Welcome to the Kudela lab group at UC Santa Cruz. We study phytoplankton dynamics in the Eastern Pacific Ocean coastal region and find new applications for remote sensing technology. In combination with other researchers at UCSC and partner institutions, we utilize satellite based remote sensing imagery, in situ mooring data, and bio-optical shipboard instruments to model ocean ecosystem dynamics. We also use traditional oceanographic sampling methods to monitor water quality and phytoplankton population dynamics in Monterey Bay.