Ocean Optics and Particle Dynamics
Our research focuses on characterizing the ocean environment using optical methods, especially to characterize oceanic particles like phytoplankton and marine snow, and better understand the dynamic processes affecting these particle pools. This work covers a range of scales from decadal and global observations of ocean color, to regional measurements using optical instruments on observing systems and other sampling platforms, and even smaller to light interaction with individual cells. We use both theoretical and empirical approaches to connect the optical signals–especially multi-spectral, multi-angle, and polarized measurements–to particle properties.
We are grateful for funding from the Save Our Seas Specialty License Plate program (through the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation) and Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination program at the National Science Foundation.
