Nanopore sequencing, which analyzes individual DNA molecules in real time, is the “next big thing” in biology education. It promises to put real-time DNA sequencing within reach of any motivated bioscience teacher. Envision a MinION miniature nanopore sequencing device in every biology teaching lab within a decade.
The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) and Oxford Nanopore are working together to adapt nanopore sequencing for use in education—including improved chemistry, workflows, directions, and packaging/pricing attractive to high school and college faculty. The DNALC’s popular DNA Subway is currently being redeveloped for full mobile use, including a new line for nanopore sequence analysis. Workshop participants will be the first to test this streamlined approach for combining MinION sequence data with the DNA Subway pipeline—providing DNA sequencing and analysis any time, any place, by anyone.
The workshop will appeal especially to high school and college faculty who mentor student research or participate in large, distributed projects, such as DNA barcoding (DNALC), SEA-PHAGES (Howard Hughes Medical Institute), and Tiny Earth (University of Wisconsin). At less than $10 per barcode or metabarcode sample and $30 per phage or organelle genome, nanopore sequencing is a speedy and cost-effective alternative to commercial sequencing. Nanopore takes DNA sequencing out of the “black box,” exposing students to every step of the workflow. Workshop participants will have the unique opportunity to immediately sequence and analyze DNA from samples they bring to the workshop. Barcode, metabarcode, and small genome sequencing will be covered.
All workshop participants will receive a $300 stipend. Although the program expects that most participants will commute to the workshop, funding for travel, room, and board is available for a limited number of qualified applicants living outside commuting distance.
Applications will be reviewed and acceptances emailed continuously, beginning April 18, 2025.
