Ming-Yu Zhao, Ph.D

My research is mainly focused on the evolution global biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nutrients (such as P and Zn) across Earth history. I’m also working on the development of carbonate proxies. The global biogeochemical cycles are closely linked to a wide range of fundamental questions in Earth sciences such as the evolutions of ocean and atmospheric compositions, climate changes and the relationships between environmental forcings and biological evolution. Carbon cycle shapes planetary climate, while the availability of nutrients could be a driver for the shifts in not only the size of marine biosphere but also marine ecosystem including types of phytoplankton, community structure and ecological function. Thus, understanding the mechanism of global biogeochemical cycles is essential in sustaining a habitable surficial environment. I’m seeking to approach certain aspects of biogeochemical cycles using both theoretical biogeochemical modeling and observational geochemical measurements.