Jay T. Cullen

Jay T. Cullen is a Professor and Director of the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS) at the University of Victoria. His research focuses on trace metal biogeochemistry in ocean systems, particularly how anthropogenic activities impact marine microbial communities and climate processes. Cullen holds a BSc from McGill University and a PhD from Rutgers University.

Research interests include chemical speciation of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, Zn), paleoceanographic proxies, and the effects of climate change on ocean carbon sequestration. His lab develops novel analytical techniques for studying trace elements in natural waters, integrating geochemistry, microbial physiology, and analytical chemistry.

Recent work examines metal availability under changing ocean conditions (ocean acidification, deoxygenation), continental metal inputs, and Fukushima-derived radioactivity monitoring. Over 80 peer-reviewed publications span topics like hydrothermal plume dynamics, Arctic nutrient cycling, and mesocosm experiments on CO₂ and iron effects.

Cullen advises a dynamic research group including 14 current/past graduate students and collaborates on multi-institutional projects. His lab maintains an active GitHub presence for data sharing and methodological advances in marine chemistry.