September 2019
News from the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
Research Cruise to Discover Secrets of the Ocean
How do you study something that's microscopic and lives in the depths of unexplored oceans? Dr. Feng Chen's lab departed on a research vessel off the coast of Bermuda to better understand the function of bacterial and viral communities in the ocean.

To do this, they took samples along the water column, reaching a maximum depth of 4,500 meters below sea level! The samples they took will help them study nutrient cycling in the ocean, which is a vital part of the ecology and climate of this blue planet.
First Tuesdays Free Lecture Series
Our first public lecture is tomorrow, with Dr. Yonathan Zohar presenting "Avoiding Empty Oceans: Sustainable Aquaculture and the Future of Feeding the World."

5:30pm Reception in IMET atrium
6:00pm Lecture in IMET auditorium

Join us on the first Tuesday evenings of October, November, and December for free public lectures.
$1.2M to Study Salmon Aquaculture
Dr. Zohar has been a world leader in developing technologies for land-based recirculating aquaculture systems that can grow fish sustainably to meet growing demand. This new grant focuses on developing the U.S. salmon aquaculture business through research and collaboration.
Thanks to our interns!
This summer, we had 11 bright undergraduates working in our labs as part of the IMET Summer Internship program for students who are underrepresented in the sciences. Dr. Rose Jagus, the director of the program, shared, "This program is very beneficial to the students. We can see them grow in their skills and confidence."

Thanks to the Bunting foundation for support of this program!
...and more interns!
In all, this summer, we had 51 interns. They brought new energy to our labs and to our administrative offices. We're proud to be partners with Building STEPS, a program that provides opportunities for Baltimore City public school students to support college and career success. This year, one of our interns, Patrick, got some experience in communications by interviewing his fellow interns about their experiences at IMET.
Amanda Lawrence announced as Knauss Fellow
Amanda Lawrence is finishing up her M.S., leading the grad students as the GSA president, and gearing up for a year in D.C. as a Knauss fellow. In this prestigious program, she'll join a federal agency to work for better science in management. Congrats, Amanda!
UMCES Next Generation: Taylor Armstrong
Taylor Armstrong began her Ph.D. in the lab of Dr. Allen Place this year. She comes to us after completing an M.S. at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and a Knauss Fellowship with NOAA. Her research focuses on controlling harmful algal blooms, possibly using spent grain from brewing beer.
What is the REEF Program?
We often report on the success of our students as they win pitch competitions or launch their businesses. But how do they do it? A lot of hard work and some guidance from the Ratcliffe Environmental Entrepreneur Fellowship. Dr. Nina Lamba shares how she became an entrepreneur and how the REEF program can transform students.
FISH Project Serves the Community
This summer, harvests of European sea bass and shrimp grown at IMET served our greater Baltimore community. They were served up at the Franciscan Center and distributed at a Maryland Food Bank Pantry-on-the-Go event.

Thanks to our partners, United Way of Central Maryland, J.J. McDonnell, and McCormick!
IMET at LightCity + Book Festival
Did you miss us at ArtScape? We're bringing our science to Light City and the Book Festival, November 1-10. Find us in the Children's Activities section, where we'll welcome children of all ages! We'll be exploring the chemistry and biology that makes things glow in the dark.
Dive Deeper: More News From IMET
  • Dr. Kevin Sowers' work on PCB bioremediation was in the news. Check out this video by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on the ongoing project in Wilmington. And read more about the long-term collaborations and research that went into this work.
  • Salting roads helps drivers stay safe, but what are the ecological impacts? The DasSarma and Schott labs examined the microbial communities in urban environments that are affected by road salts. Read the article in PLOS ONE.
  • A NSF Research Traineeship grant was awarded to faculty at UMBC and IMET. Dr Colleen Burge shared, "I am especially looking forward to the opportunity to train students who can impact the quality of the environment in Baltimore." Read more in UMBC News.
  • Two IMET and REEF students launch their first product, the Aerium, an air purifier that uses algae to clean the air.
  • October 1, 5:30pm - Fall into Science: Dr. Yonathan Zohar
  • October 15, 10:00am - Entrepreneur Office Hours
  • October 16, 3:00pm - Seminar: Dr. Som Chatterjee
  • October 18, 3:00pm - Seminar: Leslie I.D. Prewitt
  • October 23, 3:00pm - Seminar: Dr. Andrea Bodnar
  • October 30, 3:00pm - Seminar: Dr. Jim Du
  • November 5, 5:30pm - Fall into Science: Dr. Eric Schott
Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
701 E Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202