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Aimee Renee Neeley

Photo of AIMEE NEELEY

Aimee Renee Neeley

  • Senior Research Scientist
  • 301.614.5778
  • NASA/GSFC
  • Mail Code: 616.1
  • Greenbelt , MD 20771
  • Employer: SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS INC

    • Brief Bio

    I am a biological oceanographer at NASA Goddard and a member of the Field Support Group (FSG), part of the Ocean Ecology Laboratory (OEL; Code 616). The FSG collects in situ optical and biogeochemical data for Earth science climate data records and other supporting data records used for ocean color satellite vicarious calibration, data product validation, and bio-optical algorithm development. To this end, the field support group participates in large scale field campaigns, where in situ instruments are deployed to measure the optical properties of the ocean water column as well as collect biogeochemical samples. I have vast experience participating in global oceanographic field campaigns, traveling to such areas as the Chukchi Sea, the Southern Ocean and North Atlantic. My expertise is in IOP measurements and data analysis. My interests also include phytoplankton ecology and diversity throughout the global ocean and modeling phytoplankton community composition using satellite ocean color data. I have also lead multiple efforts to standardize approaches for biogeochemical measurements and analysis. I have extensive experience in public outreach, teaching the public about satellite ocean color. I completed my PhD at the University of Maryland, College Park where my dissertation was focused upon phytoplankton ecology and optical water types in the Chukchi Sea.

    Current Projects

    Field data measurement and analysis

    Collect, measure and analyze optical and phytoplankton taxonomy samples collected during aquatic field campaigns.

    PhD candidacy and dissertation

    Evaluation of phytoplankton ecology and optical water types in the Chukchi Sea.

    Response of Phytoplankton Community Composition and Biomass to Climate: Development of Optical and Pigment Fingerprint Libraries to evaluate Phytoplankton Functional Type (PFT) estimates from Satellite Products

    A bio-optical laboratory study to develop a more extensive phytoplankton spectral library that will be coupled with satellite radiance products and existing time-series datasets of phytoplankton community composition (PCC) to improve our ability to observe and predict changes in PCC in response to climate change and the consequent impacts on the biological carbon pump. During the project, more than ten different measurements of various optical properties were measured from 51 strains of globally-relevant phytoplankton species and groups. The experiments required multiple months of onsite presence at the Bigelow laboratory. The study has resulted in one publication so far with additional manuscripts in progress.

    Optical data quality evaluation

    Quality evaluation of absorption and HPLC pigment data that are submitted to NASA's SseaBASS data repository.

    Data Standards and Practices for Taxon-Resolved Phytoplankton Observations

    Develop a set of recommended data standards and practices for phytoplankton taxonomic data, which currently do not exist, maximizing the potential for these data to contribute to satellite phytoplankton group algorithm development and validation, to advance ocean ecosystem models, and to enable more informed assessments and predictions of climate impacts on ocean biogeochemistry. identify standards and practices that are flexible enough to be applied not only to SeaBASS but also to any public archive.

    Phytoplankton community composition model validation

    I am responsible for using phytoplankton pigments and other measurements of phytoplankton, including microscopy, imaging-in-flow and flow cytometry, to assist in the validation phytoplankton community composition algorithms on a regional scale. These algorithms are used to discern phytoplankton community structure using in situ and ocean color derived products.

    Positions/Employment

    12/2008 - Present

    Lead Research Scientist/Biological Oceanographer

    Science Systems and Applications Inc, Goddard Space Flight Center Building 22, C197

    One goal of the FSG is to collect sets of in situ optical and biogeochemical data for Earth science climate data records and other supporting data records used for ocean color satellite vicarious calibration, data product validation, and bio-optical algorithm development. To this end, the FSG participates in large-scale field campaigns, where in situ instruments are deployed to measure the optical properties of the ocean water column and biogeochemical samples are collected. Participate in community-driven protocol development workshops. Other duties include participation in and organization for research cruises. My responsibilities include optical property phytoplankton taxonomy measurements and analysis.  I  also maintain live phytoplankton cultures.

    6/2007 - 11/2008

    Research Technician

    Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Bermuda Participate in monthly Bermuda Atlantic Time Series cruises for the collection and analysis of seawater
    samples for sulfur. Execute and analyze DMS/DMSPd consumption and turnover
    experiments using S35. Maintain laboratory and shipboard instruments.
    5/2005 - 6/2007

    Research Assistant

    College of Charleston, Charleston, SC Analyze photosynthetic pigments from research cruises using high
    performance liquid chromatography. Continue thesis work on the effects of ironlimitation
    on the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Analyze the transcriptional and
    translational control of the photosynthetic proteins ferredoxin and flavodoxin in polar
    species of phytoplankton. Maintain laboratory cultures of various phytoplankton
    species. Also, continued assessment and improvement of protein extraction and analysis
    methods.

    Research Interests

    Phytoplankton group ecology, taxonomy and diversity

    Development and validation of phytoplankton group models and algorothims

    Phytoplankton absorption

    Collecting phytoplankton filter pad absorption samples in the field to groundtruth ocean color algorithms and to attain closure with in situ measurements of phytoplankton absorption.

