There is estimated to be over 30,000 different species of phytoplankton in our world’s waterways. Too often computers use simple shapes such as spheres to model them where in reality, phytoplankton come in all different shapes and sizes! They also have a number of different mechanisms to help them survive in different environments, particularly ones with different levels of turbulent mixing.

Russell Arnott is a researcher at the University of Bath, England, as well as the educational consultant for Incredible Oceans, a marine education charity based in
the United Kingdom. During this presentation, Russell will discuss how he uses his 3D-printed phytoplankton to research their behavior in different mixing conditions, but will also discuss how he has used his models to enthuse people of all ages about the marine environment.