Research
At Hopkins Marine Station, we study the evolution of body plans, nervous and immune systems, uncovering the genetic and physiological basis of biodiversity. Our research explores development and regeneration, examining the physical forces that guide development and the regenerative power of stem cells. Using cutting-edge methods, we investigate how marine organisms, from the smallest to the largest, evolve and adapt. Studying diverse organisms—corals, jellyfish, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, hemichordates, tunicates, octopuses, tunas, sharks, and more—provides a rich source of untapped scientific discoveries.
Vanessa Barone
Development and Regeneration
Cell biology of development
Evolution of body plans
Regenerative power of stem cells
Marine organisms studied: Tunicates, Hemichordates, Echinoderms, Mollusca
Laurent Formery
Nervous System Evolution
Nervous system diversity
Cellular and systems neuroscience
Neuro development, regeneration and degeneration
Marine organisms studied: Tunicates, Hemichordates, Echinoderms, Mollusca
- Lowe Lab
- Thompson Lab
- Voskoboynik Lab
Chris Patton
Evolution of the Immune System
Self non-self recognition
Chimerism and stem cell competition
Co-evolution of stem cells and immune system
Aging in marine organisms
Marine organisms studies: Tunicates
Steve Palumbi
Evolutionary Adaptation and Genetics
Adaptive potential of corals in response to climate change
Movement of organisms between marine reserves
Genetic changes in abalone in response to environmental conditions
Adaptation in sea urchins
Invasive species
Marine organisms studies: Cnidaria, Mollusca, Echinoderms
Block Lab
Open Ocean Predators
Thermogenesis, cardiac and muscle physiology
Biomechanics of tunas and Lamnid sharks
Movement ecology
Biology of Tunas, Sharks & Billfish
Vanessa Barone
Development of Marine Organisms as Model Systems
Culturing Techniques
Genome sequencing and assembly
Gene editing and transgenic lines
Imaging and Microscopy
Flow cytometry and cell sorting