Embryology Course Celebrates 130 Years of MBL Science

MBL Director Nipam Patel (left) and Nobel Prize winner and Embryology alumnus Eric Weichaus (right) talk with a student during the poster session. Credit: Dee Sullivan

The MBL's Embryology Advanced Research Training Course celebrated 130 years of science on Sunday, June 4. The reunion symposium brought together faculty, students, and members of the MBL community from around the world.

More than 75 people attended the reunion symposium, which included lectures, a poster session, and a reception. 

As part of the preparation for the celebration, faculty and alumni talked about what made their experience with the Embryology course so meaningful.

“Taking the Embryology Course was the highlight of my graduate training. Much of who I am as a scientist can be traced to my first summer at the MBL,” said Rob Steele, alumnus (1976).

Alice Accorsi, alumna (2013), called the course a “Life-changing experience. I met so many friends and future colleagues. The course opened the doors to my future research and career.” 

Visit the “Impact Statements” page to hear from more members of the Embryology community.

Photos from the 130th Anniversary Symposium
Nobel Prize winner Eric Weichaus talks about his history with the Embryology course as a student (1969), faculty (1983, 1987-1988, 2000-2001, 2004-2008) and a lecturer (2002, 2013). Credit: Dee Sullivan
Nobel Prize winner Eric Weichaus talks about his history with the Embryology course as a student (1969), faculty (1983, 1987-1988, 2000-2001, 2004-2008) and a lecturer (2002, 2013). Credit: Dee Sullivan
MBL Director Nipam Patel delivers the opening remarks at the Embryology 130th anniversary symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
MBL Director Nipam Patel delivers the opening remarks at the Embryology 130th anniversary symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan 
Embryology Course Director Carole LaBonne talks about how course alumni can stay involved with the MBL. Credit: Dee Sullivan
Embryology Course Director Carole LaBonne talks about how course alumni can stay involved with the MBL. Credit: Dee Sullivan
Embryology Course Director Athula Wikramanayake gives introductions in the Cornelia Clapp Auditorium during the Embryology 130th anniversary symposium at the MBL. Credit: Dee Sullivan
Embryology Course Director Athula Wikramanayake gives introductions in the Cornelia Clapp Auditorium during the Embryology 130th anniversary symposium at the MBL. Credit: Dee Sullivan 
Embryology student Kayla Wilson during the student poster session. Credit: Dee Sullivan
Embryology student Kayla Wilson during the student poster session. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
The student poster session at the Embryology Course 130th Anniversary Symposium. Credit: Dee Sullivan
Support the Frank R. Lillie Lecture in Embryology

In celebration of 130 years of science, the Embryology Course is working to raise $25,000 to establish and endow The Frank R. Lillie Lecture in Embryology. The lecture will be held as an annual component of the course.

Learn more about the Lillie Lecture and Donate