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About Us

Founded in 1930, Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory has been a research lab for Caltech scientists and students since its inception, and more recently started offering educational opportunities for the local community. With its optimal location along the mouth of the Newport Harbor, it provides direct access to the Pacific Ocean and local marine ecosystems of Southern California. KML utilizes a seawater intake system, providing filtered natural seawater available for research use. Over the years, the lab has hosted multiple Nobel laureates studying a wide range of research interests. Today, KML is led by director, Dr. Victoria Orphan, who is the James Irvine Professor of Environmental Science and Geology at Caltech, and lab manager, Stephen Ranson overseas day-to-day operations. The lab is managed under Caltech's Division of Biology and Biological Engineering and is supported through division funding, grants, fellowships, and donations.

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