Population genomics of Great Lakes fishes

Photo of a fish that appears in the great lakes.

Would you like to learn about fish evolution and ecology using genomic approaches?

Project description

This project will use long-read genome sequencing and population genomic analyses to study genetic variation within and among populations of fishes across the Great Lakes, with practical aspects related to conservation of biodiversity. Students will conduct wet lab (DNA extraction and genome sequencing) and bioinformatic analyses (genome assembly and quality control) using Linux command-line programing. The student will test hypotheses related to the amount, type, and geographic distribution of genetic variation within and among populations.

Project outcome

Students will gain hands on experience with genetic analyses and will learn practical skills related to the extraction of high molecular weight DNA, achieve familiarity with long-read DNA sequencing library preparation, and learn basic skills related to the use of Linux-command line sequencing for DNA sequence processing and bioinformatic analyses for genome assembly. Finally, students will gain practical experience with communicating research findings to a science audience, such as through manuscript writing and/or conference presentations.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment  Longer than a semester (6-9 months)
Start time  Summer (May/June)
In-person, remote, or hybrid?  In-person
Level of collaboration Individual student project
Benefits Stipend
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Project mentor

Trevor Krabbenhoft

Assistant Professor

Biological Sciences

Phone: (716) 645-4934

Email: tkrabben@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Standard EH&S lab training
  • Reading relevant articles and other literature
  • Meet with PI and graduate students/postdoc

Keywords

biological sciences, fish, genomes, genetics, bioinformatics, evolution, conservation