A lot of our work has explored genetic and physiological diversity in bioluminescent dinoflagellates and in coccolithophores. More recently, our studies have focused on the coccolithophore species Emiliania huxleyi, because it has extraordinary genetic and functional diversity. We are interested in the mechanisms controlling selection (adaptation) and physiological responses (acclimation) to environmental change. We work in collaboration with Dr Robert Miller to understand the mechanisms controlling phytoplankton diversity in the Santa Barbara Channel.