Nikki Lovenduski

Nikki Lovenduski is a Professor and Director of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research focuses on ocean biogeochemistry, marine carbon cycling, and climate variability.

• PhD: University of California at Los Angeles, 2007
• MS: University of California at Los Angeles, 2003
• BA: Washington University in St. Louis, 2001

Her work investigates the Southern Ocean's role in the global carbon cycle, impacts of climate change on ocean systems, and modeling air-sea CO2 exchange. Recent studies examine marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and Antarctic ecosystem threats.

Key trends in her publications include Southern Ocean carbon dynamics, climate modeling, and marine ecosystem stressors. Articles frequently address anthropogenic climate change, ocean acidification, and Earth system feedbacks.

• Provost’s Faculty Achievement Award, CU Boulder, 2023
• Ocean Sciences Early Career Award, AGU, 2019
• NSF CAREER Award, 2018
• NOAA Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2007
• NASA Earth System Science Fellowship, 2005

As a mentor, she has guided over 60 students and researchers. She leads INSTAAR's JEDI Task Force (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) and teaches courses in oceanography, carbon cycling, and climate change.