Thomas M. Gihring

Graduate Student

Chemical Oceanography
Major Professor: Dr. Joel Kostka

Department of Oceanography
Rm 535, OSB
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4320

Research

Although the importance of nitrogen in estuaries has been recognized, we are only beginning to understand how marine nitrogen cycling processes are regulated. The critical nitrogen cycling reactions (which include organic matter mineralization, nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and nitrogen gas production by denitrification and anammox) are all carried out by microorganisms. Within coastal environments, microbes living in sediments are particularly important for controlling the forms and distribution of nitrogen. For my research, I investigate rates and mechanisms of nitrogen cycling in sediments, focusing on measuring rates of nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and anammox using the latest biogeochemical techniques. I also employ nucleic acid based methods for studying the ecology of nitrogen cycling microorganisms. Study sites include the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Florida, sand flats of the North Sea, and Arctic fjords.

Curriculum Vitae (PDF Document)