Dr. Thamatrakoln’s research interests are in understanding the molecular, physiological, and biochemical strategies that have contributed to the ecological success of eukaryotic marine phytoplankton. Marine phytoplankton contribute nearly 50% of global primary productivity and play a role in nearly every major biogeochemical cycle including carbon, nitrogen, and silicon, yet comprise <1% of Earth’s biomass. Her research combines molecular, biochemical, and biophysical techniques with large scale genomic and transcriptomic studies to answer fundamental questions about the physiology and functional ecology of this globally important group of organisms. She is specifically interested in the physiological response of phytoplankton to both abiotic (e.g. nutrient and light availability) and biotic (e.g. viral infection) stress and how those responses impact biogeochemical cycling.