WHHM Conversation: Marine Biological Laboratory’s 133 Years of Scientific Discovery

Dr. Patel will share the history of the MBL, an international center for research and education in biological and environmental science that was founded in 1888 and was the second scientific institution established in Woods Hole. The laboratory is now affiliated with the University of Chicago.

In addition to the lab’s history, Dr. Patel will discuss how the MBL is working to expand the resident and the visiting scientist research programs, creating new educational offerings, including opportunities for undergraduates and high school students. Other goals focusing on advancements in two major strategic research areas—imaging and new research organisms.

Dr. Patel was appointed MBL director in 2018. Prior to his appointment, he was Professor and Co-chair of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. His scientific expertise encompasses the development of novel, genetic model organisms for biological study, which can reveal much about human biology; and the application of advanced imaging technologies to probe the fundamental dynamics of living systems. A longtime member of the MBL community, Dr. Patel has taught in the MBL Embryology course for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Edith Copenhaver, live in Woods Hole.