This $506,276 National Science Foundation project grant supports research investigating the relationship between cell size and nutrient acquisition modes in mixotrophic protists. Funded under the NSF's Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050), the research aims to establish an empirical understanding of how mixotroph cell size relates to dependence on photosynthesis versus prey ingestion. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science will lead experiments measuring the carbon obtained from each mode across environmental conditions for eight mixotroph species. Using isotopic labeling, the researchers will assess how cell size correlates with trophic strategies among mixotrophs. Insights could transform understanding of mixotrophs and carbon transfer in marine ecosystems. Broader impacts include training opportunities and educational outreach collaborations.