The Phytoplankton Ecophysiology Laboratory in the Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Oregon State University explores aspects of ocean biology, ecology, and biogeochemistry across spatial scales ranging from molecular to global and temporal scales ranging from microseconds to millennia. Laboratory studies within the team investigate details of phytoplankton photosynthesis and responses to light and nutrient stress, methods development ranging from biomass assessment techniques for field applications to quantification of nutrients and elemental stoichiometry of cells, and studies on chlorophyll fluorescence and other optical properties of phytoplankton. Members of the team are also heavily engaged in open ocean field studies targeting topics in ocean primary production, predator-prey interactions, environmental controls on phytoplankton annual biomass cycles and carbon cycling, and interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. At larger spatial scales, the team has a long history of investigations using satellite remote sensing data to characterize phytoplankton physiology, primary production, carbon cycling, community ecology, atmosphere-ocean interactions, nutrient stress, and predator-prey relationships. We have even been involved in the development of satellite instruments and NASA satellite missions. On long time scales, the team has been investigating mechanisms of species evolution and phytoplankton community diversity.
