On Saturday, the Johnson Lab welcomed hundreds of people into the laboratory as part of the Duke Marine Lab’s annual Open House event. The Open House is an opportunity for the public to tour DUML facilities, learn about ongoing research, and view some of that research in action. Upstairs in the Pilkey Laboratory, the Johnson Lab spoke to community members about both PICO and algae biofuel projects. Research technician Sara Blinebry showed her video of the weekly PICO sampling process. She explained that these samples help us understand changes in coastal ocean acidity and seasonal changes in the marine microbial community. PhD student Courtney Swink displayed cultures of green algae and diatoms, and talked about the Johnson Lab’s role in studying algae cultivation for biofuels and co-products. PhD student Sarah Loftus then gave visitors a closer look at these cultures under the microscope and answered questions about microalgae.