Coast to Coast: MBL Alumni Connections All Summer Long
From the streets of San Francisco to the shores of Woods Hole, and the lights of Las Vegas in between, the MBL alumni community gathered in more places—and in greater numbers—than ever this summer. Whether reconnecting with old friends, meeting new members of the community, or celebrating milestones together, each gathering carried the same spirit: a shared bond that stretches far beyond campus and endures long after their time at the MBL ends. As the MBL Alumni Association continues to grow, so do the opportunities to reconnect, celebrate our community, and stay engaged.
Alumni Gathering in San Francisco
In May 2026, the MBL traveled to San Francisco for America Innovates, part of the Forbes celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and its recognition of America’s Greatest Innovators. Among those named to the Forbes 250 list was Tim Springer, MBL Trustee and alumnus, recognized for his pioneering scientific research.
While in the Bay Area, the MBL brought together more than 40 alumni and friends from around the region. Conversations turned quickly to memories of summers spent at the MBL, with many describing their time here as transformational—the kind of experience that shapes a career, and one they'd return to in a heartbeat.
Alumni Ice Cream Social
Back in Woods Hole, we hosted our second annual Alumni Ice Cream Social on the MBL Quad in June 2026.
The gathering brought together staff, students, resident and visiting scientists, course directors, and other alumni for an afternoon of reconnecting and meeting new faces.
The afternoon gathering offered alumni and members of the MBL community a chance to reconnect, meet new faces, and learn more about the growing MBL Alumni Association. We heard from alumni Tianyi Mao on what makes the MBL so special, and why she keeps coming back summer after summer. It was a great way to celebrate the connections that make summers in Woods Hole so special.
Reconnecting at the Society for Developmental Biology Annual Meeting
The bright lights of Las Vegas met the familiar glow of MBL connections in July 2026, as the MBL headed west for the Society for Developmental Biology Annual Meeting. The weekend’s highlight was an MBL alumni reception at The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan, where over 100 alumni from all corners of the country came together for an evening of conversation and connection under the sparkle of one of the Strip's most iconic settings.
It was wonderful to see former students, faculty, colleagues, and friends together again—proof that no matter how far the MBL community travels, that shared bond always finds its way back to the room. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the MBL booth or joined us for the reception.
What’s Next for MBL Alumni
The momentum continues this fall. Join us on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 5:30–7:30pm for an MBL Alumni Gathering at Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s Cambridge Crossing location. We look forward to bringing alumni in the Boston and Cambridge area together for an evening of conversation, connection, and community.
We’re also looking ahead to future opportunities to bring the MBL alumni community together—including the possibility of an Alumni Weekend in Woods Hole. As we begin exploring what an MBL Alumni Weekend could look like, we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help us better understand interest and shape an experience that reflects what our alumni would most like to see.
Take our Alumni Weekend interest survey.
Have an idea for an alumni event—or interested in helping bring MBL alumni together in your area? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at ericci@mbl.edu to share your ideas and help us continue building opportunities for our alumni.
We hope to see you at an upcoming MBL alumni event!