ALLISON SCHAAP

Allison Schaap is a Senior Research Engineer at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK, specializing in microfluidic sensors for in situ oceanographic measurements. Her work focuses on developing low-power, reagent-efficient sensors to measure nutrients (nitrate, phosphate) and carbonate parameters (pH, alkalinity) in marine environments. These sensors enable long-term deployments in harsh conditions, enhancing understanding of ocean acidification and carbon cycling.

Recent deployments of her sensors span Arctic and tropical regions, demonstrating their versatility. A key project involves an alkalinity sensor designed for carbon capture and storage monitoring, with preliminary sea trials showing promising reliability (±0.1% accuracy over months). She addresses engineering challenges such as durability in fluctuating marine conditions and data consistency under extreme environments.

Future directions include refining sensor technology for broader applications and improving autonomous measurement capabilities in remote oceanic zones. Her interdisciplinary approach combines optics, microfluidics, and custom hardware to advance marine environmental monitoring.