Susanne Neuer

Susanne Neuer is a Professor and Founding Director of the School of Ocean Futures at Arizona State University (ASU), part of the College for Global Futures/Global Futures Lab. She holds additional affiliations with the School of Life Sciences, Water Institute, and the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics. Her research focuses on biological oceanography, marine ecology, and the role of ocean life in the carbon cycle, particularly in the subtropical Atlantic and Arctic regions. Neuer has led interdisciplinary studies on microplastics, harmful algal blooms, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Education: Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography (Oregon State University), M.Sc. in Biological Oceanography (University of Washington), B.S. in Biology (University of Kiel).

Research Interests: Her work bridges microbial processes, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystem dynamics. Key areas include carbon sequestration via the biological pump, microplastic colonization by microbes, and Arctic sea ice algae dynamics. She has pioneered studies on zooplankton mediation of particle flux and the influence of environmental variables on microbial communities.

Grants & Leadership: Neuer has secured over $2.3 million in grants from NSF, NASA, and industry partners. She chairs the Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry (OCB) steering committee and served as President of ASU’s Faculty Women’s Association. Her leadership extends to organizing international conferences and promoting diversity in STEM.

Outreach & Education: She develops innovative curricula for ocean futures education and engages in public outreach through initiatives like 'SoLS Takes a Hike.' Her research lab, the Neuer Lab, emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary training for students and early-career scientists.