​​Phytoplankton contribute to the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, and underpin ecologically and economically important marine food webs. Human-induced climate change is altering ocean temperature, nutrient composition, and other environmental variables. We currently have a limited understanding of how these changes will affect phytoplankton growth and physiology. By studying phytoplankton cells, we begin to uncover how a changing climate affects their growth, and subsequently, their ability to influence and interact with critical Earth processes such as carbon cycling and food web dynamics. My Hugh Morris Experiential Learning Program took me to ten different institutions and across several continents to learn cutting-edge techniques and methods of studying phytoplankton cell biology and ecology.