Bellingham is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of exploration robotics at Johns Hopkins University, holding primary appointments in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Applied Physics Laboratory's Asymmetric Operations Sector. He serves as executive director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy and is a member of the Data Science and AI Institute. With over 30 years of expertise, Bellingham pioneered small, high-performance autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), leading global expeditions across polar and oceanic regions. His work bridges robotics innovation with environmental monitoring, including oil spill response, Arctic exploration, and NASA collaborations for extraterrestrial oceanic exploration. Bellingham's educational background includes BS, MS, and PhD in physics from MIT. He previously led Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Marine Robotics Consortium, creating advanced prototyping facilities and fostering entrepreneurship in robotics. His leadership roles span institutional boards such as the Naval Studies Board and OceanX. His research focuses on advancing AUV capabilities for adaptive sampling, fault detection, and interdisciplinary oceanography. Over 50 publications demonstrate his technical contributions, including AUV design, environmental hazard mapping, and collaborative robotic systems. Awards include National Academy of Engineering induction and military honors for public service.

• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
• Marine Robotics
• Ocean Observing Systems
• +3 more

Katherine McMahon is a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work focuses on microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and biogeochemistry, particularly in freshwater systems like Lake Mendota. She leads long-term ecological studies integrating metagenomics and microbial population dynamics to understand ecosystem processes. Her research investigates the interplay between microbial communities, environmental drivers, and biogeochemical cycles. Notable projects include 20-year time-series studies of bacterial and viral ecology, mercury methylation in lakes, and the impact of climate change on microbial-driven ecosystem functions. She also explores engineered microbiomes for wastewater treatment. Recent work highlights viral dynamics, nitrogen fixation constraints, and microbial responses to environmental stressors. Articles emphasize freshwater lake microbiology, including protistan ecology and the role of electroactive bacteria. Her team’s contributions include refining the genus ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ and analyzing viral-host interactions in natural and engineered systems. Scientific recognition includes the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship. Research is supported by grants addressing microbial community resilience, One Health, and climate-microbe-human interactions. Labs and projects include the Lake Mendota Microbial Observatory, generating extensive datasets on limnology, microbial traits, and environmental parameters. Collaborations bridge environmental engineering, public health, and evolutionary biology to address global challenges in water quality and microbial ecology.

• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Biogeochemistry
• +3 more

David Caron is the Captain Allan Hancock Chair in Marine Science and Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He co-founded the Center for Integrated Networked Aquatic Platforms (CINAPS) and is part of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies. His research focuses on marine and freshwater microbial ecology, particularly protist trophic relationships and harmful algal blooms. Caron holds a Ph.D. from the MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Biological Oceanography (1984), an M.S. (1977) and B.S. (1975) in Oceanography and Microbiology from the University of Rhode Island. Research Interests: His work spans protistan ecology, mixotrophic microalgae physiology, Antarctic protist adaptations, and molecular approaches to microbial ecology. He investigates harmful algal bloom dynamics, protist grazing impacts, and the role of environmental drivers in planktonic communities. His studies often integrate field observations, experimental work, and advanced technologies like robotic sampling platforms. Key Achievements: Caron has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and pioneered methods in protistan diversity assessment. He received the AAAS Fellowship (2011), American Academy of Microbiology Fellowship (2007), and the USC Raubenheimer Outstanding Senior Faculty Award (2010–2011). He served as President of the International Society of Protistologists (2004–2005). Grants & Labs: He leads CINAPS, which uses autonomous systems to monitor coastal ecosystems. His lab studies microbial communities in the Southern California Bight, focusing on harmful algal toxins (e.g., domoic acid) and their ecological impacts. Collaborations with engineers and roboticists enhance data collection and environmental modeling efforts.

• Marine Microbial Ecology
• Protistan Trophic Relationships
• Harmful Algal Blooms
• +3 more