Seaweed ecophysiology under global change
Daniel Okamoto, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
Seaweeds (e.g., kelp, nori) are important primary producers, food sources, and essential fish habitat around the globe. While many species are resilient to climate change, many important species are also exhibiting declines in recent years and especially in response to marine heatwaves. We are conducting laboratory experiments and fieldwork focused on understanding how seaweed species respond to climate stress and how that varies among species and among populations.
Role: Students will assist in conducting laboratory experiments and potentially fieldwork depending on certifications and skillsets. Daily activities may include microscopy, water quality analysis, laboratory preparation of samples and laboratory materials, measurement of photosynthesis, or other tasks.
Qualifications: Students should be able to demonstrate basic laboratory skills, proficiency in essential software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software), capabilities to read primary literature, and excellent writing skills.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Olivia Ruffins, Graduate Student
Biological & Health Sciences Environmental Issues