    Phytoplankton ecology and optical water types, Chukchi Sea

    Understanding the changes of SST and sea ice extent on the optics and ecosystem of the Chukchi Sea.

    Data quality and protocol development

    Education

    Ph.D. Biological Oceanography, University of Maryland, MD. May 2020.

    M.S. Marine Biology, University of Charleston, SC. May 2005.

    B.S. Marine Biology, Cum Laude, College of Charleston, SC. May 2001.

    Professional Societies

    The Oceanography Society, 2014 - Present
    The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 2000 - 2008
    Golden Key National Honor Society, 2000 - 2008
    Sigma Xi National Honor Society, 2005 - Present
    Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, 2018 - Present

    Special Experience

    FIELD WORK EXPERIENCE

    1. January 26 - February 17, 2017: Research Scientist on the R/V Falkor. Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters collected phytoplankton taxonomy data.
    2. August 7 - August 16, 2016: Research Scientist on the R/V Sharp. Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters collected phytoplankton taxonomy data.
    3. September 25 – October 3, 2013: Research Scientist on the KIOST Ship R/V Eardo, Geoje-do, South Korea: Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters, including phytoplankton pigments, POM, POC, and TSM.
    4.  February 4 – February 26, 2013: Research Scientist on the NOAA Ship Pisces, Norfolk, Virginia to Newport, Rhode Island: Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters, including phytoplankton pigments, POM, POC, DOC, CDOM, and TSM. Aided with deployment of Hyperpro radiometer.
    5. May 2012-June 2012: Research Scientist on the R/V Kilo Moana, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI:  Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters, including phytoplankton pigments, POM, POC, DOC, CDOM, and TSM.
    6. May 9, 2012: Research Scientist on the R/V Rachel Carson, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons Island, Maryland: Assisted Dr. Lora Harris with collecting biological andbiogeochemical samples. Collected biogeochemical samples for analysis at NASA, including phytoplankton pigments, POM, POC, DOC, CDOM, and TSM.
    7. February 2011-April 2011: Research Technician on the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer McMurdo Station, Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile: Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters, including phytoplankton pigments, POM, POC, DOC, CDOM, and TSM.
    8. June 2010-July 2010: Research Technician on the USCGC Healy, Chukchi Sea as part of the NASA funded mission ICESCAPE: Filtered seawater for various biogeochemical parameters, including marine pigments, POM, POC, DOC, CDOM, and TSM. Supported optics measurements.
    9. June 2007-November 2008. Research Technician Dimethylsulfide Studies at BATS: Monthly cruises to the BATS site in the Sargasso Sea. Collection and analysis of seawater samples for DMS, DMSP using gas chromatography. DMS turnover, DMSP consumption, and DMS Yield experimentsusing isotope S35 . Regular maintenance of lab and shipboard instruments.
    10. November 2006-December 2006. Research technician on the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer, Ross Sea, Antarctica. Collected samples from oceanic stations for analysis of phytoplankton pigments and proteins. Shipboard collection and analysis of biogenic sulfur compound using gas chromatography for field samples and experiments. Determined photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton cells using a fast repetition rate fluorometer. Collection and analysis of ice cores.
    11. February 2006-March 2006. Research technician for a biocomplexity project at Palmer Station, Antarctica, examining algal production and bacterial consumptionof biogenic sulfur. Seawater samples were collected regularly at two off-shore stations. Samples were collected for algal pigments and analysis of biogenic sulfur by gas chromatography. Samples were collected from several experiments to be analyzed for the production and consumption biogenic sulfur by bacteria and algae. Samples for flow cytometry, analysis of TOC and cDOM, as well as algal pigments, were also collected.
    12. December 2005-January 2006. Research technician on the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer, Ross Sea, Antarctica. Collected samples from oceanic stations for analysis of phytoplankton pigments and proteins. Shipboard collection and analysis of biogenic sulfur compounds using gas chromatography for field samples and experiments.  Determine photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton cells using a fast repetition rate fluorometer.
    13. May-August 2005. Research technician on the R/V Seward Johnson, North Atlantic Ocean: Collected seawater samples for analysis of phytoplankton pigments and proteins. Shipboard collection and analysis of biogenic sulfur compounds using gas chromatography. Determined photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton cells using a fast repetition rate fluorometer.
    14. July-August, 2004. Research technician on the R/V Seward Johnson. Sargasso Sea, Atlantic Ocean: Collected seawater samples for future analysis of phytoplankton pigments and proteins. Shipboard collection and analysis of biogenic sulfur compounds using gas chromatography. Determined photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton cells using a fast repetition rate fluorometer.
    15. July 2002. Research technician on the R/V Sir Wilfred Laurier. Bering Sea: Collected seawater samples for analysis of algal pigments, protein, and biogenic sulfur.

