Student Research in DNA Preservation Program

Sponsored graciously by the Don Comb Research Co-op Fund, selected students work closely with senior research mentors at OGL and gain hands-on experience in experimental design, sample and data management, basic molecular biology, and bioinformatic and statistical methods. During their time in the program, they assist with research on DNA preservation methods to test the efficiancy of DNA preservatives, document and analyze results, contribute to the development of new protocols, and prepare data for presentation and publication.

Student Research in Marine Symbiosis Program

Students in our Marine Research Symbiosis Program will assist the Distel Lab in its ongoing research on Teredinidae (shipworms), which are common, worm-like, predominantly wood-eating, symbiont-bearing marine bivalves. Members of the program will learn more about the bacterial community that lives inside of shipworms and releases chemicals to break down wood, allowing for it to be digested by the shipworm. Studying how shipworms acquire and work with these symbiotic bacteria could teach us more about how bacterial symbiosis works in marine environments and about how industry could break down wood waste products to be more useful. Additionally, students will also become proficient in shipworm tank maintenance protocols and spend lots of time with out shipworm colonies in the MSC’s bunker. 

Student Research in Biodiversity Collections and Informatics Program

In our Biodiversity Collections and Informatics Research Program, students will have the opportunity to assist in the curation of biological materials and associated data of specimens in the OGL collection, including taxonomy, collection locations and events, images, sequences, and permits in OGL’s Arctos database. Here, they will master invaluable skills such as data cleaning, normalization, and standardization. Additionally, they will become well-accustomed to many of OGL’s protocols as a biorepository, including marine invertebrate dissections, sample quality control, and preparation of sample kits. Students part of this program also have the chance to represent OGL at outreach events, such as tours, workshops, and bioblitzes.