ABOUT OUR LAB
Research in the Plankton Ecology and Coastal Oceanography (PECO) Lab explores a diversity of questions related to the composition, distribution, and interactions of marine microbial communities. Marine microorganisms are major drivers of biogeochemical processes in the ocean and their functions are integral to all life on Earth. By integrating field and lab-based studies, applying multiple complimentary approaches (e.g., microscopy, molecular, and geochemical techniques), and working across a range of marine ecosystem (e.g., coastal environments, open-ocean gyres, deep-sea habitats), we aim to gain greater insight into how and why marine microorganisms vary over time and space as well as how they influence elemental cycling in the ocean.
Moments before Dr. Pasulka's first dive in ALVIN.
JOIN THE LAB
CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) rosette on the Cal Poly Pier.
Undergraduate Students: The PECO Lab aims to provide students ‘Learn by Doing’ research opportunities in the fields of microbiology and marine science. Positions are available for undergraduate students to conduct independent research in the laboratory and field, both on their own and as assistants to graduate students. Please contact Dr. Pasulka via email to set up a time to discuss getting involved in the lab.
Graduate Students: The PECO Lab is broadly seeking applications for Master's of Science students. Email Dr. Pasulka for more details on current opportunities. Applicants should have undergraduate degrees with backgrounds in microbiology, biology, marine science, or bioinformatics. Please see below for more details on Cal Poly's Graduate Program.
For application information, see the Cal Poly Biological Sciences Graduate Admissions Page.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The PECO Lab is dedicated to creating an inclusive lab environment. We embrace difference and diversity of identity, experience, and thought. We believe that this diversity should be intentionally integrated into the development and implementation of science within the lab and the broader STEM field. Together, we aim to build a more inclusive and diverse future.
Land Acknowledgement: Cal Poly is in tiłhini--the Place of the Full Moon in the language of yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini. We gratefully acknowledge, respect, and thank the Northern Chumash, in whose homelands we are guests.
Contact:
Dr. Alexis Pasulka
E-mail: apasulka@calpoly.edu
Phone: 805-756-5399
Shipping Address:
California Polytechnic State University
Department of Biological Sciences Rm. 33-265
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407