     

     

     

     

     

    Publications

    Refereed

    Brewin, R. J., S. Sathyendranath, G. Kulk, et al. M.-H. Rio, J. A. Concha, T. G. Bell, A. Bracher, C. Fichot, T. L. Frölicher, M. Galí, D. A. Hansell, T. S. Kostadinov, C. Mitchell, A. R. Neeley, E. Organelli, K. Richardson, C. Rousseaux, F. Shen, D. Stramski, M. Tzortziou, A. J. Watson, C. I. Addey, M. Bellacicco, H. Bouman, D. Carroll, I. Cetinić, G. Dall’Olmo, R. Frouin, J. Hauck, M. Hieronymi, C. Hu, V. Ibello, B. Jönsson, C. E. Kong, Ž. Kovač, M. Laine, J. Lauderdale, S. Lavender, E. Livanou, J. Llort, L. Lorinczi, M. Nowicki, N. A. Pradisty, S. Psarra, D. E. Raitsos, A. B. Ruescas, J. L. Russell, J. Salisbury, R. Sanders, J. D. Shutler, X. Sun, F. G. Taboada, G. H. Tilstone, X. Wei, and D. K. Woolf. 2023. "Ocean carbon from space: Current status and priorities for the next decade." Earth-Science Reviews, 240: 104386 [10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104386]

    Matek, A., S. Bosak, L. Šupraha, et al. A. Neeley, H. Višić, I. Cetinić, and Z. Ljubešić. 2023. "Phytoplankton diversity and chemotaxonomy in contrasting North Pacific ecosystems." PeerJ, 11: e14501 [10.7717/peerj.14501]

    Neeley, A. R., M. W. Lomas, A. Mannino, C. Thomas, and R. Vandermeulen. 2022. "Impact of growth phase, pigment adaptation and climate change conditions on the cellular pigment and carbon content of fifty‐one phytoplankton isolates." Journal of Phycology, [10.1111/jpy.13279]

    Valente, A., S. Sathyendranath, V. Brotas, et al. S. Groom, M. Grant, T. Jackson, A. Chuprin, M. Taberner, R. Airs, D. Antoine, R. Arnone, W. M. Balch, K. Barker, R. Barlow, S. Bélanger, J.-F. Berthon, Ş. Beşiktepe, Y. Borsheim, A. Bracher, V. Brando, R. J. Brewin, E. Canuti, F. P. Chavez, A. Cianca, H. Claustre, L. Clementson, R. Crout, A. Ferreira, S. Freeman, R. Frouin, C. García-Soto, S. W. Gibb, R. Goericke, R. Gould, N. Guillocheau, S. B. Hooker, C. Hu, M. Kahru, M. Kampel, H. Klein, S. Kratzer, R. Kudela, J. Ledesma, S. Lohrenz, H. Loisel, A. Mannino, V. Martinez-Vicente, P. Matrai, D. McKee, B. G. Mitchell, T. Moisan, E. Montes, F. Muller-Karger, A. Neeley, M. Novak, L. O'Dowd, M. Ondrusek, T. Platt, A. J. Poulton, M. Repecaud, R. Röttgers, T. Schroeder, T. Smyth, D. Smythe-Wright, H. M. Sosik, C. Thomas, R. Thomas, G. Tilstone, A. Tracana, M. Twardowski, V. Vellucci, K. Voss, J. Werdell, M. Wernand, B. Wojtasiewicz, S. Wright, and G. Zibordi. 2022. "A compilation of global bio-optical in situ data for ocean-colour satellite applications – version three." Earth System Science Data, [10.5194/essd-2022-159]

    Durkin, C. A., I. Cetinić, M. Estapa, et al. Z. Ljubešić, M. Mucko, A. Neeley, and M. Omand. 2022. "Tracing the path of carbon export in the ocean though DNA sequencing of individual sinking particles." The ISME Journal, [10.1038/s41396-022-01239-2]

    Grigoratou, M., E. Montes, A. J. Richardson, et al. J. D. Everett, E. Acevedo‐Trejos, C. Anderson, B. Chen, T. Guy‐Haim, J. Hinners, C. Lindemann, T. M. Garcia, K. O. Möller, F. M. Monteiro, A. R. Neeley, T. D. O'Brien, A. P. Palacz, A. J. Poulton, A. E. Prowe, Á. E. Rodríguez‐Santiago, C. S. Rousseaux, J. Runge, J. F. Saad, I. Santi, R. Stern, A. Soccodato, S. Våge, M. Vogt, S. Zervoudaki, and F. E. Muller‐Karger. 2022. "The Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Plankton Workshops: Plankton Ecosystem Function, Biodiversity, and Forecasting—Research Requirements and Applications." Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, [10.1002/lob.10479]

    Neeley, A., S. E. Beaulieu, C. Proctor, et al. I. Cetinić, J. Futrelle, I. Soto Ramos, H. M. Sosik, E. Devred, L. Karp-Boss, M. Picheral, N. Poulton, C. S. Roesler, and A. Shepherd. 2021. "Standards and practices for reporting plankton and other particle observations from images." 38 [10.1575/1912/27377]

    Walcutt, N. L., B. Knörlein, I. Cetinić, et al. Z. Ljubesic, S. Bosak, T. Sgouros, A. L. Montalbano, A. Neeley, S. Menden‐Deuer, and M. M. Omand. 2020. "Assessment of holographic microscopy for quantifying marine particle size and concentration." Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, lom3.10379 [10.1002/lom3.10379]

