Ms. Laura Biessy

Laura Biessy is a marine scientist specializing in harmful algal blooms (HABs), shellfish health and environmental DNA (eDNA), with a demonstrated history of working in research. She is currently leading the Microalgae team in the Molecular Algal Ecology group and the eDNA commercial group at the Cawthron Institute. Laura Biessy completed both her Bachelor's degree in Biological Science and her Master's degree in Environmental Toxicology at the Joseph Fourier University. She then completed her Ph.D. in Biological Science and Ecology at the University of Waikato. Laura Biessy is strongly interested in investigating the way HABs can impact ecosystems and animal health (through transcriptomic studies), tracing the source of tetrodotoxin in shellfish and benthic marine cyanobacteria and using molecular techniques to monitor and understand aquatic organisms and habitats. Moreover, she is passionate about protecting and improving the aquatic environment.