Barbara Balestra Professorial Lecturer Environmental Science
- Degrees
- P.h.D in Earth Science, Universita’ degli Studi di Firenze, Italy.
Laurea in Geology, (equivalent to MS), University of Florence, Italy.
- Languages Spoken
- English, Italian.
- Bio
- My research covers different aspects of paleoceanography and climate change in the past. I utilize the paleoecology and the geochemical and stable isotopic composition of coccolithophores and benthic foraminifera as indicators for climate-induced changes in marine productivity and oceanic ecosystem structure. In 2018, I joined the Environmental Science Department at American University as director of the teaching laboratories. This new activity led me to develop interest on pressing threats to fresh and marine water systems such as microplastic pollution. At AU, I am also working on research projects with Dr. Meiller, to shed light on the presence of synthetic fibers and microplastic in tributaries of the Anacostia River in DC.
- For the Media
- To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.