Growing up in North Sea, a waterfront community on the Peconic Bay in Eastern Long Island, Ian Robinson witnessed the effects of water pollution firsthand. Lake Agawam, located in his hometown, is reported to be among the most polluted lakes in New York.
“Lake Agawam was the inspiration for me joining the Gobler Lab,” said Robinson, now a graduate student at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS).
The Gobler Laboratory is led by Christopher Gobler, distinguished professor and endowed chair of coastal ecology and conservation at SoMAS. The lab studies how human activities such as climate change, eutrophication, and overfishing impact coastal ecosystems. It also works on ways to mitigate impaired ecosystem functioning.
Robinson’s research focuses on pollutants’ effects on zooplankton species like Daphnia and Cladocera with an emphasis on water conservation.
“My focus has been working on blue-green algae, cyanobacteria, looking to see how different organisms affect it,” he said. “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 explained that his interest in clean water developed from growing up surrounded by Long Island’s beaches.
“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 has experienced recurring harmful algal blooms in its bays and estuaries. Some blooms have reached record levels due to excess nitrogen entering waterways from outdated septic systems and fertilizers. These conditions can discolor water and produce toxins that harm marine life and may affect humans.
Before attending Stony Brook as an undergraduate, Robinson met Greg Metzger, a marine science teacher at Southampton High School who collaborates with Stony Brook’s Chris Paparo on shark science research. Metzger also serves as volunteer field coordinator for the South Fork Natural History Museum’s shark program.
“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 college splitting his time between Stony Brook and Southampton campuses.
“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 earned his bachelor’s degree in marine biology before starting graduate studies at Southampton campus toward a PhD in marine and atmospheric sciences.
Though uncertain about his post-graduation plans, Robinson remains focused on improving water quality through possible careers in coastal management or ongoing research.
“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 said. He added he might consider teaching: “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.”
