MBL - A Guide for Summer Investigators
From the Whitman Center Steering Committee
(Summer 2015; revised May 2015)
The MBL website (www.mbl.edu) provides a great deal of information on these and other topics, but here
is what you need to know when you first arrive. We have made every attempt to update this guide but if
there are errors please let us know at researchprograms@mbl.edu.
FIRST THINGS FIRST!
1. Check into housing and get your housing keys.
If you will be living in MBL housing, you may check in at the
front desk on the first floor of Swope
(http://www.mbl.edu/housing/). The office is staffed from 8am
to 9pm, seven days a week, except for holidays. If you arrive
after office hours and find the door locked, use the call box at
the front door of Swope to call the watchperson ([508] 289-7217,
or x2717 from lab phones) who will assist you with check in. In
the event of any delay in your scheduled arrival contact the
Housing Office (508-289-7213, housing@mbl.edu) or you may
be subject to a cancellation fee. Cottages (at Devil’s Lane and
Memorial
Circle) are
located approximately one mile away from campus and you will require
Deb Deering,
Housing
transportation to get there.
2. Get your ID card.
If you have questions about your card access, please contact the Office
of Research Administration & Programs at X7173 or
researchprograms@mbl.edu.
The MBL ID Card serves as an ID badge, name tag, MBL/WHOI
Library card, and provides access to MBL services/buildings when they
are locked in the evenings and on the weekends. Cards are printed and issued at the Processing
Ann, up
Jane,
Tanya
office in Swope 101A. Please bring a driver's license or a photo-ID when picking
yourand
access
card. The MBL ID Card Processing Office will add a photograph to your ID and will hole punch
the card if you wish to wear it on a lanyard. Your access card has a wide magnetic strip that must
be swiped through card readers at designated MBL doors for after-hours access to selected
buildings, the MBL/WHOI Library, and the Lillie elevator. Each card is individually
programmed to provide access to specific services/buildings (dependent upon your affiliation).
3. Get your Parking Permit.
There are two types of parking permits: green and red. You will be issued a GREEN parking
permit, which allows you to park in parking lots on campus (Lillie, Loeb, Swope, etc.) during
business hours (8am-4pm; M-F) if you are not living on campus in MBL housing. Those living
in MBL cottages or on MBL campus will be assigned a RED parking permit, which allows you
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to park at the Devil’s Lane parking lot or at the cottages. Shuttle service is available to and from
the Devil’s Lane parking lot to the MBL campus (Lillie Building) during the summer season.
Those with RED parking permits are allowed to park on campus lots only after 4pm M-F and on
weekends. Failure to follow these rules can result in your car being towed. Parking permits are
available at the main desk in Swope Office and require the filling out of a form online prior to
obtaining the permit.
The full parking permit policy and application can be found at:
http://ws1.mbl.edu/Parking/stickers.asp. To access this site, you must already have your MBL
ID card and be set up to use MBL’s single sign-on system.
WARNING: The Falmouth Police are quite enthusiastic about giving out tickets at expired
parking meters, including those on Water Street and MBL Street.
4. Getting to and from the Cottages.
Shuttle service between MBL's Woods Hole campus, the Cottages, and the Devil's Lane Parking
Lot is available during summer months (from June 8 to August 28, 2015). The shuttle runs
approximately every 20 minutes between 6:30am-7:40pm on Monday-Friday and between
8:00am-11:50am on Saturday, but does not run on Sunday. For schedules, see:
http://www.mbl.edu/services/mbl-shuttle/
For walking and biking, there is a footpath to the right of the entrance of the Devil’s Lane
parking lot that runs directly to the Shining Sea Bikeway
(http://www.woodshole.com/documents/bikewaymap.pdf). It is about one mile from the
cottages to the Marine Biological Laboratory. This bikeway is not only a fun way to get to the
MBL but also provides access to Falmouth (approximately 4-5 miles) for shopping. The
bikeway is 10.7 miles long and provides a beautiful ride adjacent to ponds and marshes.
5. How do I arrange to receive and send mail via the MBL Mail Room?
To receive mail at the MBL, you must register in the Mail Room,
located in the basement of Lillie.
Your mailing address will be:
Your name, MBL
7 MBL Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
oes the mail
6. Where are telephones on campus?
If you don’t have a cell phone, telephones are available in all
dormitories, apartments and cottages. Long distance access is
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available from all MBL phones by using a long distance calling card. Emergency Call Boxes can be
found in Ebert Hall, the Brick Apartment Building, and outside of Swope. When dialing any MBL phone
numbers from off-campus, use: 508-289-extension (e.g. x7217 for night watchman becomes: 508-2897217). MBL maintains an on-line Directory at https://ws2.mbl.edu/phone/PhoneSel.asp. Printed copies
are no longer available.
