Award: DBI-1202684

This project supported the postdoctoral training and research in marine microbiology of an early career scientist. During the three-year project, the postdoctoral fellow engaged in a variety of research and outreach activities. Her research focused on understanding the biochemical processes being used by marine microbes to degrade particulate organic compounds (POC) in the ocean. These POCs form a critical part of the marine carbon cycle in that they are an important mediator of CO2 transfer from the atmosphere to the oceanÆs interior. As human activity increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, studies which quantify the mechanisms by which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere are increasingly important. Her research revealed the identity and function of microbes that facilitate these processes, which help to improve the accuracy of carbon cycle models that are used to understand the ongoing impacts of climate change. Further, her research revealed previously unknown interrelationships among marine microbes, improving our understanding of marine food webs. She has written a manuscript detailing these findings that is currently in review. The broader impacts of this funding were achieved through the funding of the postdoctoral studies of a female early career scientist of Latino ethnicity. The postdoctoral fellow was able to present her research at a variety of conferences thereby increasing the visibility and impact of underrepresented minorities and women in science. Further, the fellow participated in outreach activities in predominately minority middle schools where she gave biology seminars and encouraged minority students to pursue careers in science. Last Modified: 03/14/2015 Submitted by: Kristina M Fontanez