Uta Passow

Dr. Uta Passow is a Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Biological Oceanographic Processes at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. She leads the AEON Laboratory (Anthropogenic Effects on the Oceanography of Newfoundland) at the Ocean Sciences Centre, focusing on ocean-climate interactions and pollutant impacts.

• Specializes in Biological Carbon Pump dynamics under climate change
• Investigates oil spill and microplastic pollution mechanisms
• Conducts lab and field research in Labrador Sea and Gulf of Mexico

Her lab AEON Laboratory explores:

• Marine snow aggregation and fragmentation
• Microplastic transport pathways
• Oil biodegradation in freshwater and marine ecosystems

Scientific contributions include:

• Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada
• Lead researcher in Transforming Climate Action and Multi-Partner Research Initiative projects
• Collaborations with Nunatsiavut communities and Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Recent publications address oil-marine snow interactions, microplastic sedimentation, and storm impacts on carbon flux. Her work informs ocean policy and spill response strategies.