7. What do I do if I am locked out (lab or housing)?
Call the Night watchperson (508-289-7217 from off-campus or x7217 from an on-campus phone). Make
sure to put this number in your cell phone.
David is a Night watchperson
8. What resources are available in the village of Woods Hole?
The village of Woods Hole has an outstanding public library, a post office, a small market, a coffee shop,
a package store, a bakery, candy and ice cream shops, and several restaurants (take-out, and sit down casual to tablecloths, see below). See this link for village information:
http://www.woodshole.com/documents/map-two-sided.pdf
The Woods Hole Market has a wide range of basic groceries, cleaning supplies, fresh produce, deli
counter (including hot and cold sandwiches), bakery goods, and a good selection of over-the-counter
drugs and sundries. A weekend market in the Woods Hole Fire Station also has some fresh produce and
occasional baked goods.
9. Where are the grocery stores?
The town of Falmouth has several major grocery stores (Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, Walmart, and at the higher
end, Windfall Market), pharmacies, clothing stores, hardware stores, bike rental shops, fishing gear, gas
stations, and many restaurants. Most are on Route 28 (which includes Main Street). Follow this link:
http://www.falmouthchamber.com/. There is a wonderful weekly farmer’s market in downtown Falmouth
every Thursday: http://www.falmouthfarmersmarket.org/. The Whoosh Trolley starts running from
Woods Hole to Shaw’s/Walmart/Falmouth Mall parking lot around mid-June to the end of August:
http://www.capecodtransit.org/whoosh-route.htm
10. Where are the laundry facilities?
Laundry facilities, which take credit card/debit card ONLY are available on the ground floor of Swope, in
the basements of Ebert Hall and the Brick Apartments, and in Pilot House located near the cottages. It is
suggested you bring your own detergent, but coin-operated detergent vending machines are located in all
laundry rooms. Change is available at the main desk in Swope.
GETTING YOUR LAB WORK STARTED
11. Where can I get an MBL account number for charging supplies and
time on microscopes, etc. at the Stockroom, Microscope facility, etc.
An MBL account number is required to rent equipment, tank space, purchase
supplies, animals, etc., at the MBL. If you don’t already have one, please see
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Carol Coughlan in the Accounts Receivable Office (Homestead 207, x7225, ar@mbl.edu). This account
number will be tagged to your name and can be used from year to year.
elp set up your A/R account
12. Where do I buy small lab supplies, etc.?
The Stockroom (basement of Lillie) provides chemicals, laboratory supplies, and
limited custom-made artificial seawater solutions. Supplies include glassware,
filters, adhesives, batteries, and dissecting instruments. Supplies are also furnished
for safety, cleaning, and office.
For further information contact Lionel Hall in the Chemical Stockroom at: (508)
289-7236, chemroom@mbl.edu
Lionel Hall, Purchasing
13. How do I rent equipment?
The Apparatus Department (Lillie, Room 8a) rents a wide variety of scientific
equipment (e.g. table-top centrifuges, manipulators, water baths, fiber optic
lights, manipulators, etc.) and sells electronic components such as transistors,
resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors. Any unusual components not in stock
can be ordered for quick delivery. Apparatus Department can also obtain gas
cylinders, regulators, and dry ice for your lab needs.
For more information, see: http://www.mbl.edu/services/research/apparatus/
ges Apparatus
14. Is there common use equipment available?
The General Use Equipment Rooms supply investigators with instrumentation, some
of which is owned by MBL and some is on loan. Located in the Rowe Building (rooms
217, 218, 317, 318) and Lillie Building (room 218), these rooms have balances, pH
meters, centrifuges, cell disruption systems, spectrophotometers, a gel scanner and
analysis system, pipet pullers, PCR machines, etc. Limited -80°C
freezer space is available.
15. How do I purchase animals for research?
Louis Kerr
Microscopy
Individual investigators, who have an MBL account, may charge animals to their
account.
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However, animal care approval is needed prior to ordering any animals.