    Neeley, A. R., L. A. Harris, and K. E. Frey. 2018. "Unraveling Phytoplankton Community Dynamics in the Northern Chukchi Sea Under Sea-Ice-Covered and Sea-Ice-Free Conditions." Geophysical Research Letters, 45 (15): 7663-7671 [10.1029/2018gl077684]

    Vandermeulen, R. A., A. Mannino, A. Neeley, J. Werdell, and R. Arnone. 2017. "Determining the optimal spectral sampling frequency and uncertainty thresholds for hyperspectral remote sensing of ocean color." Optics Express, 25 (16): A785 [10.1364/oe.25.00a785]

    Neeley, A. R., S. A. Freeman, and L. A. Harris. 2015. "Multi-method approach to quantify uncertainties in the measurements of light absorption by particles." Optics Express, 23 (24): 31043 [10.1364/oe.23.031043]

    Levine, N. M., D. Toole, A. R. Neeley, et al. N. Bates, S. Doney, and J. Dacey. 2015. "Revising upper-ocean sulfur dynamics near Bermuda: new lessons from 3 years of concentration and rate measurements." Environmental Chemistry, [10.1071/EN15045]

    Chaves, J. E., J. Werdell, C. W. Proctor, et al. A. R. Neeley, S. A. Freeman, C. S. Thomas, and S. B. Hooker. 2015. "Assessment of ocean color data records from MODIS-Aqua in the western Arctic Ocean." Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 118 (Part A): 32-43 [10.1016/j.dsr2.2015.02.011]

    Hermann, M., R. G. Najjar, A. R. Neeley, et al. M. Vila-Costa, J. W. Dacey, G. DiTullio, D. J. Kieber, R. P. Kiene, P. A. Matrai, R. Simó, and M. Vernet. 2012. "Diagnostic modeling of dimethylsulfide production in coastal water west of the Antarctic Peninsula." Continental Shelf Research, 32: 96–109 [10.1016/j.csr.2011.10.017]

    Neeley, A. R., C. S. Thomas, S. B. Hooker, and L. Van Heukelem. 2011. "HPLC instrument performance metrics and validation." Phytoplankton Pigments: Characterization, Chemotaxonomy, and Applications in Oceanography, New York: Cambridge University Press, 890, ISBN: 978-1-107-00066-7.

    LeBlanc, K., C. E. Hare, Y. Feng, et al. G. Berg, G. DiTullio, A. R. Neeley, I. Bennter, C. Sprengel, A. Beck, S. Sanudo-Wilhelmy, U. Passow, K. Klinck, J. Rowe, S. Wilhelm, C. Brown, and D. Hutchins. 2009. "Distribution of calcifying and silicifying phytoplankton in relation to environmental and biogeochemical parameters during the late stages of the 2005 North East Atlantic Spring Bloom." Biogeosciences, 6: 2155-2179 [10.5194/bg-6-2155-2009]

    Lee, P. A., J. R. Rudisill, A. R. Neeley, et al. J. M. Maucher, D. A. Hutchins, Y. Feng, C. E. Hare, K. Leblanc, J. M. Rose, S. W. Wilhem, J. M. Rowe, and G. R. DiTullio. 2009. "Effects of increased pCO2 and temperature on the North Atlantic spring bloom. III. Dimethylsulfoniopropionate ." Marine Ecology Progress Series, 388: 41-49 [10.3354/meps08135]

    Non-Refereed

    Neeley, A. R., I. M. Soto Ramos, and C. Proctor. 2023. "Standards and Best Practices for Reporting Flow Cytometry Observations: a technical manual, Version 1.1." Ocean Best Practices 31 (Accepted) [http://dx.doi.org/10.25607/OBP-1864.2]

    Lance, V., M. Ondrusek, R. Arnone, et al. S. Ahmed, J. Cannizzaro, A. Chekalyuk, A. El-Habashi, D. Engish, R. Foster, S. Freeman, A. Gilerson, J. Goes, W. Goode, H. Gomes, A. Ibrahim, C. Johnson, C. Kovach, S. Ladner, Z. Lee, J. Lin, K. McKee, A. Neeley, E. Stengel, M. Talone, R. Vandermeulen, K. Voss, W. Jianwei, G. Zibordi, and M. Wang. 2015. "NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 146 – Report for dedicated JPSS VIIRS ocean color calibration/validation cruise." NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 146 [10.7289/V52B8W0Z]

    Chaves Cedeno, J. E., P. J. Werdell, C. W. Proctor, et al. A. R. Neeley, S. A. Freeman, C. S. Thomas, and S. B. Hooker. 2014. "Assessment of ocean color data records from MODIS-Aqua in the western Arctic Ocean." Proc. Ocean Optics XXII

    Hooker, S. B., L. Clementson, C. S. Thomas, et al. L. Schluter, M. Allerup, J. Ras, H. Claustre, C. Normandeau, J. Cullen, M. Kienast, W. Kozlowski, M. Vernet, S. Chakraborty, S. Lohrenz, M. Tuel, D. Redalje, P. Cartaxana, C. R. Mendes, V. Brotas, S. G. Matondkar, S. G. Parab, A. R. Neeley, and E. S. Egeland. 2012. "The Fifth SeaWiFS HPLC Analysis Round-Robin Experiment (SeaHARRE-5)." NASA Technical Memo. 2012-217503 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, 98.

