Louise Gao
- Plankton Analyst
Louise joined the CPR Survey in 2025. She is currently undergoing training to support the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey team in taxonomic identification of net-caught and CPR samples.
She holds a BSc in Physical Geography from Durham University and an MSc in Oceanography from the University of Southampton, where she developed a strong interest in zooplankton ecology through her research on the role of mesozooplankton in the biological carbon pump via diel vertical migration.
Her work includes internships and research placements focused on zooplankton and marine ecosystems, such as the Fluorescence Analysis for Rapid Evaluation of Sea Lice (FLARE) project at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, where she assessed fluorescence detection of sea lice, and her role as a zooplankton researcher aboard the 2023 PAP-SO and 2025 eSWEETS research cruises. These experiences helped her hone her skills and deepen her interest in zooplankton research.
Outside of work, she is an avid runner and hiker who enjoys spending time outdoors.