Join us for a tour of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) research institute near the National Aquarium. IMET’s work focuses on using aquaculture and genomics to conserve and create marine resources, including marine bioenergy, environmental sensor development, developmental biology, marine biomedicine, and sustainable urban ports and ecosystems. The center combines staff and resources from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and the University of Maryland Baltimore.
We will begin our tour with Research Professor Dr. Eric Schott, who will provide an overview of the facility. Our next stop is the Aquaculture Research Center (ARC), a 1,800-square-meter marine facility that provides experimental capacity for research with marine organisms. ARC contains multiple tanks specifically designed to maintain broodstock and conduct research with various fish, 32 smaller tanks for carrying out experiments with multiple groups of fish, and a complete hatchery, with larval-rearing systems and facilities for the culture of food chain organisms for larval diets. It is completely contained, with a recirculating operation that includes large-scale mechanical and biological filtration and life-support systems for efficient reuse of tank water.
We are fortunate to be invited to tour two working laboratories at IMET. In the Chung Laboratory, Dr. Sook Chung will describe her work with the blue crab. Her recent work unlocked the genome sequence of this Maryland favorite, helping fishery managers with important information to maintain sustainable stock. Her research also focuses on the responses of crustaceans to the neurotransmitters, neurohormones, hormones, and pheromones that regulate critical events in the life cycle of these organisms.
In the Dooley Lab, Dr. Helen Dooley works to understand the immune systems of various marine animals, especially sharks, to find shared functions of specific molecules. Her work focuses on comparative immunology, with an interest in developing new technologies and therapies to understand, diagnose, and potentially treat human and animal diseases.
We will end our tour with a wrap-up session with Dr. Nina Lamba, Assistant Director at IMET.
- Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Member: $20
Guests must be NHSM members, also. - Non Members: $25