Title: Associate Director for Research and Professor
Company: Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Location: Essex, Maryland, United States
Allen R. Place, PhD, Associate Director for Research and Professor at the Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Molecular Biology and Higher Education.
Dr. Place has established a distinguished career in the field of molecular biology and environmental science, marked by his dedication to research and education. As the associate director for research and a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology, he has spent over 35 years contributing to scientific advancements. His expertise in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt to unique diets and environments has become widely recognized. Additionally, Dr. Place’s commitment to applying for grants has underscored his proactive approach to advancing his research endeavors.
Affiliated with the University of Maryland since 1987, Dr. Place worked as an associate professor, where his research focused on aquaculture and dinoflagellates, organisms known for their complex genomes and ecological impact. His efforts during the 1990s culminated in a notable achievement when he led a team that identified Karlodinium veneficum as the cause of fish kills on the eastern shore of Pocomoke.
In 2001, Dr. Place became a full professor at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, where he continued his pioneering work on dinoflagellates, particularly Karlodinium veneficum. His team’s research on this organism’s toxin, karlotoxin, has implications for cancer research due to its potential clinical applications.
Dr. Place’s professional trajectory commenced as an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania from 1980 to 1987, where he focused on bird physiology and conducted groundbreaking research on Antarctic seabirds. This work led to significant insights into lipid utilization and growth rates among these birds.
Dr. Place’s academic journey began at The Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in earth and planetary sciences, with honors, in 1973. He continued his studies on campus, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in biochemistry in 1979. Dr. Place’s postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at The Johns Hopkins University from 1978 to 1980 further honed his skills and prepared him for a successful career in academia.
Dr. Place’s contributions extend beyond academia through his involvement with industry-related organizations, such as the International Conference on Harmful Algae and the U.S. Harmful Algal Bloom Control Technologies Incubator. In addition to his professional achievements, he is actively involved in civic activities, participating in church events and inspiring future generations to pursue a career in science.
As a seasoned researcher, Dr. Place holds over 10 patents, including methods for enriching live feed with essential nutrients for fish larvae and for recirculating aquaculture systems to achieve high-yield fish production. His dedication to the field is further evidenced by his numerous accolades, including the UMBI Regent’s Award Winner for Public Service in 2009 and the UMCES President’s Award for Excellence in Application of Science in 2012. Dr. Place attributes his success to his passion for work, openness to challenges, fortitude and persistence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Place remains focused on securing grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation while dedicating himself to postdoctoral training. His enduring commitment to education is evident as he supports his final doctoral student as they begin their journey in August 2025. Through these efforts, Dr. Place continues to leave an indelible mark on the scientific community while nurturing the next generation of researchers.
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University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
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