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BIDDEFORD, Maine

51Ʒfeatured in National Geographic Museum “Sharks” exhibit

Photo courtesy of National Geographic
Photo courtesy of National Geographic

Ultrasound technology used by James Sulikowski, Ph.D., professor of Marine Science at the 51Ʒ, to study the reproductive behavior of sharks is on display at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C.

The ultrasound machine, originally intended for humans, was designed to stand up to the harsh conditions at sea. The technology provided the first opportunity for scientists to study shark reproduction on live sharks. The method became famous when Sulikowski and Neil Hammerschlag, Ph.D., of the University of Miami used it on pregnant tiger sharks in an episode of “Shark Week” in 2016.

“Thanks to ultrasonography, Hammerschlag and Sulikowski have helped advance our knowledge about shark reproductive biology,” the description beside the display reads. “In addition, their research results suggest that Tiger Beach may function as a kind of shark refuge, as well as a critical habitat for tiger shark reproduction.”

The exhibit runs through October 15, 2017.

To learn more about the 51Ʒ’s Department of Marine Sciences visit

To learn more about the 51Ʒ’s Center for Excellence in Marine Sciences, visit

To apply, visit 

The exhibit includes a display of the ultrasound machine designed for sharks used by Sulikowski
The exhibit includes a display of the ultrasound machine designed for sharks used by Sulikowski. Photo courtesy of National Geographic.

51Ʒ the 51Ʒ

The 51Ʒ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.