1. Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
2. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
3. Marine Vertebrate Collection

Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

W.M. Keck Building The Keck Center at UCSD's School of Medicine is a state-of-the-art imaging facility for basic and translational research.Recognizing the need to provide dedicated research MRI systems for San Diego's large and diverse neuroscience community,the center was established in 2002 in collaboration with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Today, imaging scientists from UCSD and affiliated institutions are engaged in a wide range of studies that make use of the full spectrum of MRI imaging methods to study the metabolic, neural,vascular and anatomical substrate of normal and disordered brain function. In addition, the Center is dedicated to fostering collaborations across traditional disciplines, building on UCSD'sneuroimaging expertise to create a unique and interdisciplinary environment for scientists from the departments of bioengineering, orthopedics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and others. More information is available at http://fmri.ucsd.edu.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps The Birch Aquarium is the public education and outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). Its mission is to provide ocean science education, interpret SIO research, and promote ocean conservation. More than 350,000 people visit annually, including more than 80,000 school children. The aquarium features 46 tanks representing natural habitats throughout the Pacific, including a 70,000-gallon tank supporting a kelp-forest community. The Scripps Explorers Gallery features the largest permanent exhibition on ocean science in the country and includes exhibit space devoted to "breaking news" in the Earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences, dedicated space for topical displays, a theatre space and a large permanent exhibit hall. Classrooms equipped with computers, wireless-internet connections, computer projection systems, microscopes and a flow through sweater system allow BAS education staff to introduce students, teachers and the public to Earth and ocean science through its exemplary, hands-on laboratory programs. The DFL partnership strategically capitalizes on the BAS educational infrastructure and talented staff of science education professionals. BAS staff will provide the strong linkages to state and national science education standards as well as the insight into sound pedagogical practice in designing activities that promote student learning and investigation. The combination of BAS experience in science education, the technological expertise and innovative mind set of the MRI team and the research and collections expertise of the SIO MVC staff ensures that the of the impact of the DFL will extend well beyond the research community, reaching students and teachers across the country and beyond. More information about BAS is located at their http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/.

Marine Vertebrate Collection

Marine Vertebrate Collection The Marine Vertebrate Collection of Scripps Institution of Oceanography maintains approximately two million alcohol-preserved specimens in well over 100,000 lots, representing more than 5,700 species of fishes. The collection includes worldwide holdings of deep-sea and pelagic fishes as well as extensive holdings of shore fishes from the eastern Pacific. The Marine Vertebrate Collection supports scientific research by providing specimens for studies on the taxonomy, evolution, and ecology of fishes and plays an integral role in the support of graduate and undergraduate courses at SIO and UCSD. More information is available at http://collections.ucsd.edu/mv/.