I am a biologist fascinated by the cascade of connections between aquatic symbioses and ecosystem function. While (scuba) diving research initially instigated my journey as an ocean scientist, my interests have expanded to include molecular/computational approaches as well as an obsession with trace metals. In recent years, I’ve drawn a lot of joy from curating microbial culture libraries, in part because it brings me back to my dollhouse days. My favorite element is Iron (Fe), my favorite microalgal culture strain is Breviolum psygmophilum (MAC-Purpflex, don’t tell the others), and I have yet to decide on a favorite culture of bacteria.