    Arellano, A., N. Briggs, F. Cao, et al. H. Chen, A. Dave, C. Goyens, F. Henderikx-Freitas, C. Kearney, M. Kheireddine, S. Mishra, A. Neeley, M. Omand, L. Powers, A. Reisinger, S. Rivero, B. Russel, B. Seegers, and R. A. Vandermeulen. 2011. "Portfolio of Measurement, Processing, and Analysis Techniques for Optical Oceanography Data." U. Maine Ocean Optics Course 2011 Report

    Neeley, A. R., C. S. Thomas, S. B. Hooker, and L. Van Heukelem. 2011. "HPLC instrument performance metrics and validation." Phytoplankton Pigments Characterization, Chemotaxonomy and Applications in Oceanography 636-649, ISBN: 978-1-107-00066-7.

    Talks, Presentations and Posters

    Invited

    When Biology and Optics Collide: What we can learn from Microbial Culture Experiments

     8 / 9 / 2019

    SED Director's seminar

    Update: Small Working Group, Phytoplankton Taxonomy

     


     

     6 / 2019

    Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Summer Workshop

    Progress in Data Standards and Practices for Taxon-Resolved Phytoplankton Observations

    Targeted updates to the Ocean Optics Protocols

     6 / 2019

    Poster, Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Summer workshop

    In situ optical and biogeochemical in- and above-water measurements are critical for calibration and validation of satellite ocean color radiometry data products, and for
    refinement of ocean color algorithms. During the SeaWiFS era, NASA commissioned the development of a series of ocean optical measurement protocols, which have served
    as international reference standards ever since, and have promoted the collection and assembly of climate quality, ocean optical datasets by the global ocean color
    community. Over the past few years, NASA has sponsored several international workshops (sometimes in conjunction with IOCCG) with subject matter experts to update and
    develop new community consensus field measurement protocols for ocean color sensor validation. Newly-drafted protocols are available to the international user
    community on the IOCCG webpage for a period of time for public comment and access and associate editorial board peer-review, before they are accepted as international
    reference standards. Finalized protocols receive a version number and digital object identifier from IODE Ocean Best Practices. The updated protocols are intended to be
    “living” documents, periodically updated as methods and technologies advance.

    When biology and optics collide: What can we learn from culture experiments

     6 / 5 / 2019

    EuroMarine hyperspectral satellite observation foresight workshop, Oostend, Belgium

    In situ measurements for the cal/val of satellite products

     10 / 5 / 2017

    Measuring phytoplankton during the Sea2Space field campaign

     5 / 2017

    Code 610 Colloquium, NASA Goddard

    Other

    Identifying existing gaps in the detection of phytoplankton community composition from space

    2022

    The Ocean Color Instrument on NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission will have increased spectral resolution and expansion into the ultraviolet spectrum, improving estimates of ocean properties. One of the NASA’s PACE mission core objectives is to understand Earth’s Ocean ecosystem through improved estimates of phytoplankton concentration and community composition. Knowledge of community composition is essential for modeling carbon export from the surface ocean and ecological responses to climate variability. Some critical gaps exist when it comes to how we define, measure, and derive phytoplankton community composition (PCC) from ocean color. In this presentation we will discuss the following gaps. First, we must define the term PCC before we can align the data products for both algorithm development and validation. Second, less than a handful of satellite algorithms currently exist that derive any level of PCC from hyperspectral data and go beyond size class paradigm. Third, phytoplankton taxonomy data have been largely under-utilized in PCC algorithm development and validation. Advanced technologies like in-flow-imaging instruments have paved the way for the collection of higher spatial and temporal resolution of taxonomy information. When paired with bio-optical measurements, phytoplankton imagery will prove to be powerful tool for algorithm development and validation. Fourth, the availability of flow cytometry data that are necessary to quantify abundances of small phytoplankton, such as cyanobacteria and picoeukaryotes, is lacking. Lastly, no hyperspectral algorithms exist that partition PCC based on carbon estimates, which would fill a knowledge gap in the ocean biological carbon pump. Moreover, readily available standardized conversion tables to convert phytoplankton biovolume to carbon do not exist and would be necessary to support algorithm development from taxonomy data.


    Satellite Ocean Color: A tool for detecting climate change

     2021

    I presented results from my dissertation, showing how a recently developed remote sensing tool can be used to examine signals of ecosystem change in the Chukchi Sea, beyond Chlorophyll a.

