Popular Ancient DNA Training Program Runs May 11-29: Still Time to Register
(April 22, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
The Paleo-DNA Laboratory's 2009 Ancient DNA Training Program runs from May 11 to May 29, 2009. Lakehead's Paleo-DNA Laboratory is the only facility in the world that offers a training program in extraction, amplification, sequencing, and analysis of ancient nucleic acids (aDNA). Students will learn to isolate and analyze DNA, and can then apply this knowledge to further their studies in the field of DNA analysis. The program is an intensive 18 days of lectures and laboratory work, culminating in student presentations. Since 1999, 156 students from many scientific disciplines from around the world have completed this program. There are no pre-requisites required.
Lakehead University Professor of Anthropology Dr. Carney Matheson will be the main lecturer this year, with talks by Renee Fratpietro, Operations Supervisor, Steve Fratpietro, Technical Manager, and Kristin Stewardson, Laboratory Technician from the Paleo-DNA Laboratory. Guest lecturers include Dr. Alex Greenwood, from Old Dominion University, Dr. Marie Danforth of the University of Southern Mississippi and Dr. John Th'ng of the Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre.
Renee Fratpietro explains, "During the program, students work in small, independently supervised groups and proceed gradually through the various stages of aDNA analysis. Lectures by professors and senior analysts on a wide variety of aDNA topics are integrated with the laboratory sessions." The program concludes with a conference of student presentations followed by the awarding of certificates of completion to successful students.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is found in almost all living cells, and carries the coded information that determines a person's characteristics. This code is inherited from a person's parents, and it can be used to examine genetic relationships. Biologically, DNA is essential to life. DNA is an increasing part of everyday lives, with immigration processes, the police, and the judicial system all relying on formal DNA testing as part of their fact-finding procedures.
Those interested in learning more about the study of DNA are encouraged to register for the 2009 Ancient DNA Training program. The course runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for three weeks. For complete program details contact the Administrative Coordinator of the program, Cheryl Jaspers, at 343-8862, or e-mail cjaspers@lakeheadu.ca.
-30-
Media: Renee Fratpietro and Dr. Carney Matheson are available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca
About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca