This week's speaker is:

AyoOluwateso Coker, PhD Candidate, Stanford University
"The HABs and the HAB nots; Wildfire Impacts on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms in California Lakes"

Abstract:

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) are a prevalent water quality and public health concern. The drivers of cyanoHABs are complex and nontrivial. Alongside the increase in cyanoHABs, there has been an increase in wildfires which are a perturbation to the aquatic system through terrestrial-aquatic linkages. In this seminar, we will explore the tools and software used to better understand the research question of whether wildfires trigger cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms.

Bio:

AyoOluwateso studies how climate change driver perturbations impact water quality in freshwater lakes ecosystems. Her research focuses specifically on how wildfires interact with water quality degradation, particularly through the development of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) using geospatial techniques. Outside the lab, she can usually be found on the tennis court or reading a book, likely by a lake.

The topics of this seminar are broad but typically fall under technologies’ scaling potential and impact on (the system of) people, the environment and the economy. A particular focus is placed on the interaction potential of technologies with the energy, water, and material systems. Our goal is to create an intimate, collaborative space for students, postdocs, scientists, and PIs within Stanford across micro-level (material and technology) to macro-level (system) interests. These seminars will provide an opportunity to disseminate insights from your studies, connect with fellow researchers, and strengthen bonds across the community.