    Towards improved satellite algorithm validation tools: A revised pigment-based approach for discriminating phytoplankton types

     10 / 2018

    Poster, Ocean Optics, Dubrovnik Croatia

    Investigation of the relationships between phytoplankton community structure and environmental parameters in the Chukchi Sea

     6 / 2017

    Poster, Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Summer Workshop, Woods Hole, MA

    Approaches to evaluate bio-optical algorithms for determining Phytoplankton Functional Types

     2 / 2016

    Talk, Ocean Sciences Meeting, New Orleans, LA

    A report from a community-lead spectral absorption workshop to update the NASA Inherent Optical Properties Protocol for measuring particle absorption

     6 / 2015

    Poster, International Ocean Color Science Meeting, San Francisco, CA

    Evaluation of Bio-optical models for discriminating phytoplankton functional types in the Chukchi Sea

     6 / 2015

    Poster, International Ocean Color Science Meeting, San Francisco, CA

    Evaluation of Bio-optical models for discriminating phytoplankton functional types in the Chukchi Sea

     6 / 2015

    Poster, Coastal and Estuarine Federation Meeting, Portland, OR

    A Pithy tale of spectral absorption uncertainty

     2014

    Poster, Ocean Optics Meeting XXII, Portland, Maine

    Ocean optics course 2011: Instrument calibration to satellite validation 2012
    A generation of viable data records from satellite-borne ocean color instruments requires complementary field data for the calibration and validation of the instruments and their data products. Production of decade-long “climate data records” from these remotely-sensed time-series requires very high quality measurements of bio-optical and biogeochemical parameters collected following well-vetted calibration, deployment, and data processing protocols. To this end, NASA recently funded a graduate-level course titled “Calibration and Validation for Ocean Color Remote Sensing.” Students were immersed in measurement theory and instrument concepts in the classroom, and they applied laboratory theory to instrument operation and data collection in the field. Comprehensive laboratory sessions combined application of the theory and hands-on experience with the instruments. The course impressed upon the students the importance of quality data collection, data processing, applying the appropriate corrections to the data, accounting for uncertainties, and quality control. This poster describes the fundamental step-by-step process that should be implemented from data collection to data submission, using instruments operated during the course as examples, and demonstrates that this program is essential to the next generation of bio-optical oceanographers.
    Chromatographic method development, calibration and validation: Recognizing the importance of
    performance metrics when establishing a new method.     2009
    The use of pigment oceanography in mapping the productivity of the world’s oceans has become increasingly important. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis allows oceanographers to identify and quantify pigments, thereby characterizing community composition of the word’s oceans. Phytoplankton are important as a major component of the food web, and can influence global chemical and CO2 budgets through uptake of atmospheric CO2 and the production of volatile compounds (e.g. DMS) that may escape to the atmosphere and influence cloud formation. Discreet quantification of Chlorophyll a (a major light-harvesting pigment) from HPLC analysis offers an overall estimate of in situ primary productivity; these measurements may be used to validate remote sensing measurements of ocean color. Identification and quantification of marine pigments provide scientists with information required to understand current community structure and dynamics in various regions of the world’s oceans. Understanding global variations in global community structure in response to climate change will allow for a better understanding of current and future global CO2 budgets.

    Teaching Experience

    August 2022 - Present:

    Adjunct Professor

    Introduction to Oceanography

    American University, DC


    August-December 2001: Teaching Assistant

    Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

    College of Charleston, SC

    Supervisor: Brian Scholtens


    January-May 2002: Teaching Assistant

    Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

    College of Charleston, SC

    Supervisor: Brian Scholtens

    Brief Bio

    I am a biological oceanographer at NASA Goddard and a member of the Field Support Group (FSG), part of the Ocean Ecology Laboratory (OEL; Code 616). The FSG collects in situ optical and biogeochemical data for Earth science climate data records and other supporting data records used for ocean color satellite vicarious calibration, data product validation, and bio-optical algorithm development. To this end, the field support group participates in large scale field campaigns, where in situ instruments are deployed to measure the optical properties of the ocean water column as well as collect biogeochemical samples. I have vast experience participating in global oceanographic field campaigns, traveling to such areas as the Chukchi Sea, the Southern Ocean and North Atlantic. My expertise is in IOP measurements and data analysis. My interests also include phytoplankton ecology and diversity throughout the global ocean and modeling phytoplankton community composition using satellite ocean color data. I have also lead multiple efforts to standardize approaches for biogeochemical measurements and analysis. I have extensive experience in public outreach, teaching the public about satellite ocean color. I completed my PhD at the University of Maryland, College Park where my dissertation was focused upon phytoplankton ecology and optical water types in the Chukchi Sea.

    Publications

    Refereed

    Brewin, R. J., S. Sathyendranath, G. Kulk, et al. M.-H. Rio, J. A. Concha, T. G. Bell, A. Bracher, C. Fichot, T. L. Frölicher, M. Galí, D. A. Hansell, T. S. Kostadinov, C. Mitchell, A. R. Neeley, E. Organelli, K. Richardson, C. Rousseaux, F. Shen, D. Stramski, M. Tzortziou, A. J. Watson, C. I. Addey, M. Bellacicco, H. Bouman, D. Carroll, I. Cetinić, G. Dall’Olmo, R. Frouin, J. Hauck, M. Hieronymi, C. Hu, V. Ibello, B. Jönsson, C. E. Kong, Ž. Kovač, M. Laine, J. Lauderdale, S. Lavender, E. Livanou, J. Llort, L. Lorinczi, M. Nowicki, N. A. Pradisty, S. Psarra, D. E. Raitsos, A. B. Ruescas, J. L. Russell, J. Salisbury, R. Sanders, J. D. Shutler, X. Sun, F. G. Taboada, G. H. Tilstone, X. Wei, and D. K. Woolf. 2023. "Ocean carbon from space: Current status and priorities for the next decade." Earth-Science Reviews 240 104386 [10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104386]

