CSBR: Operation of a Culture Collection of Algae

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The Culture Collection of Algae at the University of Texas at Austin (UTEX) is one of only a handful of very large and diverse public collections of living algae in the world. Many kinds of UTEX algae are irreplaceable. Every year thousands of living cultures are sent at modest charge to scientists, educators, and students throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. With the recently recognized potential of microscopic algae as a source of transportation fuel, human food, animal feed and many other uses, UTEX algae and services have become a major resource for hundreds of applied research projects. UTEX maintains active programs to cryopreserve valuable species and to characterize each distinct strain according to its unique DNA signature.National services of UTEX include a bi-monthly hands-on workshop on managing algal cultures for advanced students and professionals who seek additional expertise, an interactive web site www.utex.org, a species-identification service, and extensive correspondence with students who conduct algal-based science projects. Locally, UTEX personnel visit public school for presentations and invite their visit to UTEX facilities, assist teachers and students in conducting high-school science projects, and provide presentations on the scientific importance of algae to hundreds of children at two major open-house events at this institution.