About the lab

In our lab we study phytoplankton ecology and biogeochemistry. We are specifically interested in how different phytoplankton groups respond to environmental perturbations such as changes in CO2, light intensity and nutrient availability. My students and I aim to not only characterize the responses of phytoplankton to a multitude of environmental factors, but also to understand the underlying processes of the measured responses, such as photosynthetic pathways, carbon acquisition processes and protein regulation. In collaboration with my colleagues at FSU, within the US and around the globe, we investigate these ecophysiological responses on different levels (from gene expression to ecosystem function) and in many ecosystems (Gulf of Mexico, tropical oligotrophic regions, Southern Ocean and coastal upwelling regions). We hope that our work will inform many different groups of researchers. For example:

  • Our work on nitrogen isotopes in the Southern Ocean aims to inform the interpretation of paleo proxies on the strength of the biological carbon pump during glacial and interglacial cycles.
  • Our work on N2 fixing organisms will inform biogeochemical modelers on current and projected future productivity of our oceans
  • The work on marine productivity will inform ecologists, physiologists and numerical modelers on processes affecting the base of the marine food web.
  • We further hope that our work on the toxic dinoflaggelate Karenia brevis, a Gulf of Mexico red tide organism, will inform decision makers and ecosystem managers to better understand and predict the socio-economic impact of this organism in the current and future ocean.

Our lab is located in the Anderson Biological laboratory @ Rice University in Houston.

 

If you are interested in working with us, please contact skranz[at]rice[dot]edu

Prospective graduate students: The lab will be associated with the EEB graduate program at Rice. We are excited to welcome students starting in August 2023.

Prospective undergraduate students: Please feel free to send me an email, if you are interested in working in our group. You will have plenty of small semi-independent projects to choose from.

Lab-tech: I am currently looking for a lab-tech on a 10-20h/week basis. Please send me an email if you are interested.