Ian Robinson, a graduate student at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), is conducting research aimed at improving water quality on Long Island. Raised in North Sea near Peconic Bay, Robinson was influenced by the pollution he witnessed in Lake Agawam, which has been cited as one of the most polluted lakes in New York.
“Lake Agawam was the inspiration for me joining the Gobler Lab,” said Robinson.
The Gobler Laboratory, directed by Christopher Gobler, distinguished professor and endowed chair of coastal ecology and conservation at SoMAS, studies how human activities such as climate change, nutrient pollution, and overfishing impact coastal ecosystems. The lab also works to find solutions to restore impaired ecosystems.
Robinson’s research focuses on pollutants’ effects on zooplankton species like Daphnia and Cladocera. He is particularly interested in how these organisms interact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and their role in controlling harmful algal blooms.
“My focus has been working on blue-green algae, cyanobacteria, looking to see how different organisms affect it,” Robinson explained. “I’m also working on something called cladocerans. There are small crustaceans, zooplankton called daphnia, and I’m essentially seeing the impact of pollutants on the ability of these zooplankton to eat and control these harmful algae blooms.”
He noted that his upbringing on Long Island played a significant role in shaping his interest in water quality issues.
“We’re surrounded by beaches, so the importance of water has always been part of my life,” said Robinson. “And that’s exactly what the Gobler Lab does — focus on the harmful algal blooms of Long Island. It was a perfect place for me.”
Long Island’s bays and estuaries have seen recurring harmful algal blooms due largely to excess nitrogen from sources like outdated septic systems and fertilizers. These blooms can discolor water and release toxins dangerous to marine life and humans.
Before attending Stony Brook as an undergraduate, Robinson learned from Greg Metzger—a marine science teacher at Southampton High School—who collaborates with Chris Paparo from Stony Brook’s Southampton Marine Science Center. Metzger also coordinates shark research programs for the South Fork Natural History Museum.
“That gave me my first glimpse that I can pursue this as a profession,” said Robinson. “And I’ve followed that path, pursuing marine science to where I was introduced to the Gobler Laboratory. It definitely guided me. I saw immediately that it aligned with my interests and that I could actively work on the local bodies of water that I cared about.”
Robinson began his college studies between Stony Brook’s main campus and its Southampton location.
“I got a glimpse of what college life was like,” he said. “Unfortunately that was the COVID year. After that I took all my classes at the SoMAS Marine Station in Southampton. It’s a close-knit community and I was able to make friends and connections that I still have today.”
He completed his bachelor’s degree in marine biology before starting his PhD program focused on marine and atmospheric sciences at Stony Brook's Southampton campus.
Though uncertain about his exact career path after graduation, Robinson remains committed to advancing water quality efforts through research or potentially teaching future scientists.
“Marine sciences seek to understand the conditions affecting our waters and, through them, the functioning of our planet. The purpose of science is to preserve the benefits of today for the future, guided by past knowledge and the actions we take now,” Robinson stated. He added: “I believe we should support the environment as well as protect our resources for humans as a follow-up plan. No matter which path I take, water quality is my goal.”