Karla Heidelberg

Karla Heidelberg is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She serves as Director of USC Sea Grant Program and RTPC Faculty in the Natural and Social Sciences Divisions. Her research focuses on marine microbial ecology, mixotrophy in protists, and coastal ecosystem dynamics. She holds appointments at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies and collaborates with institutions like the J. Craig Venter Institute.

Education: Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine Environmental Science (1999, University of Maryland), B.A. in Individualized Major (1988, Maryville College). Postdoctoral training at University of Maryland (1999–2001).

Research Interests: Investigates microbial eukaryotes, zooplankton ecology, and environmental impacts on marine systems. Current projects include mixotrophic protist behavior, microbial diversity in hydrothermal vents, and coastal sediment nitrogen cycling. Past projects include studies on Lake Tyrrell hypersaline ecosystems and Antarctic microbial adaptations.

Awards: Includes NSF Director’s Award (2022), multiple USC teaching awards (2017–2013), and U.S. Department of State honors (2004–2003). Recognized for contributions to microbial ecology education and outreach.

Advising & Grants: Mentored over 10 graduate researchers. Active in educational outreach through USC Wrigley Institute programs, including REU sites for coastal sustainability and K-12 STEM engagement. Collaborates on NSF-funded initiatives to broaden geosciences diversity.

Labs & Affiliations: Leads research at USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Affiliated with Microbiome editorial board and Frontiers in Aquatic Microbiology (2010–2019). Co-leads projects on microbial metagenomics and ocean time-series analysis.