Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) announced that McCaela Acord, a senior in the Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection (MSSEP) program, co-authored a research article published by the Phycological Society of America's Journal of Phycology. The study, titled “Exploring the Phaeosphere: Characterizing the microbiomes of Phaeocystis antarctica colonies from the coastal Southern Ocean and laboratory culture,” examines the bacterial communities associated with a key phytoplankton species in the Southern Ocean. It compares microbiomes found in natural colonies with those that develop in laboratory cultures over time.
This research matters because it sheds light on the complex interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton in polar marine ecosystems, which are sensitive to climate change. Understanding these relationships can help predict how ocean ecosystems might respond to environmental shifts. The study provides insights into how laboratory conditions alter microbial communities, which is crucial for interpreting experimental results and for modeling natural processes.
“Participating in this research has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Acord, who conducted her work at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. “It was exciting to collaborate on a project that explores the complexity of polar ecosystems and to see our findings published by such a respected scientific organization.” Dr. Heather Burton, MSSEP Department Chair, praised Acord's achievement, stating, “Her research exemplifies the power of experiential learning and the impact undergraduates can have on advancing marine science.”
For more information about Massachusetts Maritime Academy, visit their website at https://www.maritime.edu. The full study can be accessed through the Journal of Phycology at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15298817.
