Deneb Karentz

Professor Karentz is a marine biologist with expertise in plankton ecology and ultraviolet photobiology. Her work has focused on investigating the ecological implications of Antarctic ozone depletion, specifically identifying strategies for protection from UV exposure and understanding mechanisms for repair of UV–induced damage. She has over 30 years of field experience in Antarctica.

In addition to research, Deneb mentors early-career scientists through the US National Science Foundation (NSF) International Training Program in Antarctic biology and the USF/UCSF Program in Mentoring and Teaching. She is also involved in environmental management and policy as a science adviser to the US Department of State for the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, and in her participation in the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.

• Phytoplankton ecology
• Ultraviolet photobiology
• Antarctic biology (ozone depletion)

• Coordinator, USF/UCSF Program in Mentoring and Teaching
• Co-director, US National Science Foundation International Training Program in Antarctic Biology
• US Delegate, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research
• Ex-officio Member, US National Academies Polar Research Board
• Vice President, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research

• PhD, University of Rhode Island
• MS, Oregon State University

• Chair, Department of Biology, University of San Francisco
• Visiting Professor, Department of Dermatology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC San Francisco
• Associate Program Manager, Antarctic Biology and Medicine Program Office of Polar Programs, US National Science Foundation

• USF College of Arts and Sciences Frank L. Beach Award for Outstanding Leadership
• Distinguished Research Award, University of San Francisco
• Arthur Furst Award for Outstanding Research Advancing Science for the Betterment of Humanity, University of San Francisco
• Luigi Provasoli Award for Outstanding Paper in the Journal of Psychology, Psychological Society of America
• Lake Karentz, Antarctica; named in honor of contributions to the US Antarctic program, US Board on Geographic Names (USGS)

• Karentz, D. 2014. Beyond xeroderma pigmentosum: DNA damage and repair in an ecological context. A tribute to James E. Cleaver. Photochemistry and Photobiology 91:460-474.
• Karentz, D., I. Bosch, D.M. Mitchell. 2004. Limited effects of Antarctic ozone depletion on sea urchin development. Marine Biology 145: 277–292.
• Karentz, D. 2001. Chemical defenses of marine organisms against solar radiation exposure: UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids and scytonemin. pp. 481-520. In J. McClintock and W. Baker, eds., Marine Chemical Ecology. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton, Florida.
• Karentz, D., J.E. Cleaver and D.M. Mitchell. 1991. Cell survival characteristics and molecular responses of Antarctic phytoplankton to ultraviolet-B radiation exposure. Journal of Phycology 27:326-341.