Diatoms are microscopic algae that generate up to a third of the world’s oxygen, drive major biogeochemical cycles, and serve as some of our most reliable indicators of water quality. Yet despite their global importance, most diatom species remain undescribed, and the scientific expertise needed to study them is rapidly disappearing. Government agencies rarely fund taxonomy or basic ecological research, leaving critical biodiversity knowledge gaps and outdated identification tools. I collaborate internationally to fill this gap by supporting and sustaining the Diatoms of North America project—an open-access resource used by scientists, students, and environmental managers across the continent. By focusing on diatom taxonomy, biodiversity documentation, and training, I work within a community to protect water quality, advance science, and ensure that the ecosystems we depend on remain healthy and resilient.
