Our lab studies the highly diverse microbial community (i.e. plankton) living in the ocean. We are interested in quantifying how global human-induced environmental changes affect microbial diversity and ecosystem function. Marine microorganisms are also the engines that drive the cycles of carbon, nutrients, and oxygen in the ocean. Therefore, we are keen on learning how shifts in microbial communities will affect CO2 storage or whether the ocean will lose oxygen. We believe that ocean microbes are important for understanding and moderating the global impact of human activities.