    Matek, A., S. Bosak, L. Šupraha, et al. A. Neeley, H. Višić, I. Cetinić, and Z. Ljubešić. 2023. "Phytoplankton diversity and chemotaxonomy in contrasting North Pacific ecosystems." PeerJ 11 e14501 [10.7717/peerj.14501]

    Neeley, A. R., M. W. Lomas, A. Mannino, C. Thomas, and R. Vandermeulen. 2022. "Impact of growth phase, pigment adaptation and climate change conditions on the cellular pigment and carbon content of fifty‐one phytoplankton isolates." Journal of Phycology [10.1111/jpy.13279]

    Valente, A., S. Sathyendranath, V. Brotas, et al. S. Groom, M. Grant, T. Jackson, A. Chuprin, M. Taberner, R. Airs, D. Antoine, R. Arnone, W. M. Balch, K. Barker, R. Barlow, S. Bélanger, J.-F. Berthon, Ş. Beşiktepe, Y. Borsheim, A. Bracher, V. Brando, R. J. Brewin, E. Canuti, F. P. Chavez, A. Cianca, H. Claustre, L. Clementson, R. Crout, A. Ferreira, S. Freeman, R. Frouin, C. García-Soto, S. W. Gibb, R. Goericke, R. Gould, N. Guillocheau, S. B. Hooker, C. Hu, M. Kahru, M. Kampel, H. Klein, S. Kratzer, R. Kudela, J. Ledesma, S. Lohrenz, H. Loisel, A. Mannino, V. Martinez-Vicente, P. Matrai, D. McKee, B. G. Mitchell, T. Moisan, E. Montes, F. Muller-Karger, A. Neeley, M. Novak, L. O'Dowd, M. Ondrusek, T. Platt, A. J. Poulton, M. Repecaud, R. Röttgers, T. Schroeder, T. Smyth, D. Smythe-Wright, H. M. Sosik, C. Thomas, R. Thomas, G. Tilstone, A. Tracana, M. Twardowski, V. Vellucci, K. Voss, J. Werdell, M. Wernand, B. Wojtasiewicz, S. Wright, and G. Zibordi. 2022. "A compilation of global bio-optical in situ data for ocean-colour satellite applications – version three." Earth System Science Data [10.5194/essd-2022-159]

    Durkin, C. A., I. Cetinić, M. Estapa, et al. Z. Ljubešić, M. Mucko, A. Neeley, and M. Omand. 2022. "Tracing the path of carbon export in the ocean though DNA sequencing of individual sinking particles." The ISME Journal [10.1038/s41396-022-01239-2]

    Grigoratou, M., E. Montes, A. J. Richardson, et al. J. D. Everett, E. Acevedo‐Trejos, C. Anderson, B. Chen, T. Guy‐Haim, J. Hinners, C. Lindemann, T. M. Garcia, K. O. Möller, F. M. Monteiro, A. R. Neeley, T. D. O'Brien, A. P. Palacz, A. J. Poulton, A. E. Prowe, Á. E. Rodríguez‐Santiago, C. S. Rousseaux, J. Runge, J. F. Saad, I. Santi, R. Stern, A. Soccodato, S. Våge, M. Vogt, S. Zervoudaki, and F. E. Muller‐Karger. 2022. "The Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Plankton Workshops: Plankton Ecosystem Function, Biodiversity, and Forecasting—Research Requirements and Applications." Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin [10.1002/lob.10479]

    Neeley, A., S. E. Beaulieu, C. Proctor, et al. I. Cetinić, J. Futrelle, I. Soto Ramos, H. M. Sosik, E. Devred, L. Karp-Boss, M. Picheral, N. Poulton, C. S. Roesler, and A. Shepherd. 2021. "Standards and practices for reporting plankton and other particle observations from images." 38 [10.1575/1912/27377]

    Walcutt, N. L., B. Knörlein, I. Cetinić, et al. Z. Ljubesic, S. Bosak, T. Sgouros, A. L. Montalbano, A. Neeley, S. Menden‐Deuer, and M. M. Omand. 2020. "Assessment of holographic microscopy for quantifying marine particle size and concentration." Limnology and Oceanography: Methods lom3.10379 [10.1002/lom3.10379]

    Neeley, A. R., L. A. Harris, and K. E. Frey. 2018. "Unraveling Phytoplankton Community Dynamics in the Northern Chukchi Sea Under Sea-Ice-Covered and Sea-Ice-Free Conditions." Geophysical Research Letters 45 (15): 7663-7671 [10.1029/2018gl077684]

    Vandermeulen, R. A., A. Mannino, A. Neeley, J. Werdell, and R. Arnone. 2017. "Determining the optimal spectral sampling frequency and uncertainty thresholds for hyperspectral remote sensing of ocean color." Optics Express 25 (16): A785 [10.1364/oe.25.00a785]

    Neeley, A. R., S. A. Freeman, and L. A. Harris. 2015. "Multi-method approach to quantify uncertainties in the measurements of light absorption by particles." Optics Express 23 (24): 31043 [10.1364/oe.23.031043]

