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Contact Dr. Faith Walker, PMI Associate Director, Ancient DNA Core

Email:
Faith.Walker​@nau.edu
Call:
928 523-9283

Contact Colin Sobek, PMI Research Specialist

Email:
Colin.Sobek​@nau.edu

Ancient DNA Lab

See us at work in the aDNA Lab

Spotted Bat Mummy
Spotted Bat Mummy (~ 10,000 years old).

The Ancient DNA Lab provides support for researchers working with ancient, historical, forensic, or other sensitive (low DNA quantity/quality) genetic samples. Established by PMI’s Dr. Faith Walker and the School of Forestry’s Dr. Carol Chambers in 2016, the Ancient DNA Lab is physically isolated from other genetics labs on campus and adheres to rigorous quality control measures to prevent contamination, both of which are internationally recognized standards for the early stages of ancient DNA handling and processing.


DNA extraction from ancient bison jawbone
Dr. Faith Walker starts DNA extraction from an ancient (~ 8,500 years old) bison jawbone.

The facility is designed for situations where DNA yield or quality is expected to be low and risk of contamination from other tissues or ambient DNA is high. It provides a high-containment environment, with a sterile work chamber, dead air box for bone drilling or other sample preparation, ultraviolet decontamination capability, and an ultra-low temperature freezer for sample preservation and storage.


Colin Sobek examining a sample prior to DNA extraction.
Colin Sobek examining a sample prior to DNA extraction.

We have the capacity for paleo, archeological, environmental, and highly degraded nucleic acid extraction and purification from samples sourced from museums or the field. To date, projects include DNA extraction from ancient mammals (10,000 year old bat, 8,500 year old bison; mammoth and ground sloth dung) and microbes, and sediment cores. Researchers across NAU and northern Arizona are encouraged to make use of this facility. Walker and her team train prospective users on ancient DNA protocols and techniques relevant to their projects.


The Pathogen & Microbiome Institute
Location
Room 210 Building 56
Applied Research & Development
1395 S Knoles Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 4073
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Email
PMI@nau.edu
Phone
1 (928) 523-0688
Fax
1 (928) 523-4015
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