Zofia Baumann

Zofia Baumann is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research investigates biogeochemical cycling of contaminants—particularly mercury—in marine ecosystems, examining bioavailability mechanisms, trophic transfer, and environmental drivers of methylmercury production.

Baumann's work establishes connections between nutrient dynamics, dissolved organic matter chemistry, and mercury bioaccumulation across terrestrial-marine interfaces. Recent publications document contaminant distribution in marine plankton over tidal cycles, mercury partitioning in bivalve tissues, and dam-induced alterations in contaminant transport. Field sites include Long Island Sound, subarctic peatlands, and the Hackensack estuary.

She leads oyster restoration initiatives and secured funding for the New Generation of Marine Scientists and Stewards Fellowship. Current graduate advisees include Gunnar Hansen and Wes Huffman. Her laboratory develops innovative approaches for monitoring contaminant mobility in coastal food webs.