My research focuses on the taxonomy, systematics, evolution, biogeography and ecology of diatoms. These organisms play important roles in aquatic ecosystems, and provide us with oxygen through photosynthesis. Despite the important roles they play, we still know very little about their diversity, biogeography and ecology. I have focused my research on freshwater diatoms, and currently have projects on them in Colorado, China, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, South America, and Lake Baikal in Russia. I study both living and fossil species of diatoms, and use them to identify new possible renewable biofuels.
