Dr. Alina Corcoran Gives Presentation on Algae

Dr. Alina Corcoran Gives Presentation on Algae

Dr. Alina Corcoran, a senior research scientist at the New Mexico Consortium, will give a live-streamed presentation through the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 7 p.m. Her talk, titled “Algae: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” will explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of algae.

Dr. Corcoran also holds appointments at New Mexico State University and Los Alamos National Laboratory, where her research focuses on algal biology, ecology, and the role algae play in aquatic ecosystems. Through this presentation, she will help participants better understand why algae are so important to life on Earth and how they affect our daily lives in ways many people may not realize.

Although algae are frequently overlooked, they are essential to the planet’s health. Algae produce approximately half of the oxygen we breathe and play a major role in supporting ecosystems around the world. They are also used in a variety of practical applications, including the production of food, animal feed, and polymers.

Algae are incredibly diverse. They can range in size from microscopic organisms to large seaweeds, appear in many colors beyond green, and perform a wide range of functions in the environment. Some algae behave like plants, while others have characteristics more commonly associated with animals.

However, not all algae are beneficial. Certain species can produce harmful algal blooms, which may release toxins that threaten people, marine life, and the environment. Understanding both the benefits and risks associated with algae is an important part of appreciating their role in natural systems.

During “Algae: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” Dr. Corcoran will guide viewers through an engaging exploration of the algal world. Participants will learn about the many ways algae support life on Earth, the challenges posed by harmful blooms, and the connections between this microscopic world and our everyday lives.

The presentation will be live-streamed through PEEC on Thursday, July 1, at 7 p.m.

Register to hear Dr. Corcoran and learn all about  “Algae: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” at: https://peecnature.org/events/details/?id=37073