Silke Thoms

Dr. Silke Thoms is a Senior Scientist in the Ecological Chemistry group at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), part of the Marine Biogeosciences department. Her work focuses on mathematical modeling of phytoplankton physiology, biogeochemical cycles, and sea ice dynamics. She investigates processes such as calcification in coccolithophores, stable isotope fractionation, and the effects of environmental stressors like ocean acidification and light conditions on marine microbes.

Her research integrates experimental and modeling approaches to understand ecosystem responses to climate change, particularly in polar and Southern Ocean ecosystems. Key areas include nutrient limitation in phytoplankton, toxin production in harmful algal blooms, and the role of trace metals in marine systems. She collaborates on projects like the MOSAiC expedition and contributes to global biogeochemical models like FESOM2-REcoM3.

Dr. Thoms’s publications span journals such as Environmental Modelling & Software and Biogeosciences, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise in marine biogeochemistry and ecological modeling. Her work highlights the interplay between microbial physiology, biogeochemical cycles, and climate-driven environmental changes.