Biography
Dr. Princiotta is an Associate Professor of Biology with research interests in aquatic microbial ecology. She earned her B.S. and Ph.D. in biology, both from Temple University (Philadelphia, Pa). After completing her graduate studies, Dr. Princiotta served as the director of Research and Education for Lacawac Sanctuary Biological Field Station before completing post-doctoral research at Murray State University/Hancock Biological Station. Dr. Princiotta teaches coursework in biology and microbiology.
Research Interests
Dr. Princiotta's research program examines how biotic interactions (e.g., competition, ingestion, allelopathy) act as a structuring force for microbial communities, and how these patterns may be altered against the backdrop of changes in global climate. Research projects address two themes: (1) mixotrophic protists, defined as aquatic microbes that combine photosynthesis with ingestion of particulate matter (e.g., bacteria) and (2) harmful cyanobacterial blooms, defined as a dense proliferation of photosynthetic bacteria that can deplete oxygen and create toxic secondary metabolites.
Students are welcome to conduct projects within those research themes through field work, aquatic monitoring efforts, and laboratory studies.