Christina Preston joined MBARI in November, 1999 as a Research Technician. She will carry out oceanographic research and development in support of Ed DeLong’s marine microbiology science program. Her main research interests at MBARI are in using innovative techniques to investigate the role of marine microbes.

Chris received her B.S. from James Madison University in Virginia and her Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Barbara, where Ed DeLong was her advisor. She was also a postdoctoral researcher at Hopkins Marine Station under Dave Epel, where she utilized molecular phylogenetic techniques to elucidate the role of bacteria that are integrated into the reproductive strategy of female squid. She has participated in cruises on the R/V Columbus Isilen and R/V Atlantis II/ALVIN, and has completed fieldwork at the Palmer Station in Antarctica.