Naomi M. Levine

Naomi M. Levine is a Professor at the University of Southern California, leading the Levine Laboratory in Biological Oceanography. Her work focuses on marine microbial ecology, climate-microbe interactions, and carbon cycling through interdisciplinary numerical models.

• BS in Environmental Science, Vietnam National University of Science, Hanoi (Valedictorian, 2013)
• PhD in Earth Science, University of Southern California (2017)
• Postdoctoral training at Princeton University and NOAA GFDL
• Gabilan Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences and Earth Sciences

Dr. Levine’s research spans microbial evolutionary strategies, phytoplankton-bacteria dynamics, and dissolved organic matter cycling. She integrates metagenomics, proteomics, and computational modeling to explore microbial roles in climate feedback loops and global biogeochemical cycles.

Recent publications highlight microbial functional biogeography, DOM modeling, and trait trade-offs in diatoms. Her lab collaborates with CBIOMES and PriME, emphasizing predictive climate modeling and marine ecosystem resilience.

• Scientific Awards
  • Gabilan Distinguished Professorship

Her advisees, including Suzana Leles (UT Austin), Jessica Zaiss-Bowman (NASA), and Xiao Liu (NOAA), contribute to marine science globally. The lab welcomes graduate and postdoctoral researchers through USC’s Marine Biology & Biological Oceanography PhD program.