Michaela Larsson

Dr Michaela Larsson is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Climate Change Cluster. She holds a PhD in Microalgal Ecology from UTS (2014–2019) and has extensive experience in benthic harmful algal blooms (BHABs), mixotrophy, and marine microbial ecology. Her research focuses on understanding microalgal species' roles in carbon cycling and toxin production, particularly in response to climate change.

Educational Background:

• B.Sc. in Marine Biology, UTS (2009)
• Honours in Environmental Science, UTS (2010)
• PhD in Microalgal Toxicology & Ecology, UTS (2019)

Research Interests: Dr Larsson investigates mixotrophic protists' ecological roles, harmful algal bloom dynamics, and microbial contributions to carbon sequestration. Her work combines field studies with lab experiments, emphasizing the impacts of environmental variability on microbial traits and toxin production. Recent breakthroughs include discovering Prorocentrum insidiosum, a mixotrophic species with carbon-capturing mucospheres.

Key Achievements:

• Member of SCOR Working Group 165 on Mixotrophy
• Recipient of multiple grants (PADI Foundation, NERC, etc.)
• Awarded for outstanding student presentations and travel grants

Teaching & Supervision: Supervises Masters/PhD students on topics like phytoplankton adaptation to climate change. Teaches courses on marine communities, biocomplexity, and oceanography.