LeAnn Whitney (phytoplankton molecular ecologist)

LeAnn is a phytoplankton molecular ecologist, or, according to her daughter, a phytoplankton nerd. LeAnn grew up in Machias, and thanks to her participation in the Keller BLOOM Program at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences as a junior in high school, she found her love for plankton and studying the ocean for a living. After receiving her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Rhode Island in 2012, LeAnn returned to Maine - first as a postdoctoral researcher at Bigelow and in 2018, joining the faculty at Maine Maritime Academy. LeAnn was one of this year’s 5 Minute Genius speakers at the 2026 Maine Science Festival. Some definitions of the terms used during our conversation: eukaryotic - organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus. prokaryotic cells - organisms that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus phytoplankton - mostly microscopic, single-celled photosynthetic organisms that live suspended in water. They form the base of the food chain and like all plants, take up carbon dioxide, make carbohydrates using light energy, and release oxygen. Additional information can be found at https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-learning-hub/ocean-topics/ocean-life/ocean-plants/phytoplankton/ and https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/what-are-phytoplankton/. diatoms & dinoflagellates - types of phytoplankton This conversation was recorded in May 2026. ~~~~~ The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle. The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker. To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate. Find us online: Maine Discovery Museum Maine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Bluesky YouTube Maine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Maine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube © 2026 Maine Discovery Museum