Center Of Marine Biotechnology (COMB)

University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute

Research Faculty and LMRCSC Staff

 John M. Trant, PhD

Located in the Columbus Center of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, COMB brings to the LMRCSC a team of scientists who conduct multidisciplinary research and educational programs covering Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology, Marine Environmental Biotechnology, Microbial and Extremophile Processes, Marine Natural Products and Functional Genomics.  COMB's unique, state-of-the-art facilities include DNA synthesis, sequencing and quantifying equipment, fermentation systems for growth of extremophilic microorganisms, a core facility for transgenic work, a fully contained aquaculture facility designed for developing and improving finfish/shellfish production and hatchery technologies.  COMB scientists are funded by DOE, EPA, SeaGrant, NIH, NOAA, NSF, and USDA.

Although COMB is neither a degree-granting nor minority serving institution, it brings to the LMRCSC a wealth of research training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as enrichment experiences for faculty of our LMRCSC partner institutions in areas that are relevant to NOAA Fisheries interests.  COMB’s IT capabilities have assisted in establishing video-telecconferencing connectivity between partner institutions, connectivity to NOAA, providing important distance-learning opportunities.

COMB's LMRCSC program is directed jointly by Dr. Rosemary Jagus and Dr. John M. Trant.  Dr. Jagus works on translational control in growth and development, as well as molecular pathogenesis during viral infection in fish.  Dr. Trant works on finfish and crustacean molecular endocrinology with special emphasis on reproduction.