Research Overview

Around the World

MLML has a rich history of conducting research in the local environments in close proximity to the lab in central Monterey Bay (e.g. Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Submarine Canyon, and the kelp beds of Monterey and Santa Cruz), in addition to far flung locales such as Antarctica, Alaska, Bering Sea, Indian Ocean, Baja, Chile, Philippines, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and throughout the seas. The former 135’ R/V Point Sur that MLML operated for the National Science Foundation mostly operated in the California Current System, but also ventured to the coasts of Antarctica, Alaska, and Hawaii. Scientists from MLML continue to explore research ideas around the world.

MLML Researchers

Researchers at MLML have various designations. The tenure-track or tenured Regular Faculty serves as the major advisors and teachers for the 80-95 graduate students enrolled at MLML but also conduct active international and local research programs. The Research Faculty conduct research via contracts or grants funded by governmental or private funding sources but they also help mentor students and occasionally teach a course. The Research Affiliates also are soft-money researchers but do not typically mentor students or teach. Another category of researchers is Adjunct Faculty, who conducts research through MLML but are not physically on site. The last group is our Consortium Faculty, who serve as tenured faculty at one of our seven consortium campuses, and can conduct research and teach classes at MLML. All of these affiliated researchers (i.e. not Regular Faculty) add great depth to the disciplines featured at MLML and provide research opportunities and employment for our students.