Zebrafish CORE Facility & Laboratory

The Zebrafish CORE Facility & Laboratory at the University of Maine fuels biomedical discovery with expert zebrafish resources, advanced infrastructure, and collaborative research support.

iLab Access

Meet the Team

Mark Nilan

Zebrafish Laboratory Manager

mark.nilan@maine.edu

(207) 581-3391

Alexis Rutherford

Animal Care Technician, Small Animal Research Facility

alexis.rutherford@maine.edu

(207) 581-4128

Megan Tardif

CORE Director

megan.tardif@maine.edu

(207) 581-1225

Julie Rutherford

Fiscal Officer

julie.rutherford@maine.edu

(207) 581-1118

Michael Call

CORE Facilities Manager and Research Engineer

michael.call@maine.edu

(207) 581-3382

FULL TECHNICAL SERVICES

Coordinated shipping and receiving services ensure safe and compliant transport of zebrafish for research use.

Secure storage and ongoing maintenance of zebrafish genetic lines, ensuring stability and reproducibility across experiments.

Embryo purchasing and handling services support early-stage research and experimental setup.

Facility staff provides guidance on experimental design, zebrafish model selection, and project feasibility.

Assistance with onboarding, training, and system navigation ensures researchers can efficiently utilize facility resources.

All projects must operate under IACUC-approved Animal Use Protocols (AUP), ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance.

How to Access Services

Access the iLab system to submit service requests or project inquiries.

Facility staff review project requirements and ensure compliance with protocols.

Once approved, researchers gain access to facility resources and support.

Why Zebrafish

Zebrafish are one of the most powerful vertebrate models in modern biomedical research. Their genetic similarity to humans, rapid development, and optical transparency allow scientists to observe disease processes in real time. At the University of Maine, zebrafish research supports discovery in muscle biology, infectious disease, regenerative medicine, and environmental health.

Research Areas
Supporting innovative biomedical discovery

Skeletal Muscle Health

Fungal Infections

Influenza A Virus

Muscle Development and Muscle Disease

COBRE Grant
View More on Research Areas

Access the Zebrafish Facility

Researchers can request facility services, reserve resources, and manage project access through the iLab system.

Access iLab Portal