See Yourself in Sea Change: Are you an undergraduate with a mind for science and a heart for the sea? Maybe you’re considering programs next fall that will broaden your experience? Then check out this short introduction to our Sea Change Semester:

NEXT 50 | The most important discoveries for our planet’s future require working at the intersection of disciplines. For instance, flow cytometry was used in biomedical research for years before our co-founder, Clarice Yentsch, pioneered its use to study marine phytoplankton.

Two of our scientists were at workshops this fall in Namibia and Morocco, working with local stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps, build computational skills, and start to develop the networks and tools needed for the early warning systems for HABs.

The next Ocean on Tap is TOMORROW (1/23) from 6-7 p.m. at Footbridge. Brenda Hamilton, a FEMA Storm Outreach & Recovery Coordinator for the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association, will discuss Maine’s storms, how to prepare, and the resources/funding available for our community.

A Bigelowian spotted the R/V Clarice while she winters at Brewer South Freeport Marine [*use various @ tags where available*]. This isn’t a case of snowbirding. Clarice is working all winter long, helping our researchers with their science in Casco Bay and Harpswell Sound.

Postdoc Melissa Rocker was featured in her college magazine, The College Today, where she talks about her career path, current research with lobsters, and experience mentoring multiple interns this summer. 📷: Catie Cleveland

SRS Nick Record was featured in a recent @MainePublic story about how right whales returned to the eastern Gulf of Maine in higher numbers than in recent years, which may be due to the plume of cold, deep water that Record noticed earlier this year:

Our lab, in partnership @CascoBay has been monitoring PFAS levels across Casco Bay since early last summer. When 50,000 gallons of PFAS-laden firefighting foam spilled from Brunswick Naval Air Station in August, the team jumped into action. Learn more:

Snowflakes, rightly, get a lot of attention for their beautiful, six-sided symmetry — particularly under a microscope. But these phytoplankton have a geometry all their own and can put on quite a show! Thanks Peter Countway for sharing these beautiful images.

Our own Beth Orcutt and Rosalynn Sylvan are part of the small but mighty COBRA leadership team working to build relationships between scientists and policy makers to encourage science-based decision-making for deep-sea activities. Learn more:

NEXT 50 | NCMA: We strive for ways our science can be utilized to benefit society. The National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota at Bigelow Laboratory is a great example, which curates and distributes over 3,800 strains of microalgae and seaweeds.

The world of algae holds nearly limitless potential from drug discovery and food security to climate change mitigation. We’re forming new collaborations and making bold investments with partners across the state to tap into that potential. Read more:

This fall, over 500 people, converged in Portland for the U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae. Our CEO helped kick the event off and a number of Bigelowians attended to present, hold workshops, and make deeper connections to others in the HABs research community.

Ocean on Tap is TOMORROW (Thursday, 12/2) from 6-7 p.m. at Footbridge Brewery! Megan Shapiro, a marine resource specialist, will have helpful tips and information on making smarter seafood choices that help support our ocean, seafood economy, and local fishermen. Don’t miss it!

There are likely millions more viruses in the ocean than stars in the observable universe. Yet they're one of the most mysterious biological entities. Scientists at Bigelow Laboratory are helping unlock those mysteries. Read more in our latest story:

Last month, a contingent of Bigelowians, including senior research scientists, postdocs, Ph.D. students, and interns, attended the Western Society of Naturalists Annual Meeting. Ideas were exchanged, posters were viewed, presentations were given, and fun was had by all.

We’re Hiring a Digital Communications Manager: This person will own the digital aspects of our institutional marketing and communications and help take them to the next level. Apply today and/or share with anyone who would be a good fit.

From the tracking the health of the kelp forests in the Gulf of Maine, to discovering octopus nurseries miles deep in the pacific, our scientists span the globe to unlock the ocean’s potential. Consider empowering our research this Giving Tuesday:

Since 2014, Karen Stamieszkin has held several roles at Bigelow Laboratory, from PhD student to postdoc to research scientist. This fall, she became our newest senior research scientist. Learn more about her journey and current projects in our story:

Feeling Thankful: The season is upon us which includes Thanksgiving and, last week, Maine Bioscience Day. These pictures are from a visit researchers Brigid Carr and Hailey Greenleaf paid to Bristol Consolidated School. Thanks Brigid, Hailey and everyone who participated!