Ryan Paerl

Bio

Aquatic microbes, especially cyanobacteria, impact global biogeochemistry, water quality, as well as ecosystem health and functionality. Our research in the Paerl Lab examines aquatic microbial ecology in fresh to pelagic ocean habitats with consideration of how changes to weather and climate alter their ultimate impacts on their environment and co-occurring organisms within. Our expertise is in experimental research involving laboratory and field experiments with cultured and natural populations. Both traditional (microscopy, cell cultivation) and cutting-edge (genetics, sorting flow cytometry, isotopic) methods are used in Paerl Lab research. Last we work extensively with collaborators outside of microbiology – e.g., chemical, geospatial, hydrologists – to address diverse environmental questions and issues.