Maria Mitchell Association Announces Scallop Presentation with Dr. Val Hall, Scallop Lab Research Assistants and High School Interns

July 11, 2023

NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that Dr. Val Hall will be hosting a formal presentation at the Great Harbor Yacht Club. Dr. Hall will be joined by her lab assistants and interns to give a formal presentation on Nantucket Bay Scallop biology, as well as define student driven research questions and describe the procedures used to study bay scallops. This presentation will take place on Tuesday, July 18 from 4 - 6pm. The presentation is complimentary and open to the public.


The presentation will provide an overview of their Nantucket Bay Scallop research and summer laboratory experiences, describing the histological techniques used, as well as an explanation of the basics of bay scallop biology and reproduction, predators and parasites, the scallop-eelgrass relationship, and other ecological factors that influence the scallop population. In recent years, bay scallops have declined in numbers and Dr. Hall's research is an important component to our understanding of the Nantucket ecosystem’s overall health. Dr. Hall has been a Research Associate with the MMA since 2006.


The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.



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For Immediate Release

July 11, 2023

Contact: Grace Baisley

marketinginterns@mariamitchell.org

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