We want to create more research opportunities for first year STEM students at Oklahoma State University. We help students obtain hands-on experience with new molecular techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Our goal is to teach students about using DNA sequencing to examine biodiversity, while preparing them to work in laboratories and providing researchers with usable data derived from water samples they provide. We currently focus on developing robust protocols of using NGS to examine biodiversity of zooplankton community in water samples. We are looking forward to using the same techniques to study other organisms in the near future.
This course and project has been made possibly by a grant from Howard Hughes Medical Institute to Oklahoma State University through the Science Education Program.
OKState DNA Barcoding 