Educator Training
We offer up-to-date teacher training through biology workshops and professional development for teachers in genetics and biotechnology. With federal and private foundation funding, we offer these free workshops to middle school, high school, and college educators, especially those in the areas of genetics, biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is an approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE).
DNA Subway 2.0 Workshop
Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (In-person session)
Dolan DNA Learning Center
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (Virtual session)
A Zoom link will be provided to participants after registration
DNA Subway is an educational platform that leverages research-grade bioinformatics tools and high-performance computing to create an intuitive experience for both students and educators. This workshop will provide participants with a walkthrough of the new version of the Blue line, featuring a more modern and interactive interface with enhanced workflow tracking and data visualization.
Attendance is open to individuals who have completed BLI training and to all CDBN collaborators.
For more details about our barcoding programs, visit DNA Barcoding 101.
Free workshops:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- In-person 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Dolan DNA Learning Center
334 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 - Virtual 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Directions
Teacher Professional Development in Genetics and Biotechnology
The Genetics of Lactase Persistence
Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Dolan DNALC
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
DNALC NYC at City Tech
Brooklyn, NY
Regeneron DNALC
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Analyze your own DNA for a common genetic variation associated with lactase persistence.
Most mammals, including humans, become lactose intolerant after weaning due to decreased expression of the lactase gene. Individuals who are able to digest lactose into adulthood—often called lactase persisters—usually have a mutation in the MCM6 enhancer region, located upstream of the lactase gene. At least five different MCM6 mutations have evolved independently in populations around the world, but all produce the same outcome–continued lactase production into adulthood.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will extract their own DNA and use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), restriction digest and agarose gel electrophoresis to investigate the most common genetic variation (a single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP) associated with lactase persistence. Lab results will reveal individual genotypes that indicate the presence or absence of the SNP. Participants will gain hands-on experience with foundational molecular biology techniques, while uncovering the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary history underlying lactase persistence.
This workshop is appropriate for Life Science, Genetics, Biology, and AP Biology. The investigation aligns closely with concepts addressed in the new Regents Life Science curriculum, particularly those related to lactase persistence and gene regulation. The laboratory techniques and genetic concepts explored are also broadly applicable to other areas of biology instruction.
There is no charge to attend. CTLE hours are available upon request.
In-person free workshops:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Dolan DNA Learning Center
334 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 - Directions
- DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech
62 Tillary Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Directions
- Regeneron DNALC
1 Rockwood Road Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 - Directions
Teacher Professional Development in Genetics and Biotechnology
Nanopore Sequencing
Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Regeneron DNA Learning Center
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Nanopore sequencing, which analyzes individual DNA molecules in real time, places real-time DNA sequencing inside the classroom. Using the portable MinION sequencer, teachers can lead their students in research in areas such as DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and whole genome sequencing.
The DNALC’s popular DNA Subway bioinformatics platform has been redeveloped for full mobile use, including a new workflow for nanopore sequence analysis. Combining MinION sequence data with the DNA Subway 2.0 pipeline ensures that DNA sequencing and analysis can be performed anytime, anywhere, by anyone.
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 plant samples.
There is no charge to attend. CTLE hours are available upon request.
In-person free workshop:
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Regeneron DNALC
1 Rockwood Road Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 - Directions
(Past Event)
Urban Barcode Project (UBP) Teacher Training
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. with a break for lunch
DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech
Brooklyn, NY
Participants will be introduced to the DNA barcoding laboratory investigation and bioinformatics infrastructure. Teachers are eligible to attend the training workshop if they teach a high school science class or a science research program in the New York metropolitan area. Teachers who complete this workshop are invited to organize student teams and propose UBP projects.
Once trained, teachers register on the barcoding portal on this site to enter student research teams in grades 9 to 12. Teams will develop an original research proposal and receive feedback from UBP staff. Teams with accepted proposals will receive supplies, equipment, and scientific support needed to conduct experiments. Results will be shared at an annual symposium.
Participants in the workshop will learn:
- Introduction to DNA barcoding and biodiversity
- Sample collection and documentation
- DNA extraction
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Gel electrophoresis
- Bioinformatics
- UBP project and proposal advice
All sessions will cover the same material, teachers need not attend more than one session.
In-person free workshops:
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech
62 Tillary St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Directions
Sites of Major DNALC Faculty Workshops, 1985-2014
This map shows the locations of the DNALC's faculty workshops taught over more than thirty years.
Open the map key map key to show/hide the years in groups of three. Click the check boxes to show or hide the years. Click the dots for information on host institution, year, and instructional level of participating faculty. Map can be opened full screen in a separate browser window by clicking the full screen icon at the upper-right.