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Allen Milligan

Courtesy Appointment
milligaa [at] oregonstate.edu

Allen J. Milligan is a Biological Oceanographer with 67+ publications and over 8,400 citations (as of 01/09/2026). His research focuses on phytoplankton physiology, photosynthesis, and carbon acquisition mechanisms. Key publications cover topics such as the response of coral symbiotic algae to stress and marine carbon cycling. 

  • Research Focus: His work bridges phytoplankton physiology and biochemistry with global biospheric functions. Key areas include:
    • Phytoplankton Ecophysiology: Studying how marine algae respond to environmental stressors like iron deficiency and CO2 levels.
    • Remote Sensing: Using satellite data to monitor ocean productivity and detect submarine volcanic events.
    • Biogeochemical Cycling: Researching how nutrient ratios (C:N:P) in phytoplankton impact global ocean health.
  • Notable Discovery: He co-authored a significant study on the proton buffering role of silica in diatoms, published in Science