Dr Nishant Chauhan

Nishant is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Department of Earth Sciences. He investigates the biological mechanisms that enable marine organisms, such as corals, coccolithophores, and foraminifers to form calcium carbonate structures. 

Academic interests

Nishant’s academic interests include:

• Biomineralisation
• Climate change
• Carbon capture and storage.

Degrees obtained

• BSc, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, India.
• MSc, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
• DPhil, University of Oxford, UK.

Biography

Nishant Chauhan is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Department of Earth Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that allow marine organisms, such as foraminifers, coccolithophores, and corals to precipitate calcium carbonate mineral structures through a process known as biomineralisation. This process is essential to the global carbon cycle, as it alters the alkalinity and carbonate chemistry of surrounding water. Conversely, changes in seawater chemistry can affect biomineralisation, which is reflected in the chemical composition of the biominerals. Anthropogenic changes to the environment, such as global warming and ocean acidification, directly impact biomineralisation by altering calcium carbonate saturation states and precipitation rates, and indirectly by affecting biological processes.

Nishant employs physiological measurements of growth, calcification, metabolic rate, and photosynthesis, alongside gene expression analysis, to understand the impact of environmental changes on biomineralisation. His primary goal is to elucidate the mechanisms of ion transport to better comprehend the “bio” in biomineralisation. To achieve this, he cultures coccolithophores, corals, and foraminifers in conditions beyond what they experience in their natural environment to stimulate their physiological and ion transport mechanisms during calcification. His research not only aims to constrain the biological aspects of biomineralisation but also contribute to understanding the causes of changes in the chemical composition of biominerals, ultimately establishing the mechanisms of biomineralisation.

Other interests

Music (rhythm guitar, piano), SCUBA diving, motorcycles, weightlifting, travel.