Ryan Paerl

Ryan Paerl is an Associate Professor in the Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences Department at North Carolina State University (NC State), where he leads the Paerl Lab focusing on marine and aquatic microbiology. He holds a PhD in Ocean Sciences from UC Santa Cruz (2011) and a BS in Biology from UNC Chapel Hill (2004). His research emphasizes microbial ecology, nutrient cycling, and cyanobacterial diversity, particularly in coastal and estuarine systems. Key projects investigate vitamin B1 (thiamin) dynamics, bacterioplankton interactions, and the application of flow cytometry techniques.

Research interests include understanding microbial roles in biogeochemical cycles, particularly nitrogen fixation, organic matter transformation, and vitamin availability. His lab employs molecular tools like qPCR, nucleic acid sequencing, and isotopic tracing to study microbial metabolism. Ongoing work explores the impact of environmental stressors (e.g., storms, eutrophication) on estuarine ecosystems and microbial aerosolization dynamics.

Recent publications highlight advancements in vitamin B1 cycling mechanisms, cyanobacterial diversity in estuaries, and the ecological consequences of microbial nutrient interactions. Collaborative efforts include NSF-funded projects on microbial nutrient exchange and coastal carbon pathways. Paerl is also affiliated with NC State’s Microbiology Program and teaches courses in marine biology and microbiology.