My research focuses on DMSP (Dimethylsulfoniopropionate), a sulfur molecule produced primarily by algae, which can then be converted to the gas dymethyl-sulfide (DMS). Once DMS is released into the atmosphere, it contributes to cloud formation, which have a massive influence on the Arctic climate (and how it is changing). As a biogeochemist, I am particularly interested in figuring out which algae produce DMSP, under which conditions they produce DMSP and why. Last summer I participated in the MOSAiC expedition (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate), working both on the sea-ice and onboard of the German icebreaker “Polarstern”.

*Deborah was an APECS NL board member from 2020 – 2023.

Deborah takes us to the Arctic sea ice!

© Johannes Spitz, AWI