Pierre Marrec, University of Rhode Island
Susanne Menden-Deuer, University of Rhode Island

Project Location

University of Rhode Island-Bay Campus

Project Description

Phytoplankton, microscopic algae, and zooplankton, microscopic animals feeding on phytoplankton, are the basis of the food web in the ocean. In addition to be the first stage of the food chain, phytoplankton is often described as the second lung of the Earth, the first one being land vegetation, because they produce about the half of the O2 we breathe by photosynthesis by simultaneously catching and storing a large amount of atmospheric CO2 in the ocean interior.

Members of the Menden-Deuer lab have strong expertise in plankton ecology and our research focuses on the interactions between prey (phytoplankton) and predators (zooplankton), on the diversity of these small organisms and on the plankton process rates as growth, production and respiration. We seek to link environmental conditions with plankton dynamics, in order to deepen our understanding of the factors governing the basis of the food web in a changing ocean. We investigate plankton dynamics using various approaches such as lab experimentations on natural and culture samples, field work onboard research vessels and theoretical approaches. The different rates we measure are an essential part of integrative models, which simulate and predict conditions in the present and future ocean.

The main objective of the student led project will be to develop a method to estimate O2 production by plankton (primary production) and consumption (respiration) using innovative and user-friendly O2 sensors. The student will work on the improvement and the optimization of the O2 method by performing various lab tests on natural and culture plankton samples. The performance and the limitations of the O2 sensors will have to be clearly defined to meet state-of-the-art criteria allowing the use of the method for research.

The student will be exposed to a range of microbiological and oceanographic techniques and will have access to numerous lab facilities. The student will be an integral part of Menden-Deuer lab and will work in a dynamic environment with several graduate students and post-docs. There will be potential for collaboration with federal research partners located on the Bay campus.

This project involves primarily lab or computer work

Required/Preferred Skills

All training will be provided in a friendly, supportive environment. Requirements are attention to detail, focus on safety in a lab environment. Interest in quantitative techniques. High level of motivation. Professionalism and reliability.

Will students require their own transportation to field sites and/or other off-campus locations?

No, but students must be able to come to Narragansett Bay Campus. Some bus service is available with RIPTA.

Additional Information

• Dr. Menden-Deuer’s Research Page