ANTS Nigeria! A Practical Workshop on Nanopore Sequencing for DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding

Computer-generated image of a protein nanopore, colored in dark blue. DNA, colored in light blue, is being fed through the nanopore. Change in current across the pore is symbolized as a light green line to the right of the nanopore. Text at the bottom of the image reads 'TGATTTGTAG’ symbolizing the DNA that is sequenced.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center, DNA Learning Center Nigeria, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies proudly invite you to participate in:

ANTS Nigeria!

A Practical Workshop on Nanopore Sequencing for DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding

DNA Learning Center Nigeria
Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu

January 13–15, 2025

Presented By:
Jeffry Petracca
Manager of Student and Public Research & Entomologist
DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY, USA

Prof. George Ude, Ph.D.
Chair, Natural Science Department, Bowie State University, MD, USA
Chairman, Board of Trustees, DNA Learning Center Nigeria

Join us for a comprehensive introduction to nanopore DNA sequencing using the cost-effective MinION device. This technology allows for the rapid, real-time sequencing of both short and long DNA fragments with applications in forensics, disease diagnosis, genome assembly, and much more!

In this hands-on workshop, you will learn about nanopore sequencing in the context of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding, which are both tools of rapid species identification. You will generate DNA barcodes from Nigerian ants and then analyze them using our brand-new mobile-friendly DNA Subway 2.0 platform. You will also learn how nanopore sequencing can be used to analyze bacterial microbiomes through metabarcoding, which allows for the simultaneous identification of hundreds of bacterial species present in soil or water samples.

Important Details:

Please bring 2-3 ants (live, in separate tubes or Ziploc bags) to the workshop from your area for analysis.
Please see the accompanying schedule for workshop times.
This workshop is available free-of-charge to college faculty.
Participants are expected to cover their own transportation, meals, and accommodations (Scholarships may be offered for accommodations only).

Suggested Accommodations:

Tribu Hotel, Thinkers Corner, Enugu, Nigeria.
Best Western Plus Enugu, Independence Layout, Enugu, Nigeria
Carlton Swiss Grand Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, Nigeria
Gold Value Hotel, New Haven, Enugu, Nigeria

Equipment and supplies provided by: