Large scale structure of planktonic populations

I aim to conceive new plankton sampling techniques and more importantly to develop new analytic methods for plankton observations made with quantitative imaging devices. The researched goal is to obtain a unified and coherent view of the whole planktonic ecosystem, from sub-micrometer sized to centimeter-sized organisms, rather than having a fragmented view of the planktonic ecosystem, corresponding to the variety of sampling methods or analysis methods (eg. Flowcytometry, plankton imaging devices). Such an unified view of the planktonic ecosystem, structured by size, taxonomy, functional types, and trophic position would allow to better understand the environmental effect on plankton diversity, trophic organisation and its transfer efficiency through larger organisms. I plan to apply this research project on data originating from a long term monitoring (Villefranche sur Mer) but also at large spatial scale (Tara-Ocean, Tara-Polar Circle and the on-going Tara Pacific cruises).