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The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science operates world-class research facilities at its four locations across the state. These include specially designed laboratories with advanced instrumentation for chemical and biological experiments and analyses, including DNA sequencing and advanced molecular and isotopic measurements; seawater systems for maintenance of and experimentation with marine and aquatic organisms; extensive shellfish and finfish aquaculture facilities; greenhouses; computational and geographic information systems; the state-of-the-art research vessel Rachel Carson; and automated environmental observing systems.
Analytical Services Laboratory
Horn Point Laboratory
The Analytical Services Laboratory provides a wide range of water quality analyses for investigators from the University System of Maryland and around the world. All analyses follow strict QA/QC procedures.
BioAnalytical Services Laboratory
Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
The BioAnalytical Services Laboratory (BAS Lab) provides sequencing services and instrument availability to promote advances in genomics and molecular biology research. Located at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, BAS Lab services are available to investigators from institutions nationwide.
Central Appalachian Stable Isotope Facility
Appalachian Laboratory
The Central Appalachians Stable Isotope Facility performs stable isotope measurements on a variety of sample matrices. It measures stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen in environmental samples of solids, liquids, and gases using Thermo Fisher Delta V+ isotope ratio mass spectrometer interfaced with various peripheral devices.
Cell Analysis Center
Horn Point Laboratory
The Cell Analysis Center uses optics to study aquatic microorganisms, using microscopy (fluorescence and phase contrast) and flow cytometry. Research focuses on the study of aquatic algaes, planktonic species, and bacteria and archaea to constrain their respective roles in nutrient cycling and global ecology.
Environmental Statistics Collaborative
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
A clearinghouse for environmental measurements, the Environmental Statistics Collaborative provides state-of-the-art education in environmental statistics to UMCES graduate students, provides research expertise to faculty researchers, and offers consulting services to partners in the scientific and natural resource management community.
Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
The Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory provides analytical support to researchers of the University of Maryland, state and federal agencies, and private sector in water column chemistry, particulate and sediments, and other chemistries.
PhytoChop Coastal Observatory
Horn Point Laboratory
PhytoChop is a state-of-the-art phytoplankton observatory located on the Horn Point research pier adjacent to the Choptank River. PhytoChop houses several state-of-the-art instruments in a climate-controlled enclosure that collectively provide a detailed view of the daily to seasonal changes in the phytoplankton community composition, activity, and environmental correlates.
Raman Microscope
Horn Point Laboratory
An XploRA confocal Raman microscope by Horiba Jobin Yvon, Inc., is available for open use at minimal cost.
Research Fleet
Center Administration
The UMCES Research Fleet Operations Center is the homeport for the R/V Rachel Carson.
Water Chemistry Analytical Laboratory
Appalachian Laboratory
AL's Water Chemistry Laboratory provides high quality analytical services for UMCES researchers, as well as for a variety of state, local, and private agencies, on water, soil, and plant samples. Constituents include, but are not limited to, nutrients, trace metals, and common acid/base parameters.
Stable Isotope Lab
The Stable Isotope Laboratory at CBL gives UMCES student and faculty, as well as outside collaborators the opportunity to analyze a variety of light stable isotopes in gas form (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen). Education is a strong priority for the lab, and students can learn analytical methods pertinent to their research, from sample preparation to data analysis and interpretation.