Full Name
Bret Grasse

Title
Manager of Cephalopod Operations

Bret Grasse
Contact Information
Education
B.S., Biology/Environmental Science, St. Norbert College, 2008
MBL Affiliations
Location
Research Area
Lab Website

Bret Grasse specializes in the advancement of novel cephalopod husbandry and culture.  Throughout his career, Bret has directed several notable cephalopod operations including the world's first large-scale cephalopod exhibition at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  In 2017, Bret joined the MBL as Manager of Cephalopod Operations.  Bret directs all core cephalopod husbandry operations, broodstock management, strategic planning, and financial oversight of the Cephalopod Program.  The MBL Cephalopod Program’s overarching goal is to stimulate the next generation of cephalopod science by creating the first genetically tractable cephalopod research organisms. A cephalopod genetic system is important because it will be used to study biological novelties that are unique to this taxon. Examples include the ability to produce near-perfect camouflage, extensive recoding of genetic information within mRNAs, as well as the biggest nervous systems, and the most sophisticated behaviors, among invertebrates.  Our year-round culture efforts will serve as a foundation for these research efforts.

Bret Grasse works with
no headshot
Cristopher Niell
Associate Professor
University of Oregon
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David Gire
Assistant Professor
University of Washington
Gul Dolen
Gul Dolen
Associate Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Yan Wang
Yan Wang
Assistant Professor
University of Washington
Robyn Crook
Robyn Crook
Assistant Professor
San Francisco State University
Selected Publications

Grearson AG, Dugan A, Sakmar T, Sivitilli DM., Gire DH., Caldwell Roy L., Niell CM., Dölen G, Wang ZY, Grasse B. The Lesser Pacific Striped Octopus, Octopus chierchiae: An Emerging Laboratory Model. Frontiers Mar Sci. 2021 Dec 13. Vol 8. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.753483

Chancellor S, Abbo L, Grasse B, Sakmar T, Brown J, Scheel D, Santymire RM. Determining the effectiveness of using dermal swabs to evaluate the stress physiology of laboratory cephalopods: A preliminary investigation. Gen and Com Endo. 2021. Vol 314. ISSN 0016-6480

Vidal EAG, Villanueva R, Andrade JP, Gleadall IG, Iglesias J, Koueta N, Rosas C, Segawa S, Grasse B, Franco-Santos R, Albertin CB, Caamal-Monsreal C, Chimal ME, Edsinger-Gonzales E, Gallardo P, Le Pabic C, Pascual C, Roumbedakis K, Wood J. Cephalopod Culture: Current Status of Main Biological Models and Research Priorities. Adv in Mar Bio. 2014. Vol 67:1-98. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800287-2.00001-9.

Grasse, Bret. The Biological Characteristics, Life Cycle, and System Design for the Flamboyant and Paintpot Cuttlefish, Metasepia sp., Cultured Through Multiple Generations. Drum and Croaker. 2014 Vol. 45