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Stephen K Formel, PhD

Stephen Formel (he/his) is a biologist with the USGS Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) program. He supports the Ocean Biodiversity Information System - USA (OBIS-USA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility US (GBIF-US), as well as other efforts related to species observation and biodiversity.

Stephen is a microbial ecologist by training, with past research focusing on the relationship between a salt marsh grass, its microbiome, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. More recently, he has turned his attention toward improving data management and standards implementation for large, complex data and projects.

Professional Experience

  • Biologist, USGS Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) program (2022 - Present)

  • Physical Scientist, NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Stennis Space Center, MS (2021 - 2022) 

  • National Academy of Sciences GRP Policy Fellow, NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Stennis Space Center, MS (2020 - 2021)

  • Data Science Assistant, Louisiana Workforce Commission, New Orleans, LA (2018 - 2019)

Education and Certifications

  • PhD 2021, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University

  • BA, 2015, Biological Sciences, Hunter College

Science and Products

Salinity, water level, and forest structure contribute to baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) rhizosphere and endosphere community structure

As rising sea levels alter coastal ecosystems, there is a pressing need to examine the effects of saltwater intrusion on coastal communities. Using 16S Illumina profiling, we characterized the communities of baldcypress tree (Taxodium distichum) root endosphere and rhizosphere soil bacteria. Our study utilized established sites along salinity and flooding gradients in the United States of Georgia,
By
Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Science and Products