MBL Director Speaks to Woods Hole Woman's Club

Huntington Willard, President and Director of The Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, spoke on the topic “MBL Today” to members of the Woods Hole Woman’s Club and their guests at the annual pot luck dinner Tuesday, November 10. Dr. Willard is a respected leader in the fields of genetics and genome biology, known for his research accomplishments, academic leadership and passion for integrating research and education at all levels. He assumed his position at the MBL in January, 2015, as the 15th leader in the institute’s 127 year history.

Dr. Willard described the MBL as a place with a rich tradition of conducting basic scientific research within a context which requires ongoing adaptation to changes in the scientific, environmental, and political parameters surrounding it. The relatively small size of the MBL is one of its strengths because it is nimble and capable of responding quickly to these changes. While the Laboratory can’t compete with much larger medical and university research centers in terms of the scope of its work, it can make a substantial contribution by focusing on what it does best.

The MBL has a great strength in its “convening power” to draw scientists and students to Woods Hole from all over the world. Dr. Willard identified the need to use that convening power beyond the months of July and August so that more science and education is happening at MBL more months of the year. He stated that it would be best to have a minimum of 1000 people doing their work and learning at the MBL all through the year. The recent affiliation with the University of Chicago has provided a new source of strength and has already contributed to the off-season use of the facility by scientists and students.

Being next to an ocean is a huge asset to the MBL and was a factor in the University of Chicago’s interest in affiliating with it. The ocean is of great scientific importance because it offers opportunities to observe how many life forms are responding to a fast-changing environment. Studying some of the tens of thousands of species that inhabit the ocean may unlock secrets into basic life processes. Dr. Willard noted that most of what we know about basic biological processes is based upon the study of 6-8 species. Scientific investigation may allow us to understand how sea animals are adapting to the fast-changing environment. Another little-understood life process is the capacity some sea creatures have for regeneration, the growing of a new part when an original part is destroyed. In addition, the MBL has been a leader in the study of microbial life for 25 years and the importance of this work will only grow since microbes are the sentinels of change, much like a canary in a mine. Dr. Willard said these are a few examples of areas where the institute can best make its contribution to our understanding of the natural world.

In his talk, Dr. Willard communicated his commitment to, and excitement about, the future of the MBL and stated that he is here to help the organization be the best it can be.

Dr. Willard, his wife Vicki and Woods Hole Woman’s Club Program Chair Ellie Armstrong and in the picture above.

The Woods Hole Woman’s Club strives to enhance the lives of those in Woods Hole and surrounding communities. Monthly meetings from October through April include informative presentations such as Dr. Willard’s talk, entertainment, and social events. Members raise money for college scholarships and support other community organizations through various club activities. New members are welcomed at any time during the year.

Information about membership is available from Susan Houghton at 508-540-0578

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