Ho Young and Kristin Ambacher at work in MoBEES [photo: Greg Thorn] MoBEES
"MoBEES" is a facility for Molecular studies in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environmental Sciences. MoBEES represents a collaboration by Greg Thorn, Bryan Neff, Graham Thompson, Beth MacDougall-Shackleton and Sashko Damjanovski, and has been funded by CFI and OIT, with matching funds from the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Science.
The MoBEES lab provides equipment and expertise to accomplish the molecular aspects of research in fungal ecology and systematics (Thorn), environmental impacts on amphibian development (Damjanovski), and behavioural and population ecology of fish (Neff), songbirds (MacDougall-Shackleton) and social insects (Thompson). It is available for similar research by other Biology faculty on a cost-recovery basis. MoBEES is seen as a valuable bridge between molecular biologists and field biologists who need to use techniques of molecular biology in their research. The MoBEES lab has equipment for DNA isolation, amplification and characterization, including lyophilizer, micro- and preparative centrifuges, gel electrophoresis and digital documentation (BioRad GelDoc 2000), DNA spectrophotometer (Nanodrop 2000), standard and gradient PCR machines, and two automated DNA sequencers (Beckman CEQ 8000, ABI 3130).
MoBEES is housed in BGS 3054, between the labs of Neff and Damjanovski, in space that was renovated for this purpose with funds from CFI and the Faculty of Science. Gurpreet Dhami manages the facility. Please contact her at x86406 WSC 343
