Ed Phlips’ research initiatives deal with planktonic primary production in the Suwannee River estuary, located in Florida’s Big Bend region, and in the Indian River Lagoon, along the east coast of Florida. His research in the Big Bend region is part of a broader department-wide initiative to address the multi-disciplinary research needs in this unique region of the state. Ed has initiated a toxic algae research program, with the goal of evaluating the distribution, causes and consequences of harmful algae in both freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Recent research focuses on the optimization of algae species for biofuels production.