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Department Overview

The Department of Marine Biotechnology (DMB) is partner member of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), a joint University System of Maryland research institute capitalizing on the strengths of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. DMB is premier research center for basic and translational research in marine biotechnology and molecular microbiology. Researchers use the tools of modern molecular biology and biotechnology to make basic scientific discoveries that may be applied to study, protect and enhance marine and estuarine resources. DMB faculty focus on key areas of marine molecular biology to solve practical problems confronting the Chesapeake Bay and the greater marine ecosystem and to develop new technologies for translational application and economic advancement. DMB provides an exceptional environment for specialized training and mentoring of tomorrow’s biotechnology workforce.

The department is based at the Colwell Center in downtown Baltimore. Faculty have access to extensive research facilities, including an 18,000 square-foot, fully-contained, recirculating marine aquaculture facility, a versatile high-volume fermentation facility, and a wide assortment of advanced biomolecular instrumentation.