By Elizabeth Gray

Though algae are microscopic, Professor Morgan Vis has some big ideas about ways to use and research the organisms. 

How did Vis become interested in the study of algae? A chance enrollment in a class about phycology, or the study of algae, led her towards her current field.

'I went to a college where all students took classes in the summer," said the Assistant Professor of Environmental and Plant Biology. "Phycology was the only field course offered, so I took the course and found it fascinating."

The algae were so fascinating, in fact, that she decided to research it further in her graduate and professional studies.  Vis now focuses her research on freshwater red algae.

One current research project studies how red algae are used as housing for and food for invertebrates and fish. 

"Monitoring streams for the amount of algae helps us find out the stream’s overall health," explained Vis. 

Vis also studies how to make biofuels with algae. 

"You can make the same type of fuel with algae as you can with any plant or material," said Vis. "Also, you can harvest algae all year long, rather than just once a year with some crops."

Vis works with the mechanical engineering department, which has already constructed a car that runs on fast food grease, with this project.  She also collaborates with engineering on her third area of study—carbon dioxide mitigation.

"Carbon dioxide mitigation involves using algae to clean coal from the sides of a coal plant.  We can then incorporate the algae with coal debris into the biofuel," said Vis.

Though Vis found her passion in biology, she was not always so sure of the field she wanted to pursue.  As an undergraduate student, she began with a double major in economics and chemistry.  However, after her sophomore year, she decided to make the switch to biology.

"I took all types of classes, and found that I really enjoyed all the biology classes I took," she said. "So I changed my major to biology."

As an advisor to undecided students, she often encourages students unsure of what field to take a breadth of different classes and explore their interests.

"There are so many more courses available than at a high school," she explained.  "You can take classes on many topics that interest you and still fulfill university requirements."

In addition to advising and research, Vis teaches several classes ranging from the first-year classes to seminars on the graduate level.   She tailors her teaching style to the level of the students in her classes.

In her introductory course "Plants and People," she tries to address a wide variety of topics and tell the students how the subject matter affects their lives.

"I ask how many people in the class wear cotton, and usually almost everyone raises their hand," said Vis. "Then we discuss the importance of cotton growth and production in our society and the world."

In her upper-level courses, she uses a more interactive approach to teaching, asking the student what they expect to get from the course and molding the content around their expectations.  Many of her courses also involve students and professors doing research together.

"In the global studies course last year, I went to New Zealand with another professor and eight students," said Vis. "We spent time together before the trip at Hocking Hills, and then we all did research on the trip."

When asked what advice she would give first-year students, she recommended that students enroll in a recreation class to stay active.

"It’s a fun thing that you have to go to each week in order to get academic credit," said Vis, who enjoys playing tennis in her free time.

Vis also stressed the importance of branching out from academics.

"There are so many student organizations at Ohio University," said Vis. "It’s a nice way to meet people with your same interests, and have a better college experience as a whole."