Ruth EriksenRuth completed a PhD (University of Tasmania) in ecotoxicology, integrating the role of trace metal speciation on copper toxicity in marine and estuarine species. Through this project, she discovered the microscopic world of phytoplankton, which has ubsequently become a passion and major area of research. Ruth established Tasmania's first NATA accredited phytoplankton testing facility and helped develop monitoring and detection programs for the salmonid and shellfish industries, focusing on HAB species. In her role in CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere as a Research Biologist, she has completed several Antarctic voyages, focusing on lower trophic level interactions, biodiversity and biogeography. Major projects are on the IMOS National Reference Stations (NRS), the Australian Continuous Plankton Recorder (AusCPR) Survey, and the Southern Ocean Time Series (SOTS). Ruth currently holds an adjunct position with the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, is an affiliate of the Australian Antarctic Partnership Program and is a specialist visiting scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division. Read More Read Less