Michael Stekoll

Michael Stekoll is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), affiliated with the Natural Sciences Department. His research focuses on marine benthic plant biology, algal aquaculture, and pollution impacts on coastal ecosystems. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UCLA (1976) and a B.S. in Chemistry from Stanford University (1971).

Research interests include applied algal mariculture, ecological effects of pollution, and the use of remote sensing technologies (satellite imagery and drones) to map floating kelp beds in Alaska. Current projects involve kelp farming development, morphometric analysis of Alaria species, and controlling Saccharina latissima gametophyte growth.

Publications emphasize algal physiology, pollution toxicity, and kelp species morphology. He advises students Mari Fester and Tamsen Peeples. His collaborative work integrates marine ecology, chemistry, and applied phycology to address both basic and applied scientific challenges.