For more information, see: http://www.mbl.edu/services/ordering-marine-organisms/
For information about laboratory animals, see:
http://www.mbl.edu/research/services/ordering-vertebrates/0
For information about IACUC policies, see: http://www.mbl.edu/services/iacuc/
For tank space application, see: http://www.mbl.edu/mrc/services/tank-space-application/
If you are unsure about disposing of dead animals, please contact the MBL vet at ahancock@mbl.edu
p IACUC and Biosafety
16. What is the procedure for storing and disposing of hazardous waste?
All chemical waste and disposal questions should go through Jim Marcello, the
Environmental Health and Safety Manager for MBL. Jim will provide your lab with
sharps containers, waste tags, and stickers, and he will assist you with your specific
safety needs. See: http://www.mbl.edu/services/safety/
17. How do I access the MBL computer network and internet services?
Jim Marcello, Safety Manager
Wireless network access is available to everyone in the MBL Community while on campus. The
MBL offers multiple available wireless networks to address the varying connection requirements
for all members of the MBL Community. All wireless networks are broadcast across the entire
MBL Campus. The IT office can be reached at 508-289-7654, helpdesk.mbl.edu, or helpdesk@mbl.edu.
MBL-REGISTER: Wireless network is designed for MBL Staff and Researchers that need
access to internal Network resources. If you have questions about which wireless network is the
correct one for you, please contact the MBL IT Helpdesk (helpdesk@mbl.edu).
MBL-GUEST: Is an easy-access encrypted wireless network that is designed to provide highspeed Internet access and address the casual Internet requirements of the average user.
eduroam: Provides access to the “eduroam” secure wireless network access and is available to
users whose home institution is also an “eduroam” Identity Provider such as UChicago.
Ethernet data jacks with direct access to the MBL network are available to all dormitories and apartments.
Two computers, one printer, and six phone jacks (for use with laptops with modems) are available on the
first floor of the Swope Center. Additional computers, as well as photocopiers, can be found in the
Library on the second floor of Lillie.
18. How to get on the LabAll listserv (to receive important MBLwide emails)?
MBL frequently sends out announcements that are useful and
informative for all staff and faculty, including visiting researchers. If
you wish to get on this list, follow the instructions at:
http://lists.mbl.edu/mailman/listinfo/laball-external
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Pam does LabAlls
19. How can I access the Library and its electronic
journal collection?
The website for the library is:
http://www.mblwhoilibrary.org. The Library is
accessible 24 hours a day.
Your ID card will allow you into the Library after
hours when the doors are
locked. Whitman Center scientists and staff,
researchers visiting
resident scientists, adjunct scientists, course faculty,
course students, and
other non-MBL employees no longer have remote
access or interlibrary
loan services but still have full use of the Library's
electronic resources
while on campus (per e-mail from the Library dated February 1, 2013). However, for access from your
Diane network.
heads the Library
personal computer on-campus, you will need to be on the MBL REGISTER (not MBL GUEST)
The user name is your initials and the five digit code as they appear on your MBL ID card (e.g., jw12345).
Your password will be the same as your user name until you go on line and update it.
20. What common use rooms are available for meetings and how are they reserved?
Several conference rooms are available on campus, and they can be booked for
lab meetings or phone conferences. These rooms are widely used and have
limited availability. These include Rowe 105, 405, Lillie 103, Lillie 100A, and
several others. Lillie 103 has video conferencing capabilities. Contact
meetingspace@mbl.edu to book a conference room or call Liz McCarthy at
x7214.
Liz McCarthy
21. What else is going on at the MBL during the summer?
Summer courses have been offered at the MBL since its founding in 1888. Zoology was MBL’s first
course and it morphed into Invertebrate Zoology in 1969, and then into Neural
Systems and Behavior in 1978. Botany/Marine Botany ran each summer from 1891 to
1967. The Physiology and Embryology courses are both over 100 years old - they
started in 1892 and 1893, respectively, and have run each year since. MBL currently
offers advanced, graduate-level courses in Embryology, Physiology, Neurobiology,
Neural Systems and Behavior, Microbial Diversity, Frontiers in Reproduction, and
Biology of Parasitism for 6-8 weeks each summer. More specialized short courses (14 weeks in duration) are also offered during the spring, summer, and fall. These
courses are housed in the Loeb building and are full-time pursuits, running all day and
into the evenings. The students in the courses (advanced graduate students, postdocs,
and even some faculty) come from all over the world. Prominent guest lecturers
contribute to these courses each summer and often stay for several weeks. Course
lectures are open to EVERYONE in the MBL community, and summer investigators
are encouraged to attend these and to interact with the faculty and students in the
courses.
Carol is in Admissions
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For information about summer course schedules, etc., see monitors and bulletin boards in Loeb or click
on the Education Website at http://www.mbl.edu/education/
Evening lectures and seminars are sponsored by courses and centers and are open to everyone. The
Friday Evening Lectures (a 125-year tradition) are open to the entire community and the general public
(http://www.mbl.edu/events/categories/friday-evening-lecture/). For information on all MBL activities,
see http://www.mbl.edu/calendar/
FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
22. If I am not on the Meal Plan (Swope Dining Room) where can I eat on campus?
Café Swope is open Mon-Fri year round 7:30am-1:30pm (closed on MBL holidays) and is located on the
first floor of Swope. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
The Swope Dining Room, on the second floor of Swope, is open Mon-Sat for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
and on Sunday for brunch only. For those not on the meal plan, individual meals or meal cards (multiples
of 5, 10 or 25 meals) can be purchased from the Sodexho cashier in the Dining Room with cash or credit
card. Unused meals on meal cards will expire at the end of the summer.
