MDI Biological Laboratory

06/02/2026

🚨 Last week to register for Biomedical Bootcamp at MDI Bio Lab!
https://mdibl.org/course/biomedical-bootcamp-2026/

This immersive program introduces high school students to current biomedical research through hands-on laboratory experience paired with classroom learning. Students will receive an introduction to laboratory science with a focus on biology and biochemistry underlying biomedical research, including how cells work and how DNA carries life’s instructions.
- Master core DNA techniques
- Get first-hand experience with microscopy
- Learn about environmental toxicology
- Work with established animal models used in biomedical research
- Explore the biology of aging
- Build science communication skills
- Explore career paths in Maine and the broader biomedical field

06/01/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Carola McGiffert as MDI Bio Lab’s new Vice President of Operations.

With experience spanning federal government service, nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship, Carola brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to strengthening the systems that support science and education at MDI Bio Lab.

Her work will help advance operational excellence across the institution, from human resources and IT to facilities and campus services, while supporting the Laboratory’s continued growth and strategic priorities.

"Organizations that grow as quickly as MDI Biological Laboratory inevitably face complex and evolving challenges. What excites me is bringing different pieces together"

05/29/2026

This capture is from MDI Bio Lab's Olaleye Olajuyin and Iain Drummond.

We are seeing a new nephron born in a live . Stem cells (green) are clustered together and transforming into the microscopic, filtering unit of the kidney, with more cells dividing (pink).

05/27/2026

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Maine Science Podcast featuring Jane Disney, Associate Professor at MDI Biological Laboratory. Jane shares her journey into science along with her work in environmental health, education and community engagement.

Listen here: https://ow.ly/SvZe50Z0jI2

05/26/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Amy Pelletier, Frederic Bonnet, and Lothar Holzke, winners of the 2nd Annual Great MDI Bio Lab Bake Off!

This year’s “No-Bake Bake Off” brought out more than a dozen creative entries — from cakes and bars to bites and other sweet treats. Safe to say, it was a delicious success. 🍮

A big thank-you to everyone who organized and participated. Events like this are part of what makes the MDI Bio Lab community so special.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, our community takes a moment to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the responsibility we share to each other and to the future we’re working toward together.

05/22/2026

MDI Bio Lab welcomes to our incoming class of 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship students! Science thrives here not just because of the labs, but because of our people, place and history.

05/21/2026

What can evolution teach us about regeneration, aging and human health?

James A. Coffman explored that question during his keynote presentation at the largest-ever Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium.

"The central question that I have been asking since I was a kid—'how did our world come to be?'—can be refined to the more focused question of 'how does evolution of life on earth work?' "

05/20/2026

MDI Bio Lab's Markus Sujansky, Bioinformatician in the Comparative Genomics and Data Science Core, recently presented at the Nextflow Summit. The Summit brings together scientists from around the world to shape the future of biotech R&D through community-driven innovation.

Watch Markus's presentation "scSAMap: Cross Species single-cell Cell Type Comparison" around the 6:22 timestamp: https://ow.ly/l40o50YZ5iA

05/19/2026

Great news! We’ve extended the registration deadline and reduced tuition for our one-week Biomedical Bootcamp for high school students.

This hands-on program gives students the chance to step into real biomedical research and learn alongside scientists in the lab.

Apply by June 5 and learn more! 👇
https://mdibl.org/course/biomedical-bootcamp-2026/