I have a long term interest in understanding how nutrient distributions affect phytoplankton species composition and dynamics. Previous work has focused on the New England Shelf off Martha's Vineyard (MVCO observatory) and I want to expand this line of research with field studies in Narragansett Bay and Long Island Sound. As the Director and new member of the CRC I have a special interest in developing a line of research that will provide new and complementary expertise to important topics in coastal oceanography on the one hand and to inform RI stakeholders (e.g. coastal communities, state departments and businesses) on the other.