Molecular Level Characterization of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Microbial Diversity in the WAIS Divide Replicate Core

该奖项支持对南极冰芯中溶解的有机碳和微生物进行详细的分子水平表征。利用最现代的生物（基因组），地球化学技术和先进的化学仪器，研究人员将1）优化从深冰芯中收集，提取和扩增DNA的协议，适用于下一代焦磷酸测序; 2）确定冰芯内的微生物多样性;（3）利用高分辨傅立叶变换离子回旋共振质谱（FT-ICR-MS）获得并分析冰中碳的详细分子特征。通过这项试点研究，研究人员将能够量化进行这些表征所需的材料（微生物生物量和碳）的数量，这是为未来的冰取芯项目提供信息所必需的。最终目标是开发出最大限度地提高产量的方案，同时最大限度地减少所需的冰量。 更广泛的影响包括地方和国家两级的教育和外联。作为蒙大拿州立大学美国印第安人研究机会和桥梁项目的教师导师，福尔曼将在夏季的几个月里担任实验室里一名美国土著学生的导师。Susan Kelly是一名教育和外联协调员，拥有地质学硕士学位，在科学外联方面拥有10多年的经验。 她将协调与哈丁学区在蒙大拿州中南部乌鸦印第安人保留区的全面教育合作。

This award supports a detailed, molecular level characterization of dissolved organic carbon and microbes in Antarctic ice cores. Using the most modern biological (genomic), geochemical techniques, and advanced chemical instrumentation researchers will 1) optimize protocols for collecting, extracting and amplifying DNA from deep ice cores suitable for use in next generation pyrosequencing; 2) determine the microbial diversity within the ice core; and 3) obtain and analyze detailed molecular characterizations of the carbon in the ice by ultrahigh resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). With this pilot study investigators will be able to quantify the amount of material (microbial biomass and carbon) required to perform these characterizations, which is needed to inform future ice coring projects. The ultimate goal will be to develop protocols that maximize the yield, while minimizing the amount of ice required. The broader impacts include education and outreach at both the local and national levels. As a faculty mentor with the American Indian Research Opportunities and BRIDGES programs at Montana State University, Foreman will serve as a mentor to a Native American student in the lab during the summer months. Susan Kelly is an Education and Outreach Coordinator with a MS degree in Geology and over 10 years of experience in science outreach. She will coordinate efforts for comprehensive educational collaboration with the Hardin School District on the Crow Indian Reservation in South-central Montana.