Spring 2008, Vol. 4, No. 2 | Index

Spring 2008 at the MBL is off to a spectacular start. We’ve just completed a brisk conference season, welcoming top-notch international gatherings such as the Sea Urchin and Immunoparasitology meetings back to Woods Hole. While conferences have now given way to the first of this year’s courses—Analytical & Quantitative Light Microscopy and Frontiers in Reproduction are in session as I write this message—there are a record 26 conferences scheduled for the fall season to date and we look forward to continuing to host many of world’s scientific leaders at these meetings come September.

I’m happy to report that a number of MBL scientists and faculty have been recognized by prestigious scientific organizations this spring. The American Society for Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), the leading professional organization for researchers and educators in the field of aquatic science, awarded Ecosystems Center distinguished scientist John Hobbie a lifetime achievement award. ASLO also recognized senior scientist Bruce Peterson for the high impact his 1979 Nature paper on organic matter flux and planktonic production in the deep ocean has had on subsequent research in the field.

And just a few weeks ago, we received the exciting news that John was also named a 2008 Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation’s most prestigious honorary societies. Also among this year’s fellows are four MBL alumni and ten MBL course faculty, including Tim Mitchison, co-director of the Physiology course; and Mike Dickinson, present instructor and former co-director of the Neural Systems & Behavior course.

That same week, we also learned that Biology of Aging course co-director Gary Ruvkun received a Gairdner International Award, which recognizes the world’s leading medical research scientists. Since 1957, 70 of 288 Gairdner winners have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. A few days later, Gary was one of 72 new members and 18 foreign associates elected to The National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

The recognition of the remarkable achievements of John, Bruce, Tim, Mike, Gary, and other MBL faculty and alumni by these distinguished organizations reinforces the MBL’s reputation as a leader in the biological sciences and is a true testament to our discovery-based research and education programs.

In other news, I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Joshua W. Hamilton has been hired as the laboratory’s Chief Academic and Scientific Officer (CASO). Josh comes from Dartmouth College where he is the director or associate director of several programs including the Center for Environmental Health Sciences and the Toxic Metals Research Program. I know you’ll join me in welcoming Josh and his wife, Melissa (Missy) and two children, Ross and Kelsey, when they arrive at the MBL in early June.

I wish to thank MBL staff that pitched in and assumed many of the responsibilities of the CASO office while the search was underway. Your efforts enabled the administrative aspects of the MBL’s education and research programs to progress seamlessly. I am also grateful to the dedicated committee of MBL course faculty and year-round and visiting investigators who directed the nationwide search for the CASO position. I appreciate their guidance and leadership in the decision-making process.

In closing, as you read through this issue of the Collecting Net, I hope you’ll enjoy learning about the accomplishments of many our scientific and administrative employees, both professionally and in the community, and join me in congratulating them all on their achievements.

With all best wishes,
Gary Borisy, Director and CEO

The Collecting Net is an employee newsletter published by the Communications Office. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Call (508) 289-7423 or e-mail us at