Advances in Phytoplankton Ecology

Lesley completed a MSc (Melbourne University) and began her career as a biological oceanographer, but in the early 1990s expanded to marine bio-optics and ocean color validation in preparation for the launch of the first routine ocean color satellite sensor – SeaWiFS. She has established the leading bio-optical laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the leading bio-optical laboratories globally. Through participation in the NASA sponsored SeaHARRE experiments, Lesley's method for pigment analysis in marine samples was assessed as world class for over 10 years. Lesley works on numerous projects both nationally and internationally on a broad range of topics relating to phytoplankton ecology. She was awarded the Australian Marine Science Association's National Technical Award in 2016 and was inducted to the Tasmanian Honour Roll for Women for contributions to science in 2017. Lesley, a Principal Research Scientist in CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, has been a Research Group Leader of the Coasts program and a team leader of the Algal Ecology and Resources team.Ruth completed a PhD (University of Tasmania) in ecotoxicology, integrating the role of trace metal speciation on copper toxicity in marine and estuarine species. Through this project, she discovered the microscopic world of phytoplankton, which has subsequently become a passion and major area of research. Ruth established Tasmania's first NATA accredited phytoplankton testing facility and helped develop monitoring and detection programs for the salmonid and shellfish industries, focusing on HAB species. In her role in CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere as a Research Biologist, she has completed several Antarctic voyages, focusing on lower trophic level interactions, biodiversity and biogeography. Major projects are on the IMOS National Reference Stations (NRS), the Australian Continuous Plankton Recorder (AusCPR) Survey, and the Southern Ocean Time Series (SOTS). Ruth currently holds an adjunct position with the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, is an affiliate of the Australian Antarctic Partnership Program and is a specialist visiting scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division.Anusuya obtained her PhD in 2009 from the University of Melbourne and the Université de Paris XI, jointly awarded under the French - Australian PhD Cotutelle program. During her PhD, Anusuya used innovative techniques to analyze the biochemistry and cell-adhesion of diatoms, through a combination of algal physiology and molecular biology techniques. Anusuya posts have included development of a diatom for a biofuels feedstock (Department of Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA) and investigation of genotypic and phenotypic variation of toxic cyanobacteria isolates (Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia).