Daniel Carlson

Dr. Daniel Carlson is a researcher at the Institute of Coastal Sea Dynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany, since 2020. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University (2018–2019), and held postdoctoral positions at Florida State University (2015–2019) and CNR-ISMAR, La Spezia (2013–2015).

• Ph.D., Physical Oceanography (2008–2013), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• M.S., Physical Oceanography (2004–2007), Florida State University
• B.S., Physics (2000–2004), Stetson University

His research focuses on ocean surface dynamics, marine ecosystem connectivity, and coastal hydrography, particularly examining how ocean currents influence sardine recruitment in the Adriatic Sea. He employs surface drifters and high-frequency radar to map transport pathways and retention mechanisms.

Key findings from his 2018 study revealed that sardine larvae in the Gulf of Manfredonia are primarily transported from remote spawning areas via the Western Adriatic Current rather than locally spawned, with implications for sustainable fisheries management. His work highlights the interplay between physical oceanography and biological processes in coastal ecosystems.

Scientific Awards

• German Scholars Organization Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellow (2021–2022)
• Rieger Foundation-Jewish National Fund Fellowship for Environmental Sciences (2010–2012)
• Fulbright Student Grant (2007–2008), US-Israel Education Foundation, Weizmann Institute

Dr. Carlson contributes to oceanographic research through field experiments (e.g., CoCoPro, JERICO-NEXT) and interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions across Italy, Denmark, and Germany.