Time-series studies have yielded valuable insights into how plankton communities fluctuate at various temporal scales. This talk will discuss studies combining different methods to determine how seasonal-scale light and nitrogen availability shape phytoplankton population structure, activities, and diversity, and thus potential pathways for energy and matter flux in both vertically mixed and stratified surface waters of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. I will also touch upon a time-series project we are initiating in a nearshore embayment in Windward O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.

I will end the talk by highlighting our efforts to bridge active research programs
with education for high school and undergraduate students from underserved communities through the Smithsonian MarineGEO and Youth Access Grant programs.