Shady Amin

Shady Amin is an Associate Professor of Biology and Global Network Associate Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), where he also serves as Associate Program Head for Undergraduate Studies in Biology. He is affiliated with the Division of Science and leads the Marine Microbiomics Lab, focusing on the chemical and ecological dynamics of marine microbiomes.

• Education: BSc in Biochemistry (UC Santa Barbara), MA in Chemistry (San Diego State University), PhD in Inorganic Chemistry (UC San Diego / San Diego State University Joint Program)
• Postdoctoral Training: University of Washington, studying diatom-bacteria signaling and archaeal adaptation

His research lies at the intersection of chemical ecology, biological oceanography, and marine microbiology, exploring how metabolite exchanges between marine eukaryotes (microalgae, corals, cetaceans) and their microbiomes influence host physiology, adaptation, and ecosystem function. His lab employs genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and fieldwork to unravel symbiotic and pathogenic microbial interactions, including those driving harmful algal blooms.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in microbial communication in marine systems, particularly the chemical signaling between phytoplankton and bacteria. Studies focus on the phycosphere, microbial mutualism via iron cycling, inhibition of diatom growth by bacteria, and the ecological roles of archaea in nitrogen cycling. These works span disciplines including microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and environmental microbiology, reflecting a systems-level approach to marine microbial networks.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Grant (USD 4,999,505) for Harmful Algal Bloom Research
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant for Marine Microbiome Research
• Grant from NYU Abu Dhabi to Study Symbiosis Between Phytoplankton and Bacteria

Shady Amin actively mentors undergraduate researchers through the Biology Capstone program and teaches courses such as Research Seminar in Biology, Conservation Biology, Microbiology, and interdisciplinary core courses like Communication: from bacteria to humans and An Ocean Voyage. He is involved in a multi-institutional consortium developing an environmental monitoring system along the Abu Dhabi coast to predict algal blooms. His lab, the Marine Microbiomics Lab, integrates molecular biology, field sampling, and biochemical analysis to investigate how microbiomes shape marine life and ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.