Ultracold freezers for molecular ecology and evolution

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The research groups of Dr. Darren Irwin and Dr. Dolph Schluter are internationally recognized for their innovative approaches to studying evolutionary ecology. Much of their research involves analysis of genetic samples collected from organisms in the wild. By extracting and analyzing DNA from these samples, researchers are able to learn a great deal about the processes that produce and maintain biodiversity. Central to this research is the ability to store DNA samples at extremely cold temperatures, around -80 degrees centigrade, which prevents degradation of the DNA. The two research groups currently store samples in two ultracold freezers, but these freezers are now filled to capacity due to rapid growth in the number and scope of research projects, due both to increasing numbers of graduate students and postdocs as well as growing international collaborations. The grant would enable the purchase of two new ultracold freezers, enabling the research to continue.