Our History
The Cell Center was established in 1989 as a core resource established to produce immortalized cell lines from human blood (EBV transformations). Stable leadership and success has enabled the lab to open its doors to the Hopkins community at large and to expand its services to include mammalian cell culture propagation, repository services, and consulting/training in cell culture. The Cell Center has processed more than 22,000 blood specimens and serves 300 Hopkins and outside investigators. The Cell Center continues to be a leader in the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lymphocyte transformation. EBV transformation success rates average 98% from frozen lymphocytes and 99% from fresh lymphocytes.Our Mission
The mission of the Cell Center is to facilitate basic scientific research by providing expertise and service in all aspects of mammalian cell culture.
Our Values
Customer Satisfaction. Our customers and their needs come first.
Stability. Our customers have experienced excellence for 20 years.
Innovation. We evaluate new products, technology, and services to enhance existing products and services.
Community. In addition to serving the Hopkins community of scientific professionals, we provide job opportunities for residents of East Baltimore and internships for local scholars.
Staff
Director: Margaret B. Penno, Ph.D. 410-955-6327
Dr. Penno, Director of the Cell Center, is an Associate Professor in the Institute of Genetic Medicine. Drawing from 25 years of cell culture experience, she oversees the activities of the Cell Center staff and ensures that cultures are handled in a timely and expert manner. She troubleshoots issues related to general cell culture, and EBV transformation and offers assistance to faculty in the design and implementation of projects involving the cultured cells. Dr. Penno is also the founder of The Biotechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc. where community residents are trained in cell culture and other laboratory skills for new careers in biotech: http://www.biotechmd.org