I am an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences (SoLS) and leader of the Petrou Lab.

The research in the Petrou Lab couples cell physiology, photobiology and biochemistry, to investigate cellular processes and biochemical adaptations in microalgae in response to climate change. Our broad aim is to link phenotypic traits and responses with ecology and ecosystem resilience. Some of the key questions our lab is currently addressing include: 1) how will diatoms respond to a warmer, more acidic ocean? 2) how is microalgal nutritional value influenced by environmental change? 3) the role and physiology coral-associated flora in reef symbioses, and 4) how do biogenic sulfur compounds (DMSP and DMSO) influence microalgal physiology and lower trophic interactions in the marine environment? Our research spans a broad range of organisms (phytoplankton, sea ice algae, corals and foraminifera) and diverse habitats (coral reefs, temperate coastal waters, Antarctic and Arctic waters and sea ice), examining these responses, processes and interactions at various spatial and temporal scales.

To find out more, please visit my webpage - www.katherinapetrou.com


Current members:
Dr Daniel Aagren Nielsen - Senior Research Associate
Dr Rebecca Duncan - Honorary Fellow

Dr Anya Salih - Honorary Fellow
Ms Alyson Theseira - PhD Candidate
Ms Giselle Firme - PhD Candidate
Ms Lily Stirling - PhD Candidate

Ms Holly Ceapa - PhD Candidate

Ms Dori Vig - PhD Candidate


Past members (completed):
Dr Billy Fitzgerald-Lowry - PhD

Ms Georgia Thompson - Honours

Dr James O'Brien - PhD 
Dr Eva Fernandez - PhD
Dr Stephanie Gardner - PhD
Dr Cristin Sheehan - PhD
Ms Alyson Theseira - Honours
Mr Fabio Ramos - Honours
Ms Isobel Cummings - Honours
Ms Michelle Havlik - Honours