Susanne Fietz

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Susanne is based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, at the Department of Earth Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding how global changes influence the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. By studying modern aquatic systems, sedimentary archives, and sedimentation processes, she aims to provide insights into past and present environmental conditions, contributing to predictions of future changes.

Susanne earned her doctoral degree from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, where she investigated phytoplankton and their pigments to understand climate and ecosystem dynamics in Lake Baikal, Siberia. Since then, her research has spanned marine biogeochemistry, anthropogenic pollution, and human health.

Susanne's GEOTRACES-related projects explore the complex relationship between phytoplankton and trace metals, focusing on how phytoplankton, adapted to current light and trace metal conditions, will respond to future global warming and oceanic changes. Additionally, she examines the dual impact of dust on phytoplankton—both as a nutrient source (fertilization) and as a potential stressor (toxic effects).

Susanne served as the national GEOTRACES representative for South Africa for six years until 2023 and remains engaged in international GEOTRACES activities, including the SCOR Working Group ‘RUSTED’.