Phage DNA Extraction mini-project, May 19-30, 2025

We are looking for students to help compare 3 different phage DNA extraction methods with some of our existing bacteriophages. Learn more about growing phages from frozen stocks, phage amplification, DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis and contribute to a short mini-research project that can be presented at the SEA-PHAGES symposium next year! 

Name of research group, project, or lab
Phage Discovery labs
Why participate in this opportunity?

Participants will gain valuable laboratory skills, analytical skills, and troubleshooting skills as we grow up some phages in our freezer stocks, make high titer lysates, and use 3 different DNA extraction methods to determine which work the best. Great for students who want to take their phage discovery skills a bit further and have a short-term research experience. 

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Biology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Applicants should have completed the phage discovery curriculum and be interested in engaging in this short-term research experience. Must be able to attend ALL sessions in person May 19-23 and 27-30 from 9 am until 2 pm. 

Time commitment
15+ h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Volunteer
Number of openings
12
Techniques learned

Growing bacteriophages from frozen stocks, bacterial culturing, collecting phage lysates, amplifying phages, pipetting, centrifugation, restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry

Project start
May 19, 2025
Contact Information:
Mentors
Jess Rocheleau
jmrocheleau@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Elizabeth Punska
epunska@umass.edu
Lab manager
Name of project director or principal investigator
Jess Rocheleau
Email address of project director or principal investigator
jmrocheleau@umass.edu
12 sp. | 28 appl.
Hours
15+ h/wk
Project categories
Molecular Biology (+2)
BiologyMicrobiologyMolecular Biology