    Levine, N. M., D. Toole, A. R. Neeley, et al. N. Bates, S. Doney, and J. Dacey. 2015. "Revising upper-ocean sulfur dynamics near Bermuda: new lessons from 3 years of concentration and rate measurements." Environmental Chemistry [10.1071/EN15045]

    Chaves, J. E., J. Werdell, C. W. Proctor, et al. A. R. Neeley, S. A. Freeman, C. S. Thomas, and S. B. Hooker. 2015. "Assessment of ocean color data records from MODIS-Aqua in the western Arctic Ocean." Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 118 (Part A): 32-43 [10.1016/j.dsr2.2015.02.011]

    Hermann, M., R. G. Najjar, A. R. Neeley, et al. M. Vila-Costa, J. W. Dacey, G. DiTullio, D. J. Kieber, R. P. Kiene, P. A. Matrai, R. Simó, and M. Vernet. 2012. "Diagnostic modeling of dimethylsulfide production in coastal water west of the Antarctic Peninsula." Continental Shelf Research 32 96–109 [10.1016/j.csr.2011.10.017]

    Neeley, A. R., C. S. Thomas, S. B. Hooker, and L. Van Heukelem. 2011. "HPLC instrument performance metrics and validation." Phytoplankton Pigments: Characterization, Chemotaxonomy, and Applications in Oceanography 890

    LeBlanc, K., C. E. Hare, Y. Feng, et al. G. Berg, G. DiTullio, A. R. Neeley, I. Bennter, C. Sprengel, A. Beck, S. Sanudo-Wilhelmy, U. Passow, K. Klinck, J. Rowe, S. Wilhelm, C. Brown, and D. Hutchins. 2009. "Distribution of calcifying and silicifying phytoplankton in relation to environmental and biogeochemical parameters during the late stages of the 2005 North East Atlantic Spring Bloom." Biogeosciences 6 2155-2179 [10.5194/bg-6-2155-2009]

    Lee, P. A., J. R. Rudisill, A. R. Neeley, et al. J. M. Maucher, D. A. Hutchins, Y. Feng, C. E. Hare, K. Leblanc, J. M. Rose, S. W. Wilhem, J. M. Rowe, and G. R. DiTullio. 2009. "Effects of increased pCO2 and temperature on the North Atlantic spring bloom. III. Dimethylsulfoniopropionate ." Marine Ecology Progress Series 388 41-49 [10.3354/meps08135]

    Non-Refereed

    Neeley, A. R., I. M. Soto Ramos, and C. Proctor. 2023. "Standards and Best Practices for Reporting Flow Cytometry Observations: a technical manual, Version 1.1." Ocean Best Practices (Accepted) 31 [http://dx.doi.org/10.25607/OBP-1864.2]

    Lance, V., M. Ondrusek, R. Arnone, et al. S. Ahmed, J. Cannizzaro, A. Chekalyuk, A. El-Habashi, D. Engish, R. Foster, S. Freeman, A. Gilerson, J. Goes, W. Goode, H. Gomes, A. Ibrahim, C. Johnson, C. Kovach, S. Ladner, Z. Lee, J. Lin, K. McKee, A. Neeley, E. Stengel, M. Talone, R. Vandermeulen, K. Voss, W. Jianwei, G. Zibordi, and M. Wang. 2015. "NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 146 – Report for dedicated JPSS VIIRS ocean color calibration/validation cruise." NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 146 [10.7289/V52B8W0Z]

    Chaves Cedeno, J. E., P. J. Werdell, C. W. Proctor, et al. A. R. Neeley, S. A. Freeman, C. S. Thomas, and S. B. Hooker. 2014. "Assessment of ocean color data records from MODIS-Aqua in the western Arctic Ocean." Proc. Ocean Optics XXII

    Hooker, S. B., L. Clementson, C. S. Thomas, et al. L. Schluter, M. Allerup, J. Ras, H. Claustre, C. Normandeau, J. Cullen, M. Kienast, W. Kozlowski, M. Vernet, S. Chakraborty, S. Lohrenz, M. Tuel, D. Redalje, P. Cartaxana, C. R. Mendes, V. Brotas, S. G. Matondkar, S. G. Parab, A. R. Neeley, and E. S. Egeland. 2012. "The Fifth SeaWiFS HPLC Analysis Round-Robin Experiment (SeaHARRE-5)." NASA Technical Memo. 2012-217503 98

    Arellano, A., N. Briggs, F. Cao, et al. H. Chen, A. Dave, C. Goyens, F. Henderikx-Freitas, C. Kearney, M. Kheireddine, S. Mishra, A. Neeley, M. Omand, L. Powers, A. Reisinger, S. Rivero, B. Russel, B. Seegers, and R. A. Vandermeulen. 2011. "Portfolio of Measurement, Processing, and Analysis Techniques for Optical Oceanography Data." U. Maine Ocean Optics Course 2011 Report

    Neeley, A. R., C. S. Thomas, S. B. Hooker, and L. Van Heukelem. 2011. "HPLC instrument performance metrics and validation." Phytoplankton Pigments Characterization, Chemotaxonomy and Applications in Oceanography 636-649

                                                                                                                                                                                            
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    • Last Updated: 09/27/2023