Dr. Keisuke Inomura is an Assistant Professor of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, where he studies the tiny microorganisms that play an enormous role in keeping the ocean—and our planet—functioning.
His research focuses on marine microbes such as phytoplankton and how their biology affects ocean ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and the global carbon cycle. Dr. Inomura leads URI’s Quantitative Microbiology Group, which develops mathematical models of microbial cells to better understand biological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes in the ocean.
Originally from Japan, Dr. Inomura studied environmental engineering and bioproduction environmental sciences at Kyushu University before continuing his research at MIT. His work has included developing improved ocean carbon-cycle models to help scientists better understand and predict how climate change may affect the oceans.
Through his work, Dr. Inomura combines oceanography, microbiology, mathematics, and computer modeling to explore how some of the smallest organisms on Earth can have a major impact on the entire planet. His career offers students a fascinating look at how different areas of science can come together to answer some of the biggest questions about our oceans and climate.
