This is the kind of ‘morphological mystery’ that fascinates Sara, a recent Ph.D. graduate from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Seeking to understand the ecology and natural history of kelp and advance kelp aquaculture for both environmental and societal benefits, her Ph.D. research focused on giant kelp, and its alginate – a structural polysaccharide with important industry uses. Her upcoming research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will also involve selective breeding for sugar kelp cultivation and optimisation of desired kelp traits. Find out more here.