Faculty & Cadets

Dr. Parker's research interest is marine microbial biogeochemistry, addressing questions related to characterizing underlying controls on phytoplankton and bacterial processes in aquatic systems. He primarily works in urbanized estuaries  where coastal pollution, including large-scale nutrient fertilization, has had major impacts on the microbial community.  With several published papers and more than one hundred research cruises to survey the San Francisco Estuary, Dr. Parker works regularly with state science and natural resource agencies to evaluate estuarine management strategies.

Parker, A.E., P. W. Lehman. 2021. Powering Life in the Water, Phytoplankton in the San Francisco Estuary. Frontiers for Young Minds. https://doi: 10.3389/frym.2021.611976

Coyne, K.J., A.E. Parker, C.K. Lee, J.A. Sohm, A. Kalmbach, A., T. Gunderson, R. Leόn-Zayas, D.G. Capone, E.J. Carpenter, S.C. Cary 2020. The distribution and relative ecological roles of autotrophic and heterotrophic diazotrophs in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiaa010

Lee, J., A.E. Parker, F. P. Wilkerson, R.C. Dugdale. 2015. Uptake and inhibition kinetics of nitrogen in Microcystis aeruginosa: results from cultures and field assemblages in the San Francisco Bay Delta, CA.  Harmful Algae. 47: 126-140.

Parker, A.E.,W.J.  Kimmerer, U. Lidstrom, U. 2012. Re-evaluating the generality of empirical models for light-limited primary production in the San Francisco Estuary. Estuaries and Coasts.  35(4):930-942.

Lefebvre, S.C., Benner, I., Drake, M.K., Rossignol, P.E., Okimura, K.M., Komada, T., Stillman, J.H., Parker, A.E. Carpenter, E.J. 2012. Nitrogen source and pCO₂ synergistically affect carbon allocation, growth and morphology of the coccolithophoreEmiliania huxleyi.  Global Change Biology. 18(2):493-503.

Parker, A.E., Wilkerson, F., Dugdale R.C., Hogue, V., Marchi, A. 2011.  Understanding spatial patterns in nitrogen uptake and phytoplankton in the equatorial Pacific upwelling zone (110ºW – 140ºW) during 2004 and 2005. Deep Sea Research II. 58 (3-4): 417-433.

Kirchman, D.L., Hill, V, Cottrell, M.T., Gradinger, R., Malmstrom R.R., Parker, A.E. 2008 Primary production and the processing of organic carbon by heterotrophic bacteria in the western Arctic Ocean. Deep Sea Research II, 56(17): 1237-1248.

Parker, A. E. 2005. Differential supply of autochthonous organic carbon and nitrogen to the microbial loop of the Delaware Estuary.Estuaries 28(6): 856-867.

• OCN 100 Marine Biology
• OCN 110 Marine Ecology
• OCN 310 Oceanographic Instruments and Analysis
• OCN 330 Marine Microbial Ecology

• Marine Biology Labotatory
• Marine Ecology LAboratory
• First Year Experience for Oceanographers

Throughout her academic journey and research endeavors, Dr. Mohammadpour has made significant contributions to the field of Ocean Engineering. Her work has not only expanded our understanding of ocean processes but has also offered practical solutions to real-world challenges, with the potential to enhance coastal resilience and safety.

Dr. Mohammadpour's research expertise lies in the realm of Ocean Engineering and Oceanography, encompassing a wide spectrum of critical areas:

1. Nearshore Wave Modeling and Experiments: Her research delves into the intricate dynamics of nearshore waves, employing advanced modeling.

2. Wave-Structure-Bottom Interactions: She  has contributed significantly to the understanding of how waves interact with coastal structures and the seabed, a vital aspect of coastal protection and management.

3. Wave Breaking and Freak Waves

4. Wave-Induced Sediment Transport: Dr. Mohammadpour's work addresses the crucial issue of sediment transport driven by waves, impacting coastal erosion and sediment deposition patterns.

5. Coastal Storm and Tsunami Impact:Her research also focuses on assessing the impact of coastal storms and tsunamis, contributing valuable insights for disaster mitigation and preparedness.

6. **Geohazards:** Dr. Mohammadpour's studies extend to geohazards affecting coastal regions, exploring their causes and potential mitigation strategies.

Grilli, S.T., M. Mohammadpour, L. Schambach, and A.R. Grilli 2022.T sunami coastal hazard along the US East Coast from coseismic sources in the Acores Convergence Zone and the Caribbean Arc areas. Natural Hazards, 111, 1431–1478, doi:10.1007/s11069-021-05103-y

Modeling of the tsunami generation and near-field impact on Tongatapu caused by the Jan 15th, 2022 catastrophic explosion the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcano [Under review]

• OCN 200 Geological and Chemical Oceanography
• OCN 305 Intro. Ocean Science Research
• OCN 320  Oceans and Climate
• COM210L Programming for Ocean Science Lab

Dr. Musburger is the founder and President of Everywhere Science - a nonprofit organization dedicated to science communication, and he has a deep commitment to developing the next generation of great science communicators.

OCN100 Marine Biology

OCN110 Marine Ecology

OCN 395 Science Communication

For my dissertation research I studied the (paleo)ecology of modern and fossil benthic foraminifera (shelled protists) from the marsh and mangrove environments of the coastal Everglades, southwest Florida. I applied the results from the study of contemporary foraminiferal assemblages to a paleoenvironmental (i.e. environments of the past) study for this area, tracking habitat change and trends in the rate of sea level rise over the past ~3,400 years. The outcomes can be used to predict shifts in coastal habitats, of importance to South Florida’s growing coastal population and the Everglades ecosystem.

I am currently involved in a  collaborative project with researchers from the University of Texas at Austin. The study focuses on the relationship between environmental change over time and the establishment of early civilizations in Puerto Rico. 

Additionally, I enjoy making my research accessible outside of the academic world. I am presently preparing an exhibit of my PhD research with the Western Science Center (Hemet, CA) as part of their Broader Impacts Program.

Verlaak, Z.R.F., and Collins, L.S., 2021. Environmental Controls on the Distribution of Modern Benthic Foraminifera in the Florida Everglades for Their Use as Paleoenvironmental Indicators. Journal of Foraminiferal Research, Vol. 51, p. 182–209. 

Verlaak, Z.R.F., Collins, L.S., and Hayek, C.L.-A., 2019. Effects of Infaunal Foraminifera on Surface and Subsurface Assemblages in the Southwestern Everglades, USA: Baseline Study for Paleoenvironmental Analyses. SEPM Special Publication, no. 111, p. 3–14.

• OCN110 Marine Ecology
• OCN310/310L Ocean Instruments and Analysis
• OCN 340 Chemical Oceanography
• OCN 395 Historical Geology
• OCN395 Paleoecology

 

 

 

• OCN 310L Oceanographic Instruments and Analysis Lab