Nicolaus G. Adams

Background

Nick joined the NWFSC in 1991 as part of the Environmental Chemistry group and moved to the Harmful Algal Bloom team in 1996. He received a B.S in Oceanography in 1990 and a M.S. in Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences in 2006 from the University of Washington.  Nick's M.S. research focused on determining the population structure of the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia pungens in the Pacific Northwest.

Current Research

Nick is an oceanographer interested in phytoplankton ecology and how phytoplankton communities transform with changing ocean conditions.  His current research is focused applying molecular techniques for detection, enumeration, and population genetics of harmful algal genera, including Pseudo-nitzschia, Dinophysis and Azadinium. He coordinates the collection of shipboard measurements of harmful algal species, toxins and environmental data as well as surface drifting buoys to better understand when harmful species may be present in coastal waters.  In addition, Nick is a member of the Environmental Sample Processor and Imaging Flow Cytobot teams that apply remote and automated technologies to collect in situ data on marine toxins and phytoplankton communities. Nick's research uses his skills with spatial data display and database management, and often requires method development in molecular biology.

Curriculum vitae (PDF 6 pages)