MALCOLM A. BARNARD

Malcolm is a MSc Candidate in the Department of Biology and Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research at Baylor University advised by Dr. Thad Scott. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology from the University of Georgia in 2017 and a Master of Science degree in Marine Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2021.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) are increasing in magnitude and prevalence globally. They can cause major human and environmental health detriments, shut down public water supplies, and lead to death of dogs and livestock. Malcolm's primary research focuses on investigating biogeochemical drivers of HABs and HCBs at the molecular, community, ecosystem, and watershed scales. He studies these scales using analytical chemistry, sensor, and remote sensing techniques to investigate macronutritional and vitamin geochemical influences on HABs and HCBs. Illuminating and understanding the biogeochemical drivers of HABs and HCBs is crucial to be able to combat the deleterious effects of the blooms.