Germplasm Repositories for Aquatic Species

“How is 3D printing facilitating the study and conservation of aquatic species?”

In this eye-opening 3-part series, Hemdeep and Robin sit down with Dr. Jack Koch, technobiologist and assistant professor at the Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resource Center (AGGRC) at the LSU Agricultural Center. Together, they explore how 3D printing is advancing cryopreservation techniques to support the learning of and conservation of aquatic species. In each episode, you’ll:

Part 1
Hear how Jack’s childhood fascination with marine life led to groundbreaking work in cryopreservation and the development of accessible tools to safeguard aquatic genetic material.

Part 2
Dive into the challenges of collecting genetic material, standardizing cryopreservation methods across diverse species, and how the AGGRC is using 3D printing to create an adaptable, open-source solution.

Part 3
Discover how Jack and his team are empowering researchers, scientists, and conservationists worldwide with access to ready-made cryopreservation kits—or the ability to 3D print their own—to build germplasm repositories tailored to the species they study.

So whether you’re a researcher, a marine conservationist, or just fascinated by where technology and life science meet, this series is one you won’t want to miss. Listen now and see how small-scale tech is making a global impact beneath the surface. Listen now and hear how innovation at the micro scale is making a global impact… beneath the surface.