July 29 – Aug 19, 2025

Environmental DNA for Marine Molecular Ecology

Taught by Ryan Kelly and Elizabeth Allan

 

Because all living things make DNA, and because the sequence of this DNA makes species distinguishable from one another, individual cells contain a vast storehouse of biological information that can be recovered from water, soil, or air samples. This residual genetic information that is left behind from the living parts of an ecosystem is called eDNA. It is a potential goldmine of information for environmental management because eDNA data make it possible to measure and monitor biodiversity at unprecedented resolution and scale.

eDNA data is accordingly likely to play an increasingly important role in marine ecology in the foreseeable future. This three-week training workshop, taught at Friday Harbor Laboratories by University of Washington researchers routinely working with eDNA from Puget Sound and surrounding environments, provides an in-depth experience in the techniques relevant for learning about marine ecology using molecular tools.

Students will get experience in the entire eDNA workflow — from project planning and study design, through sample collection and lab processing, to bioinformatics analysis and rigorous interpretation.

Audience: 20-25 graduate students (or very motivated + advanced undergraduates) looking to develop skill/familiarity with eDNA for ecological applications.

Prerequisites: Basic university-level training in life sciences and statistics, including some experience with molecular techniques of DNA extraction and PCR. Any coding experience would be helpful for bioinformatics processing, but not required.

Application materials must include:

  • Personal statement indicating your (1) interest in the chosen training workshop, (2) how the workshop will influence your career path, and (3) what aspects of the workshop you are most interested in
  • CV
  • Name and contact information for one reference
  • Transcript if applicant is an undergraduate or not yet in graduate school
  • *This workshop requires an additional piece to the application. Please fill out this Supplemental Self Assessment on experience with molecular techniques and submit as part of your application.
Access: We welcome all applicants interested in the material and well-positioned to benefit from the workshop. However, consistent with the mission of the eDNA Collaborative, we will strive to increase accessibility for those from backgrounds and geographies and will defray the costs of attendance for those most in need of financial assistance.

 

Send application materials to ednacollab@uw.edu by February 1 for priority review. Applications close completely March 1.

 

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