Educational outreach through the Science Educational Alliance
As a partner in Science Educational Alliance, the LANL Joint Genome Institute (LANL-JGI) provided teacher training and sequencing to twelve participating universities as part of a first-year course, called “Phage Genomics Research Initiative”. Lance Green and Olga Chertkov (B-6) trained the participants on sample handling and preparation to isolate and purify high quality phage genomic DNA from mycobacteria found in soil. JGI-LANL sequenced and finished the DNA using advanced sequencing equipment and protocols not available at the universities. Since the viral DNA is linear, unlike the circular bacterial chromosomes that JGI-LANL usually processes, the team developed new sample protocols. Then JGI-LANL sent the complete sequence data to the students to annotate and analyze for release to the public through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. JGI-LANL helped the students understand how to collaborate with other institutions and obtain genomic information, enabling them to learn about the entire process from gathering samples to using complete genomic information for research. Participating universities include Carnegie Mellon University, The College of William and Mary, Hope College, James Madison University, Oregon State University, Spelman College, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Louisiana at Monroe, University of Mary Washington, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and Washington University in St. Louis.
As a partner in Science Educational Alliance, the LANL Joint Genome Institute (LANL-JGI) provided teacher training and sequencing to twelve participating universities as part of a first-year course, called “Phage Genomics Research Initiative”. Lance Green and Olga Chertkov (B-6) trained the participants on sample handling and preparation to isolate and purify high quality phage genomic DNA from mycobacteria found in soil. JGI-LANL sequenced and finished the DNA using advanced sequencing equipment and protocols not available at the universities. Since the viral DNA is linear, unlike the circular bacterial chromosomes that JGI-LANL usually processes, the team developed new sample protocols. Then JGI-LANL sent the complete sequence data to the students to annotate and analyze for release to the public through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. JGI-LANL helped the students understand how to collaborate with other institutions and obtain genomic information, enabling them to learn about the entire process from gathering samples to using complete genomic information for research. Participating universities include Carnegie Mellon University, The College of William and Mary, Hope College, James Madison University, Oregon State University, Spelman College, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Louisiana at Monroe, University of Mary Washington, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and Washington University in St. Louis.