Mashomack Preserve is accepting registrations for its Summer Ecology and DNA Lab Experience 2023, an extraordinary, free program open to high school students.
This is the program’s second year, which had an incredibly successful pilot last year. Working with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center, research by the 2022 cohort of students ultimately led to the discovery and publication of six new DNA sequences in GenBank. That’s the genetic sequence database managed by the National Institutes of Health.
Summer Ecology and DNA Lab 2023
This year’s students will conduct fieldwork at Mashomack Preserve, practicing sampling and identification skills. Then, they’ll learn how to complete hands-on DNA analysis and interpretation at the Shelter Island School’s state-of-the-art biology lab.
This research will contribute to the Citizen DNA Barcode Network database. No experience is needed; guidance and support, including a Spanish-speaking instructor, are provided.
The program runs Monday to Friday from July 24 to August 4, 9 AM to 2 PM. It is free for high school students and includes transport to and from Shelter Island ferry terminals.
To learn more and register, contact Cindy Belt at cbelt@tnc.org.
