Research Interests

I'm an oceanographer and engineer who works at the interface between ocean science and technology. My research is strongly interdisciplinary, and novel instrumentation & observational approaches play an important role in my laboratory and field studies. I have broad interests in phytoplankton ecology and marine optics, and especially how phytoplankton interact with the oceanic light environment. I'm especially drawn to ice-covered polar regions where little is known about the distributions and ecology of algae in and under sea ice, or how variability in the light environment affects under-ice ecosystems. A main theme in my current research is the development of new observational approaches to help us overcome historical roadblocks that keep us from better understanding polar ocean ecosystems.

In addition to my own research I have been heavily involved in WHOI's AVAST initiative. AVAST is a new unit designed from the ground up to foster ocean technology innovations in "autonomous vehicle and sensor technologies", but also in other areas of ocean science where technical innovation can open new doors in ocean research and understanding. As AVAST's inaugural Director, I helped bring this exciting new unit into operation and provide WHOI with new capabilities in ocean technology, research, and education.