Research Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ph.D., University of South Florida
Contact Information
Office:PS-301C
Phone: (561) 297-3309
Email: blouda@fau.edu
My research centers on water quality and how that affects microalgal communities (phytoplankton, periphyton, epiphytes, etc.). Within this context and beyond, I study photosynthetic and accessory pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids, scytonemins, phycobilins). Pigment-based chemotaxonomy, the use of taxon-specific biomarkers to discern community structure and dynamics, is the main thrust of my research as well. Lately, I have been very involved in studying phosphorus pollution of south Florida waters from the overuse of equestrian waste in agri-businesses. Global climate change, especially rising carbon dioxide levels, is also studied as it impacts microalgal communities in both marine (“ocean acidification”) and freshwaters.
Research Interests (pdf.)
Laboratory Tour (pdf.)
Curriculum Vita (pdf.)
Recent Publications (pdf.)
Fulbright Specialist Program. Scientific Visit to the Institute of Oceanology, Polish
Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland. June 4-19, 2011. United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Council for International Exchange of Scholars.
Professional Societies
Member - American Chemical Society
Member - Division of Geochemistry, American Chemical Society
Member-elect - Phi Eta Tau Scholastic Society (Wright State University), Ohio
Member - European Association of Organic Geochemists
Member-elect - American Institute of Chemists
Member - Florida Academy of Sciences
Chair (2000-2001)- Environmental and Chemical Sciences Section
Member - American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
Member - Estuarine Research Federation
Member - Coastal Education and Research Foundation
Community outreach
Each year I represent the University and specifically the College of Science and the Environmental Sciences Program at the Lake Worth Lagoon Fest. This event is a community-wide outreach event which highlights the environment of Lake Worth Lagoon, its opportunities (fishing, boating, nature studies etc.) and its rejuvenation.
In 2016 south Florida experienced several cyanobacterial (aka “algal”) blooms and I provided information to the public through numerous media interviews (CBS,NBC, National Public Radio, Channel 5 (WPTV),WPTC-FaceTime, Palm Beach Post and others.
