We provide our visiting researchers with access to our state of the art facility that includes pre-amplification areas (clean laboratory and comparisons laboratory) and the post-amplification area (general analysis laboratory).  The latest technology in DNA analysis including real-time PCR and capillary electrophoresis are available for use.  Office and desk space are provided for use during your stay along with full access to trained technicians for guidance and help. To see our laboratory layout, click here. To view a list of major equipment, click here.

For more information on our Visiting Researcher Policies and Procedures click here.

Visiting Researcher Testimonial

"During my stay at the [Paleo-DNA] lab we optimized DNA extraction and amplification of microsatellite DNA markers from redfish archived otoliths. These microsatellites markers worked well on non-degraded samples, but were causing difficulties with the archived samples, as the otoliths have been stored for years under conditions that are most of the time, far from being optimal. The help and advice of the Paleo-DNA lab personnel has been crucial to start our research project on the right path. Working at the laboratory allowed me to try different extraction procedures as well as modifying our own basic extraction protocol. I [have] also been able to fine tune our PCR reactions parameters to amplify our degraded otolith DNA."

Eric Parent

Populations Genetic Laboratory

Maurice Lamontagne Institute

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Mont-Joli, QC

Visiting Researcher Profile: Joana Morais

Joana Morais came to the Paleo-DNA Laboratory as a visiting researcher from Lisbon University in Portugal to conduct research work on ancient horse.The archaeological samples she worked on ranged in age from 700 to 35,000 years old and she experienced many successes with her research thus far. Joana has visited the Paleo-DNA Laboratory 3 times as a visiting researcher and is working toward her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology & Evolution.