Many researchers in the MVZ are collecting genetic data to untangle evolutionary history and/or to test behavioral hypotheses. The Museum and Department of Integrative Biology maintain a state-of-the-art shared genetics lab, occupying several rooms on the 4th floor of the VLSB. The lab is equipped for DNA extraction, PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis, allozyme electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, microsatellite development and screening, AFLP screening, library construction, cloning, and preliminary data analysis.

Our major items of equipment include 8 MJ Research thermocyclers, including three gradient machines, two ABI 377 slab-gel automated sequencers, an ABI 3730 48-capillary automated sequencer, and a digital imaging system for documenting agarose gels. For data editing and preliminary analysis, we have several Macintosh or Pentium computers, each equipped with ABI software (Sequence Analysis, Sequence Navigator, Genescan, Genotyper), Sequencher (Genecodes, Inc.), MacClade, PAUP*, and Arelquin.

The lab is open to graduate students, postdocs, visiting researchers, curators, and faculty members in the MVZ and IB. In addition, there are ample opportunities for undergraduates to get research experience in the lab, either as a paid or volunteer assistant. Space and equipment are shared. Lab users are charged for consumables on a monthly schedule.

Individuals interested in working in the lab should contact the lab manager, Lydia Smith (lydsmith@berkeley.edu). Please provide a brief description of your proposed work in the lab, including estimated duration of the project, equipment and supplies needed, names of individuals who will be working in the lab, and funding source. Undergraduates interested in getting lab experience should contact an MVZ faculty, curator, or graduate student directly (for more information, see the Research page).