The Coastal Biogeochemistry Laboratory is directed by Dr. Havalend Steinmuller, and supports research questions related to how coastal ecosystem function is impacted by disturbance across multiple scales, ranging from microbially-mediated biogeochemical reactions to ecosystem-level responses.

Research questions addressed within the lab include:

• Characterizing wetland vulnerability to sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion,

• Determining how vegetation change and mangrove encroachment alter biogeochemical processing of energy and nutrients,

• Understanding hurricane impacts on biogeochemical cycles and surface elevation dynamics in coastal environments,

• Determining how intertidal oyster reefs contribute to carbon and nutrient sequestration, and mediate eutrophication,

• Defining the role of carbon quality and geomorphic setting in ‘blue carbon’ storage