Dr. Emmanuel Boss is a professor of marine sciences at the University of Maine whose research focuses on understanding the particles found throughout the ocean and what they can tell us about marine ecosystems.
His work combines oceanography, physics, acoustics, and optical science. Dr. Boss and his collaborators develop new ways to use light and sound to measure and characterize tiny particles suspended in seawater. These particles can reveal important information about the composition of the ocean, the size and distribution of marine organisms and materials, and how ocean environments change over time.
A major part of his research involves studying how light is absorbed, scattered, and transmitted through seawater. By analyzing these optical properties, scientists can learn more about what is actually present in the water—even when those particles are too small or numerous to examine individually. He also uses mathematical and theoretical models to compare predictions with measurements collected directly in the ocean.
More recently, Dr. Boss has expanded his research into ocean acoustics, exploring how sound can provide scientists with additional information about particles and other features beneath the ocean’s surface.
His work frequently involves collaboration with researchers at other universities, oceanographic institutions, and technology companies. Through his career, Dr. Boss demonstrates how physics, engineering, mathematics, and marine science can come together to help scientists better understand one of the most complex and important environments on Earth: our oceans.
