Anna Hickman

Dr Anna Hickman is a Lecturer in the Department of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton, UK. Her research focuses on marine phytoplankton, emphasizing their role in biogeochemical cycles, ecological dynamics, and photo-acclimation mechanisms. She bridges biological, physical, and chemical oceanography with marine optics, employing both observational and modeling approaches to study light-phytoplankton interactions.

• PhD Oceanography, University of Southampton (2007)
• MSc Oceanography (w. Distinction), University of Southampton
• BSc Geology and Geophysics, Durham University

Her research spans phytoplankton biogeography, light availability controls, and satellite ocean color applications. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary themes such as:

• Chromatic acclimation in oligotrophic oceans
• Subsurface chlorophyll maximum dynamics
• Backscattering proxies for carbon biomass
• Wind-mixing impacts on bloom evolution
• Functional trait modeling of plankton communities
• Climate change signatures in marine productivity

Scientific Awards:

• Dean's Prize for Citizenship and All Round Contribution (2014)

As Programme Lead for MSc Ocean and Earth Science by Research, she supervises PhD students including James Alexander Bowen Williams, Hans Hilder, and Zhibo Shao. External roles include consultancy with QinetiQ and membership on the International Ocean Colour Coordinating Working Group.