Michael Steinke

Dr. Michael Steinke is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex. His research focuses on biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in aquatic organisms, sensor technologies for bivalve behavior (e.g., the Non-invasive Oyster Sensor, NOSy), and shellfish ecology. He investigates BVOC roles in physiology, ecology, and atmospheric interactions, with applications to climate science and fisheries management.

Dr. Steinke holds a Dr. rer. nat. in Marine Biology from the University of Bremen. He has led numerous academic programs including the MSc in Marine Science and Sustainable Development, Integrated MSci in Tropical Marine Biology, and BSc Marine Biology. His administrative roles span Directorships for taught postgraduate programs and Theme Leadership in the ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership.

Collaborations include global research networks and fisheries agencies, focusing on stress physiology of harvested species in warming oceans. His work bridges fundamental research with applied challenges, such as microplastic impacts and climate change mitigation strategies in coastal ecosystems.

Publications emphasize BVOC cycling, microplastic toxicity, and plankton-microbe interactions, with over 70 peer-reviewed articles since 1995. He actively mentors students and welcomes collaborative projects in marine science, particularly in volatile metabolomics and sensor development.