Hank has been the Manager for the Ageing Lab since 2004 (Prior to 2019 at Center for Quantitative Fisheries Ecology at Old Dominion University). He is responsible for managing and analyzing the age information of 14 finfish species collected in Chesapeake Bay and Virginia waters of Atlantic Ocean. He focuses his work on Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC), effectiveness and efficiency at every step of the lab operation and guaranteeing the quality and quantity of age and growth data to be provided, in a timely manner, to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) for stock assessments. In addition, Hank believes that the Lab should not only work with the fisheries professionals but also benefit the public. Therefore, he manages to make the specimen and age data available to the public by working with local charities and developing web-based computer applications. Currently Hank is a member of the ASMFC Black Drum Stock Assessment Subcommittee and the ASMFC Assessment Science Committee.
Hank graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a MS in Zoology and from Iowa State University with Ph.D. in Fisheries Biology. He is interested in verifying ageing methods, enhancing accuracy and precision of age estimates, and identifying and minimizing impacts of ageing error on stock assessments.
Gabriel Salomon is a biologist from Virginia Beach, VA who holds a degree in Biology (with a concentration in Marine Biology) from Old Dominion University and is currently enrolled in their Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments (SpACE) certificate program. During their senior year, Gabe interned as a technician on a study with Dr. Kent Carpenter that investigated the change in genetic diversity of fishes due to anthropogenic stresses in the Philippine archipelago. Gabe had joined the lab May of 2023 as a lab technician before becoming chief tech in February 2024. As the chief tech, they are responsible running the daily operations of the lab, overseeing the processing of samples into microscope slides, and is one of the readers who generate age data. In their free time, they enjoy kayaking, crocheting, practicing bass guitar, and spending time with friends.
Marben Abutin is a biologist from Norfolk, Virginia who graduated from Old Dominion University, with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a concentration in Marine Biology. During his senior year he became an officer in ODU’s MBSA (Marine Biology Student Association) academic club. Marben joined the Age and Growth Lab in October of 2019 just as it was integrated into the VMRC. Throughout his years here he has assisted field techs in the Biological Sampling Program, aided in training new lab technicians, and represented the VMRC in State Fairs. Marben also owns a business, enjoys weightlifting and does graphic design in his free time.
Natalie Baker is a biologist from Chesapeake, VA who holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Old Dominion University. During her time there, she volunteered through the Wetland Plant and Restoration Lab working on living shorelines and was also a member of the Fellowship of Women in Science. She currently volunteers at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens assisting horticulturists and is also a member of the Young Leaders Council of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. Natalie joined the Age and Growth Lab in March of 2024 as a lab technician preparing the samples into microscope slides. In her free time, she likes going to the beach, drawing, and camping with her friends.
