Penny Chisholm

Educator/Teacher, Scientist, Writer/Editor

Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sallie ("Penny") Chisholm is a biological oceanographer who studies the role of microorganisms in shaping marine ecosystems. Her research is centered on understanding the ecology of Prochlorococcus, which is the smallest and most abundant photosynthetic microorganism on Earth. Discovered only 35 years ago, Prochlorococcus dominates large regions of the world's oceans and is responsible for a sizable fraction of ocean photosynthesis. In addition to her scientific publications Chisholm has published a series of award-winning children's books (with Molly Bang) which celebrate the central role of photosynthesis in shaping life on Earth. She has also worked on projects designed to increase awareness about unconscious biases that contribute to gender inequities in the sciences. Chisholm has been a member of the MIT Faculty since 1976 and is now one of nine faculty members who hold the rank of Institute Professor. She has received numerous awards for her research and received the National Medal of Science from President Obama at the White House in 2013. When not teaching or doing research, Chisholm enjoys spending time with her husband on the shores of Lake Superior.

The oceans; Prochlorococcus; Photosynthesis; Women in science;

Biogeochemistry, Cyanobacteria, Ecology, Genomics, Microbiology, Oceanography, Phytoplankton, Prochlorococcus