Daniela Marić Pfannkuchen

Daniela Marić Pfannkuchen is a Senior Research Associate at the Ruđer Bošković Institute's Laboratory for Evolutionary Ecology within the Center for Marine Research. Her research focuses on phytoplankton ecology and taxonomy, particularly in the northern Adriatic Sea. She holds a PhD in Oceanology from the University of Zagreb and a Biology diploma from the University of Trieste.

Her work integrates traditional ecological methods with molecular techniques like environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to assess phytoplankton biodiversity and ecosystem health. Key areas include understanding phytoplankton responses to environmental changes, harmful algal blooms, and the impacts of climate change on marine productivity.

Recent studies highlight her contributions to long-term phytoplankton monitoring, revealing disruptions in seasonal patterns due to environmental pressures. She leads projects on genomic resources for Adriatic diatoms and collaborates on coastal observatory initiatives. Her findings emphasize the need for advanced monitoring tools to assess dynamic marine ecosystems.

Dr. Marić Pfannkuchen actively participates in international conferences, advancing methodologies for eDNA applications and omics-based approaches in marine research. Her team’s work bridges molecular biology with ecological insights, contributing to both fundamental science and practical environmental management strategies.