Ancient DNA Sparks Youthful Interest

NAU's Ancient DNA Lab is housed in the School of Forestry. The iCREATE class has toured the lab the last two years, and found it to be one of the most hidden, yet exciting, places on campus.

The lab is managed by Director Dr. Faith Walker (left) and Lab Manager Colin Sobek (right).

As stated on their website: The Ancient DNA Lab provides support for researchers working with ancient, historical, forensic, or other sensitive (low DNA quantity/quality) genetic samples. Established by the School of Forestry’s Carol Chambers and Faith Walker in 2016, the Ancient DNA Lab is physically isolated from other genetics labs on campus and adheres to rigorous quality control measures to prevent contamination, both of which are internationally recognized standards for the early stages of ancient DNA handling and processing.

The Ancient DNA Lab is sterilized (left) and ready to use in 2018.
The 2017 iCREATE class (right) was able to go into the lab between cleanings.

Some of the projects the lab has been involved with include a 10,000 year old bat, research using both extant (living) bats and bat guano, the 8,500 year old bison (below), and work with extant wombats in Australia.

This ~8,500 year old Bison jaw has been sampled for the valley fever fungus by TGen North researchers

Undergraduate Research Assistant Sam Hershauer presented some basic information on how DNA is extracted, amplified and analyzed in the aDNA Lab. Sam is working on  collaborative research project on DNA from organisms in Alaskan lake sediments going back thousands of years. This collaborative project is with the Arctic Lakes Project headed by Dr's. Nick McKay and Darrell Kaufman in the School of Earth Sciences and Sustainability.

Colin Sobek and Sam Hershauer presenting to the 2018 class.

The 2017 Class on their visit to the aDNA lab

Thank you to Faith, Colin and Sam for sharing your hidden treasure with the iCREATE students!