There are vending machines in the basement of Loeb and Lillie.
23. Where can I microwave my lunch?
There are microwaves in Lillie on the second floor (in break room between the Library and the
Microscopy Facility) and on the 4th floor of Rowe (outside conference room).
24. Where can I eat off campus?
There are diverse dining options in Woods Hole: Woods Hole Market & Provisions (deli sandwiches and
groceries), Captain Kidd, Phusion Grille, Shuckers, Fishmonger Café, Coffee Obsession, Pie in the Sky
(bakery), Jimmy’s Sandwich Shop, Landfall Restaurant (classic New England seafood), Quicks Hole
Tavern, and Quicks Hole Taqueria. See: http://www.woodshole.com/restaurants.html
25. Is there a TV on campus?
A TV in Café Swope is accessible M-F 7:30am-1:30pm when Café Swope is open. Otherwise, the
Captain Kidd and Quicks Hole Tavern have TVs in their bars.
26. MBL Guest and Alcohol Policies:
MBL guest policies, including changing housing reservations, parking, pets, and alcohol use are found at:
http://www.mbl.edu/hr/staff-toolbox/marine-biological-laboratory-policy-manual/
27. Where is the nearest hospital?
The Falmouth Hospital is close, located just off Route 28, less than a mile north of the center of
Falmouth: http://www.capecodhealth.org/hospitals-facilities/falmouth-hospital/
Falmouth Walk-In Medical Center, 309 Teaticket Highway, E. Falmouth 02536,
http://www.capetravelvaccine.com/ (Note: They don’t take out-of-state insurance, so you will have to
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pay and get reimbursed by your insurance company.)
Please be aware that we do have Lyme Disease on Cape Cod, if you need more information about this
please go to www.mass.gov/dph and search the site for information on Lyme Disease and overview of all
tick-borne diseases.
28. Where can I get a bank account?
There is one bank in Woods Hole and several banks (Citizens, TD Bank, etc.) in Falmouth. If you are a
foreign national, only TD Bank in Falmouth will allow you to open a bank account. This is situated close
to the Walmart shopping center.
ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES OFF-CAMPUS
29. Where are the nearest beaches and bicycle paths?
Stony Beach is a short walk from Swope. Your MBL parking permit will allow you to park at the Stony
Beach parking lot. Swimming lessons are available at Stony Beach. Another beach, Nobska Beach, is
about 1.5 miles away. To get to Nobska Beach, leave Woods Hole on Woods Hole Road, and almost
immediately, turn right onto Church St., continue for about a mile and you are at a beautiful beach with a
picturesque lighthouse (Nobska Light). For other beaches in Falmouth, see:
http://www.oncape.com/beaches/Falmouth
You can bike on the Shining Sea Bike path (originating in the Steamship Authority parking lot in Woods
Hole) to the cottages, into Falmouth, and then for miles beyond. See this link for a map of the 10.7-mile
bike path: http://www.woodshole.com/documents/bikewaymap.pdf
30. Is childcare available and what is there to do for families?
The MBL website describes activities and programs for children, including the MBL Club:
http://www.mbl.edu/hr/childrens-programs/
Another private preschool in Woods Hole that is also highly recommended:
http://woodsholechildcenter.org/
For school age children, the outstanding 100 year old Woods Hole School of Science has many courses
and is a great way for children to learn science make friends: http://childrensschoolofscience.org/
Sailing lessons are offered by the Woods Hole Yacht Club: http://www.woodsholeyachtclub.org/
If you don’t have a car, you can take the Falmouth Transit Whoosh Trolley into Falmouth:
http://www.capecodtransit.org/whoosh-route.htm
Cape Cod and Falmouth are home to many music, theater, and artistic events during the summer:
http://www.arts-cape.com/fcg/
http://www.falmouthvisitor.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g41565-Activities-Falmouth_Cape_Cod_Massachusetts.html
The town of Falmouth recreation department has a number of summer camps for children:
http://www.falmouthmass.us/depart.php?depkey=Rec
There is a truly American summer baseball league for college level all-stars many of whom end up in on
major league teams. The Cape Cod Baseball league has a Falmouth team that plays downtown Falmouth;
donations accepted for admission: http://www.capecodbaseball.org/
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