March 2021
News from the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
Victoria Laye is interested in life that survives in Earth’s most extreme conditions. For her Ph.D. in the lab of Dr. Shiladitya DasSarma, she is studying a microbe that is found in Antarctica, preferring low temperatures and high-salt environments. Specifically, she wants to know how its proteins function at such low temperatures. This work contributes to our fundamental understanding of proteins and also could hold clues about life on other planets.
Image of IMET building at night with text, "2020 Annual Report"
2020 Annual Report
Ten years ago, IMET was established as a partnership between UMBC, UMB, and UMCES, building on the foundation established by our predecessor, the Center of Marine Biotechnology. In the past year, IMET showed tremendous resilience as we adapted to new circumstances and kept making progress in research, graduate education, and entrepreneurship.
MICA + IMET collaboration
In March, IMET's REEF students met online with students at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) who are finalists in the UP/Start Venture Competition. Entrepreneurship programs at both IMET and MICA are supported by the Ratcliffe Foundation.
New grant supports bioremediation
With a new grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Dr. Kevin Sowers and collaborators Dr. Upal Ghosh and Dr. Amar Wadhawan will study methods of breaking down chemicals using microbes.
Discounts at the BAS Lab
We know that COVID restrictions interrupted many research activities. Through May, the BAS Lab will help you accelerate your research by offering a promotional rate for MiSeq 16S Metagenomics/Amplicon sequencing at $75 per sample (reduced from $100).

Email baslab-quotes@umces.edu for more information.
Help us understand urban ecosystems
From April 30 - May 3, people across the world will be logging observations of plants and animals in their cities. It's a great way to get outside, learn about your environment, and contribute to our understanding of urban environments.
graphic with text, "IMET Open House Postponed!"
Open House Postponed
This time of year, we would usually be telling you to mark your calendars for our May Open House. We have postponed the event this year in hopes that we can welcome you in the fall. You can still check out all the kids' activities from last year's virtual Open House ... and stay tuned!
Dive Deeper: Other News From IMET
Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
701 E Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202