Research
My students and I use a combination of laboratory and field studies, remote sensing, and computer modeling techniques to understand phytoplankton dynamics in regions ranging from the Southern Ocean to the Red Sea. In particular, we are interested in the role these organisms play in regulating the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the ocean, as well as in how they help structure marine ecosystems. We work with colleagues in fields as diverse as molecular biology, glaciology, and physical oceanography to develop a comprehensive understanding of how these ecosystems operate and how they may respond to environmental changes--past, present, and future.
Teaching
I teach courses for graduate and undergraduate students on ocean biogeochemistry, global environmental change, satellite remote sensing, numerical ecosystem modeling, and biological oceanography. I also co-teach a field course on coral reef ecology as part of Stanford's Overseas Studies Program in Australia.
Professional Activities
Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine Science, 2007; Editorial Board, Annual Reviews, 2006-present; IMBER/SOLAS Working Group for Carbon Research, 2005-present; Board of Governors, Alternate, Joint Oceanographic Institutions, 2004-present; Vice-Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine Science, 2005; Member, Bering Sea Ecological Study (BEST) Committee, National Science Foundation, March 2003-present; Member, Committee on A Science Plan for the North Pacific Research Board, National Research Council of the National Academies, 2003-2005; Editor, Ross Sea Oceanography, Antarctic Science, Volume 15, 2003