Frances Wilkerson

Frances Wilkerson is a Research Professor at the Estuary and Ocean Science Center (EOS), San Francisco State University, where she has been since 2000. Her research focuses on nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton interactions in marine ecosystems, particularly in estuaries and coastal regions. She leads the Wilkerson/Dugdale Laboratory, studying how nutrient inputs affect phytoplankton populations and their role in primary production and climate.

Her work integrates field observations with hydrodynamic and ecosystem modeling, emphasizing the San Francisco Bay-Delta system. Key areas include anthropogenic nitrogen impacts, light regulation of phytoplankton growth, and ecosystem responses to environmental stressors like drought and human infrastructure changes. She teaches courses such as BIOL 863 and BIOL 502/702, contributing to graduate and undergraduate education in marine sciences.

Research interests span nutrient cycling, phytoplankton community structure, and the ecological consequences of coastal upwelling. Her lab uses state-of-the-art tools like 3D sediment transport models and satellite remote sensing to explore ecosystem dynamics. Recent projects address climate change impacts, managed flow alterations, and the recovery of ecosystems post-nitrogen reduction measures.

Publications highlight advancements in phytoplankton productivity modeling, the effects of urbanization on estuaries, and the interplay between hydrology and biogeochemistry. Collaborations with environmental agencies inform management strategies for coastal and estuarine systems.