Smithsonian Cryopreservation Lab

The Smithsonian Cryopreservation Lab is led by Dr. Mary Hagedorn who is a Research Scientist at the Smithsonian Institution. This team has created a world-class genomic library and frozen repository that includes twelve coral species from two of the world's major oceans. These efforts are essential since they provide a possible route to avoid extinction for corals facing the damaging effects of climate change, disease, and the loss of genetic diversity. Additionally, Dr. Hagedorn's team uses innovations in cryo-technology to push the boundaries of physics and biology to include additional types of banked tissues, including the eggs and embryos of many previously un-bankable aquatic organisms.

Dr. Mary Hagedorn is a leader in securing a future for marine biodiversity and her unique team is the only group of scientists in the world developing and applying this modern technology to conserve coral reefs.