We provide training and support in many areas of evolutionary genetics, molecular systematics, and molecular ecology including:
- DNA extraction of non-traditional templates, such as museum samples, sub-fossil material, bones, feather, hair, scales, shed skin, scats, environmental soil and water samples.
- Primer development for DNA sequencing of non-model organisms.
- Support for a variety of PCR protocols development and troubleshooting.
- Microsatellite loci development and optimization.
- Microsatellite analysis for population and pedigree analysis.
- Genomic scans using fragment analysis.
- DNA sequence analysis for phylogeny reconstruction and population level studies.
- Phylogeographic analysis using DNA sequence and fragment analysis.
- Construction of genomic libraries.
We are able to provide partial financial support for training and research projects. Our support allows users of the MSCG Lab to gather preliminary data, perform pilot projects to test for feasibility of a research project, and provide training in molecular techniques. Users interested in developing long-term research projects are strongly encouraged to seek additional funding sources after an initial period in the lab. The support is intended to bolster the chance of these users to successfully obtain external funding. Space and use of equipment in the MSCG lab is provided to faculty and personnel in their laboratory working on these externally funded projects.
Undergraduate Students
Training sessions can be short rotations geared at educating students in topics needed to progress their careers or research interests including training in laboratory techniques or analytical methods.
Research projects can be part of an undergraduate senior research project or independent research study project. Support for summer stages that include lab and field work can be obtained through a variety of Yale programs including the Yale Environmental Studies summer Internship for Study and Research, the Yale College Dean’s Research Fellowship, the Yale STARS (Science, Technology and Research Scholars) and the Yale Scientific and Engineering Association programs.
In years past MSCG Undergraduates have taken part in field expeditions to the Galapagos for sample and data collection. Other field locations visited include: a variety of US locations, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Crete. Students are encouraged to seek additional funding through multiple Yale and non-Yale sources including: Yale College Dean’s Research Fellowship, opportunities through the Office of Fellowship Programs, Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society), and the Connecticut Sea Grant program.
Graduate Students
Graduate students from all schools and departments can receive training through short (semester rotations, summer stages, short stages of intense training in a single technique, informal courses) and long stages in the laboratory (1-3 years to carry out part of their thesis work). The YIBS-MSCG lab provides space, equipment and project oversight to supplement the students official advisor, when the research topic is outside of their area of expertise. Students receive training at the bench, as well as lectures in formal courses and web-based seminars. Funding is provided to produce preliminary data for a thesis project and to apply for grants from a variety of Yale (YIBS centers, Graduate school funds) and external sources (NSF Dissertation improvement grants, EPA grants, State or federal agencies, foundations).
Post-graduate Students
Post-graduate scientists at various stages of their career (postdoctoral associates and fellows, research scientists, and faculty) receive training and space in the laboratory to carry out independently funded projects. The MSCG Lab provides technical and analytical support, project oversight, space, and equipment. Lab members also receive training for a variety of molecular techniques related to organismal questions through their inclusion in informal courses and workshops. Post-graduate scientists at various stages of their career-postdoctoral associates and fellows, research scientists, and faculty- can receive training and space in the laboratory to carry out independently funded projects. We’ll provide technical and analytical support, access to equipment, and training for a variety of molecular techniques.
High school students
The laboratory hosts high school research projects and training through the volunteer programs at the Peabody Museum and the EVOLUTIONS internship program. This is an after school and summer program for New Haven high school students that focuses on STEM literacy & careers, college prep and transferable skills development.
Enrichment activities also include hosting guided tours for local high schools, seminars explaining the functions of the laboratory and the use of molecular tools in evolutionary biology, epidemiology, forensics, medicine, and conservation biology. These activities are coordinated through the Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics.
International Students
We’ve hosted training and research activities for students and scientists from many countries including: England, Belgium, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Russia, China, Japan, Greece, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Uganda. Support for research and training is obtained through external funding from the country of origin or international agencies and foundations. Currently the laboratory offers opportunities for training and research for scientists involved in joint vector and parasite control research programs. These activities are sponsored by NIH & Fogarty & WHO-TDR grants through the Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health (EPH). Two programs focus on tsetse and sleeping sickness control in eastern Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan). These are global infectious disease research training programs between Yale University and several research institutions in Uganda,Tanzania, and Kenya. Another training and capacity building program project is on Vector/Host-Parasite Interactions of leishmanias in Colombia. This is a collaboration between CIDEIM(Cali, Colombia) and EPH. The goal of the training grant is to build research capacity to identify strategies and devise means to interrupt the cycle of transmission and pathogenesis of leishmaniasis through intervention of the invertebrate and vertebrate host pathogen interactions. Training includes hosting scientists for short research projects in the MSCG laboratory, organization of workshops, web based seminars and lectures.