Junyao Gu: Second-year PhD student in the Johnson research group. I am interested in using a variety of approaches including computational, DNA, qPCR and bioinformatics tools to investigate the diversity and dynamics of microbial communities, focusing on Prochlorococcus and their role in the ocean environment, the relationship among them and biogeochemical cycles, climate change, health risks, and help formulate environmental policies that protect human and ecosystem health. My research interests involve exploring the ocean biogeochemical cycles (carbon and nitrogen) as well as environmental justice.
Lauren Chacho: My interests revolve around using microalgae as a key tool for creating a more sustainable planet in disciplines such as biofuel, agricultural feed to reduce methane production, and other commercially economical products. The research that I’m involved in focuses on optimizing the microalgae harvesting aspects for these disciplines, which includes microalgae culturing in the lab and in our outdoor facility and testing filtration parameters to efficiently concentrate biomass. I have a MS in Marine Biology from Northeastern University and a BS in Marine Science from Eckerd College.
Bryce O’Brien: As a Technician in the Johnson Lab, I work to better understand the role of algaculture in promoting clean energy and sustainable food systems. I am interested in the multifaceted benefits and regenerative qualities of sustainable ocean farming and am eager to explore its potential, particularly in the context of a changing climate. Other research questions that I am interested in exploring include: can algaculture promote carbon cycling and in turn influence ocean acidification and global climate; how will a changing ocean impact the prevalence and health of microalgae and the ecological and coastal communities connected to them; and, what are the broader implications of algaculture for the sustainable development and resilience of coastal communities?
Sara Blinebry: Since joining the Johnson Lab as a technician in 2013, I have enjoyed being a part of many projects, but my main focus has been studying the effects of a changing climate on marine microbes (PICO), as well as growing algae both in the lab and in outdoor raceway ponds as part of MAGIC, which seeks to develop marine microalgae as a sustainable feedstock for feed, food and fuel. 
Zackary Johnson – PI: Associate Professor Dr. Zackary Johnson’s research group studies the abundance, diversity and activity of marine microbes, focusing on Prochlorococcus, the most abundant phytoplankton in the open ocean. Our group also leads MAGIC (Marine AlGae Industrialization Consortium) that is developing microalgae as an economical and reduced carbon source of biofuel, feeds and other products. Dr. Johnson’s CV.
