THANK YOU TO ASHLEY DESTINO FOR THE FANTASTIC TOUR OF GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE!

GMGI conference ‘room with a view.’

Friday morning, ahead of the first of many public open houses to be held at the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, we taped our weekly podcast in the conference room at the stunning new science center. Ashley Destino, development and communications director, gave us a grand tour of the labs, as well as a tour of the second floor.

Tim Sullivan

It was all very exciting to learn more about this stellar institution and my favorite parts were interviewing one of GMGI’s lead scientists, Tim Sullivan, and learning about Red Sea Urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus). This fascinating species can live for two hundred years, regenerate damaged appendages, and reproduce throughout their life span. The Red Sea Urchin is just one of many species the institute is sequencing. GMGI is also studying blue American Lobsters, one donated by Captain Joe and Sons!

At GMGI, Red Sea Urchins are housed in aquariums and fed weekly. Here’s one ‘chowing down’ on iceberg lettuce (just kidding; it was eating so slowly, you could barely tell it was eating at all). In the wild, Red Sea Urchins eat kelp.

The second floor is available to rent and the build out possibilities are limitless, with a huge amount of floor space, sun pouring through the windows, and an expansive outdoor deck, including a spectacular view.

Host Joey, with Ashley, Ron Gilson and Chris McCarthy

The Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute is located at 417 Main Street in Gloucester. Listen to our podcast and visit the GMGI website to learn more about the Institute’s research and education programs.

Hand painted oar gifted to GMGI by Sam Nigro

Art Reception for Jon Sarkin and Paul Cary Goldberg at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI)

 

gloucester marine genomics institute_gmgi_acquires original art by jon sarkin r and paul cary goldberg l_big-boy-fish-head-548x465_gloucester_ma
“Big Boy Fish Head” GMGI acquisition; Paul Cary Goldberg (L) Jon Sarkin (R)

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) acquired original art by Paul Cary Goldberg and Jon Sarkin for its special new research institute headquarters on Main Street — which means they built an impressive ~~temporary~~ corporate collection from the get-go! *update 1/10/19: GMGI stresses that “these pieces are on loan, and remain property of the artists and are for sale.” Ok! So they could be a great start to a permanent collection. For a peek inside, including in-situ shots, see Kim Smith’s post about the GMGI expansion groundbreaking 

ARTIST RECEPTION JANUARY 10, 2019

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is excited to host an Artist Reception for Paul Cary Goldberg and Jon Sarkin on Thursday, January 10th from 5- 6:30pm at GMGI’s Research Institute at 417 Main Street. RSVP Please contact Ashley Destino (772.708.8266 or Ashley.destino@gmgi.org) if you’d like to join us!

UPCOMING

GMGI regularly hosts private groups, including science educators from the North Shore this January. GMGI will be announcing plans for public Open House dates in the coming weeks!

Mark your calendars: on Thursday January 24th, 2019, there’s an academy open house at the teaching facility in Blackburn (55 Blackburn Circle, Gloucester, MA.,) for the community and prospective students to learn more. Check it out!

CHECK IT OUT! GMGI IN FORBES

What the World’s First Marine Genomics Institute Aims to Do

By Priya Shukla

CELEBRATING THE EXPANSION OF THE GLOUCESTER MARINE GENOMICS INSTITUTE – A HISTORIC DAY FOR GLOUCESTER!

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Class of 2019

Founders, supporters, and elected officials came together today to celebrate the expansion of the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute. The institute’s new facility is located at 417 Rogers Street on Gloucester’s inner harbor. GMGI is the world’s first dedicated marine genomics institute and is designed to advance marine biology research and to expand the local economy. The construction of the world-class genomics research institute was made possible by a $2.7 million capital grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) to help build and equip the 6,000 square-foot research institute and lab. Read more here.

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute is open for self-guided tours!

Today was truly a historic day for Gloucester and you can see by the smiles of joy on everyone’s faces how meaningful is this expansion to Gloucester’s working waterfront.

Sherre Zizak was, for the second time this month, presented with the Unsung Hero Award, this one given by the City of Gloucester and the office of Mayor Sefatia.

Friends and supporters of GMGI received thanks today for their role in the expansion and they include the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Governor Baker, Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, State Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Romeo-Theken, Sherre Zizik, Lee Dellicker, Joe Rosa, John Bell, Marc Vidal, David Walt, Greg Verdine, Jonathan Pope, Michelle May, James Bacon, John Connolly, JC Guiterrez-Ramos, Bill Kane, George Putnam, Tom Simons, and many more.

 

About the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute was founded in 2013 by three entrepreneurial scientists with legendary experience in genomics and biomedicine — David Walt, Greg Verdine, and Marc Vidal — along with local businesswoman Sheree Zizik. Today, GMGI is led and backed by leaders with decades of experience in genomics, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals and industry.

The overarching mission is ambitious but simple: to catalyze the local economy by bringing science to Cape Ann in a meaningful way. The founders identified three strategies to accomplish the mission:

  • Establish a world-class marine biotechnology research institute whose work is powered by the scientific field of genomics;
  • Develop a local biotechnology workforce through a vibrant science learning environment; and
  • Promote the conditions that encourage the development of a science community on Cape Ann.

The development of this research institute and the move to 417 Main Street have been made possible by a $2.7 million capital grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world.  Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research & development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics, and digital health.  Since its creation in 2007, the MLSC has strategically deployed over $700 million in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives, and workforce programs.  These investments have created thousands of jobs, and propelled the development of new therapies, devices, and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond. To learn more, visit masslifesciences.com.

Rubber Duck says: “WAZAT?”

What it might end up being is well paid jobs in Biotech on Cape Ann.
What it might end up being is well paid jobs in Biotech on Cape Ann.