Workshop on arthropod molecular systematics

[Akito Y. Kawahara]

Dear group,

There will be a workshop offered this summer on basic laboratory techniques
for arthropod molecular systematics. See below:

Laboratory workshop on the generation of DNA sequence data sets for
molecular systematics projects, emphasizing the use of protein-coding
nuclear genes. Open to 10 scientists (graduate level and beyond),
particularly those affiliated with AToL and arthropod systematics
generally. Many of the techniques to be covered in the workshop have been
described in www.umbi.umd.edu/users/jcrlab/PCR_primers.pdf. The workshop is
designed for those wishing to have hands-on exposure to these techniques in
an instructional environment.

When:  June 5 - 9, 2006 (Monday - Friday noon)
Where:  University of Maryland campus (College Park, Maryland, USA)
Instructors: Jerry Regier (www.umbi.umd.edu/~cbr/regier.html)
      Akito Kawahara(www.entm.umd.edu/People/gradstudents.html#Akito)

Cost: There is no registration or user fee. In addition, shared-room,
near-campus housing will be provided at no cost. (Funded through the
AToL/NSF award no. EF-0531626: Phylogeny of Lepidoptera: A Genomics-
inspired, Community Collaboration; www.leptree.net)

Workshop outline:

Monday: Specimen collecting, storage, and inventory; nucleic acid
extraction; PCR primer design

Tuesday: Reverse-transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; thermocycler
conditions; analytical gel electrophoresis

Wednesday: DNA extraction from agarose; quick methods for PCR clean-up;
preparative gel electrophoresis and band isolation

Thursday: Nested- and M13-PCR reamplifications; quantification of template;
visit to core DNA sequencing facility

Friday (a.m. only): Editing and assembling sequence chromatograms;
interpreting chromatograms that are difficult to read; assessing problems
with the data set

How to apply: Send to Jerry Regier (regier at umd.edu) a CV and a description
of why you wish to attend the workshop, including the systematics project
on which you are currently engaged. Applications should be received by
April 21, 2006.

Further questions: Contact Jerry Regier at 301-405-7679 or regier at umd.edu