For nearly 90 years, the Duke Marine Lab has provided unique and life-changing educational experiences for people who love our oceans. Now, it needs your help to continue its mission.
Read below to see how you can keep the Marine Lab one of the remarkable places that define the Duke experience.
The Duke University Marine Lab is where students don’t just study the ocean—they live in a tight-knit community dedicated to discovery, fieldwork, and real-world impact. We are excited to launch a fundraising campaign to secure the Lab’s future by investing in the people, programs, and spaces that make it such a distinctive part of Duke.
In this video, Marine Lab Director Andy Read shares what makes the lab unique and how it prepares students and communities for a rapidly changing world. Hear how your gifts can shape the next generation of ocean leaders.
“I think the Marine Lab is evolving as Duke is evolving to meet new challenges... We have a role to play to help our community partners build in a resilient future even despite rising oceans and warming seas.” – Andy Read
“It’s wild how it’s come full circle. I was given scholarship dollars to attend the Lab, I had a great experience there, and now I’m in a position to give back, and I hope others are as well.”
Leigh Glerum T’91
Nicholas School Board of Visitors Member
Where Your Gift Will Make a Difference
Undergraduate Research Scholars
Led by Dr. Meagan Dunphy-Daly, this program provides undergraduates with mentored, hands-on research opportunities, opening doors for students who want to explore and pursue careers in environmental science. This unique program turns what students learn in the classroom into real-world science with lasting impact. Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program or see profiles of two exceptional program graduates below.
Danny Collins was recognized in the 2023 Collegiate Inventors Competition for his technology to detect potentially harmful algae outbreaks. His innovation, NucleoTide, uses CRISPR-based biosensors and a low-cost, hand-held device to rapidly identify marine pathogens. Read more.
Hannah Baetge is studying how deep-diving whales can inform on human health. Hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen levels in the body, can lead to cancer. Her research on whales that thrive in low-oxygen conditions can help shed light on how to prevent disease in humans. Read more.
Building Renovations
Due to the age of existing buildings, as well as the harsh marine environment, renovations are urgently needed to facilitate smooth operations and improve the student experience. Investing in the Marine Lab’s facilities, including dorms, labs, and study spaces, ensures students and researchers can continue to work safely, efficiently, and at the forefront of marine science.
The Marine Lab Annual Fund
This flexible fund supports essential day-to-day operations, from student research to equipment maintenance, allowing the Marine Lab to remain agile and respond quickly to emerging opportunities and urgent needs as they arise.
What Your Gifts Can Accomplish
Who benefits from your gift?
What can your gift accomplish?
- $25 can help a student share their research on a poster at an event or conference
- $100 can help a scholar attend a research conference
- $500 can help offset the cost of renovation supplies
- $1,000 can help offset research expenses for a student
- $7,500 can help support one scholar for a year
What areas will your gift help support?
- Marine mammal protection
- Living shorelines
- Coral reef restoration
- Biofuels
- Fisheries and sustainable seafood
- Environmental and human health
- And many more
If you are interested in making a larger impact, please contact Ann Thurston, Senior Director of Development and Major Gifts, to discuss options.