Erin McParland

Erin McParland is an Assistant Professor at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) at Oregon State University, joining in March 2024. Her research focuses on marine microbial biogeochemistry, particularly using metabolomics and microbial ecology techniques to study carbon cycling by marine microbes. She combines lab-based studies with fieldwork on oceanographic expeditions to analyze organic matter dynamics.

Dr. McParland holds a B.S. in Marine Science and Chemical Oceanography from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography from the University of Southern California. She previously served as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and is currently a Simons Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow there.

Her research interests include exometabolite patterns in oligotrophic oceans, sulfur cycle dynamics, and the role of organic compounds in microbial activity. She is actively involved in international SCOR Working Groups (e.g., DMS-PRO) to advance understanding of methylated sulfur compounds in marine systems.

Dr. McParland’s work emphasizes ocean literacy and fostering inclusive scientific communities. Her recent publications (2024–2020) highlight advancements in microbial metabolomics, sulfur cycling mechanisms, and the ecological roles of DMSP in marine ecosystems.

Awards:

• Simons Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow

Grants & Collaborations: Her research involves multidisciplinary collaborations on sulfur cycle processes and microbial community dynamics in diverse marine environments.