Photo taken by Nicole Rappuhn.

I’m Helena S. Nitschky, a graduate student in Dr. Gregory Dick’s Geomicrobiology Laboratory at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Through fieldwork, I became fascinated by microbial ecology and the photosynthetic power of algae. I have extensively studied the genetic community composition of the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis sp., focusing on how pH affects the presence of specific carbon-concentrating mechanistic (CCM) genes across temporal and spatial scales. This research provided important insights into how carbon uptake relates to toxicity. My current Master’s research further explores these patterns of strain succession. Enhanced understanding of bloom dynamics will assist with predicting and monitoring future distributions and toxin production capabilities of harmful blooms of cyanobacteria in the Great Lakes with the effects of climate change. My work helps safeguard coastal economies, human health, and the precious aquatic environments that unite us all. Welcome to my journey of scientific discovery! I hope my work inspires fascination, hope, and love for our planet and all its organisms.

Visit my page on the Geomicrobiology Website here!

HOMEPAGE

Access my January 2024 CV here:

CV

<aside> <img src="/icons/moon_lightgray.svg" alt="/icons/moon_lightgray.svg" width="40px" /> University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI

Hi! My name is Helena Nitschky

(She, her, hers)

ABOUT ME

I believe that human well-being is closely linked to the well-being of the Earth. As a microbiologist, climate scientist, author, yogi, and multimedia artist, I explore the intricate connections between the microbial world and the health of our planet. Through collaborative creativity and impactful scientific research, I envision a future grounded in empathy, cooperation, and a deep commitment to nurturing both humanity and the environment.

M.S. in Earth & Environmental Sciences

University of Michigan, 2025

B.S. in Earth & Environmental Sciences

University of Michigan, 2022

</aside>

COLLABORATORS

MY ADVISORS

Dr. Gregory Dick

Dr. Reagan Errera

Contact me:

[email protected]

989-513-6188

        **@helenanitschky**

OCRID iD: 0000-0001-5802-1259

     **[email protected]**

      University of Michigan 

             Ann Arbor, MI 

I respectfully acknowledge that Ann Arbor, MI occupies the ancestral homelands of the Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), Peoria, Anishinabewaki, and Bodéwadmiakiwen (Potawatomi) peoples. The Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodéwadmiakiwen (Potawatomi) allowed for the creation of the University of Michigan. I honor their enduring connection to this land. Who's land are you on?