Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory Gets $200K In State Funding

FALMOUTH, MA — High school students will have expanded opportunities to study science in Woods Hole thanks to recent state funding.

On Tuesday, Rep. Dylan Fernandes and Sen. Susan Moran presented $200,000 in state funding to the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole.

The earmark, secured by Rep. Fernandes and Sen. Moran during the FY2025 state budget process, will support MBL’s efforts to expand "transformative science education programs for Massachusetts public school students," the duo said in a news release.

“Cape Cod is home to world-renowned science and, with this funding, local students will be able to access it regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Fernandes. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to invest in the local kids and provide opportunities to cutting-edge science and learning."

"Investing in our youths means investing in the future of our coastal communities," said Moran. "This funding will provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in the blue economy, connecting them to the vital ecosystems that sustain our region. By engaging directly in marine research, these young scientists will gain skills that are crucial for addressing the environmental challenges of tomorrow."

The funding will enable high school and undergraduate students to participate in immersive, hands-on research programs at MBL, including the High School Science Discovery Program, the Semester in Environmental Science, and the Semester in Biological Discovery, officials said.

The programs allow students to engage directly in research work alongside MBL’s renowned scientists and utilize state-of-the-art technology.

“We are honored to receive this funding, which will allow us to extend our world-class educational programs to more students across Massachusetts,” said Linda Hyman, Director of Education at MBL. “This support will open doors for students from diverse backgrounds to experience the thrill of scientific discovery and to explore potential careers in research and science.”

The High School Science Discovery Program allows high school students to step outside of the classroom and conduct hands-on research in biological sciences, working with advanced scientific tools and exploring marine organisms at the MBL’s Marine Resources Center.

The Semester in Environmental Science program offers undergraduate students a 15-week experience in field and laboratory research on Cape Cod’s coastal ecosystems, while the Semester in Biological Discovery similarly allows students to explore the biological sciences, including parasitology, biodiversity, and neurophysiology.