PEOPLE
EXPERT DATABASE
We are establishing a database of South African marine and polar researchers to provide a platform where experts in the various specialisations can be found by, for example, potential collaborators, students looking for supervisors, organisers of speaking events, media reps, etc.
Finding experts in the field of polar and offshore marine research, within South Africa
ATTENTION: Polar & Offshore Marine Researchers
Want to add your details to this page? Simply follow the link below to complete the sign-up form.
SIGN UPAlternatively, contact Rabia Mathakutha for more information.
r.mathakutha@saeon.nrf.ac.za
Dr Tommy Ryan-Keogh
Principal Researcher
My research focuses on understanding how phytoplankton are impacted by ocean biogeochemistry and how they in turn impact biogeochemical cycles. With an improved understanding of these mechanisms we can reduce the uncertainties associated with future projections of ocean productivity, which have increased between each intercomparison exercise. My approach to research combines in situ observations of ocean biogeochemisty from ships, high resolution observations using autonomous platforms, remote sensing observations and modelling outputs.
Dr Sandy Thomalla
Research Group Leader of the SOCCO
My current and future research has expanded into the development and application of ecosystem-appropriate, well-characterised products that translate ocean colour (and in situ bio-optical measurements) into carbon biogeochemistry (phytoplankton biomass, community structure and physiology) allowing new insight into ecosystem function. A key focus of my work is on assessing event, seasonal and inter-annual variability in ecosystem physical drivers and their biogeochemical response, in order to better understand the potential for carbon sequestration at a regional scale.