Background
Pueschel is specifically interested in the unique intercellular connections, called pit plugs, found in red algae. His explorations of structural variation of pit plugs have involved the study of over 180 species from around the world, and this work has contributed significantly to reorganization of the ordinal classification of red algae. However, many questions concerning the development, structure, and function of these intriguing connections remain.
Pueschel's interest has been drawn to the ecology of one of the most important groups of red algae, the heavily calcified Corallinales. His lab is studying cell fine structure to elucidate the mechanisms by which coralline algae respond to important environmental factors, such as grazing, surface fouling, and infra- and interspecific competition for substratum.
Education
- PhD, MA, Cornell University
- BA, University of Missouri at Columbia
Research Interests
- Cell structure
- Biology of algae
