RESEARCH AND PHOTOS OF OCEANOGRAPHY FACULTY FEATURED IN CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Photos and text describing the biological beauty of plankton by Lisa Drake and Martina Doblin, research scientist and professor respectively in Old Dominion University's oceanography department, are highlighted in the May 18 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education.

"Jewels Under the Sea" features four images of phytoplankton photographed under a microscope by Drake and text by both Drank and Doblin describing the surprising and artful aspect of the tiny organisms. The pair note that plankton is comprised of interesting forms, ranging from simple, rod-like species, to ornate, curling chains of star-shaped cells. One group of phytoplankton, the diatoms, has "glass"-like walls with intricate designs that render them especially lovely.

The photos are on display in Provost Jo Ann Gora's office in Koch Hall. Drank and Doblin credit Old Dominion art department faculty Robert Wojtowicz, Stephen Carpenter and Katherine Huntoon for artistic guidance.