Hilo Core Genetics Facility
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Overview
In order to improve the science and technology
infrastructure of Hawai`i , the Experimental Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program has set up the Core Genetics
Facility at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, which gives researchers,
educators, and students the opportunity to gain access to technological
services and technical training that may not be otherwise readily available.
The bridges being built between faculty and students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii at Hilo campuses, as well as other institutions are creating an atmosphere of collaboration throughout the University system, which will improve the scientific recognition of the University, and ultimately the diversification of the Hawaiian economy. This will benefit the community well into the future.
Services
The Hilo Core Genetics Facility provides services available for use by UH faculty, staff, and students, as well as other institutions in the area. It also supports researchers doing preliminary research to help with research grant applications. The facility provides DNA sequencing and DNA Fragment Separation and Detection services. Future services will include Real-Time PCR and Microarray spotting and reading.
Instrumentation
The Hilo Core Genetics Facility provides access
to a wide variety of equipment, available to the Biology department, Marine
Sciences and Agricultural Sciences, as well as federal institutions like
USGS and USDA, and are available to all who are interested. The facility
also functions as a supportlab, containing instruments for various molecular
biological uses, including PCR thermocyclers, centrifuges, electrophoresis
apparatus, and Revco freezers for storage. In addition, reference materials
and analytical software are available to all.
Workshops
The facility runs workshops and training sessions to introduce current molecular and biotechnological techniques to anyone
in the communitywho are interested, including community college and high-school
faculty statewide. Current workshops include DNA isolation, PCR Basics,
Gel Electrophoresis, and Molecular Cloning. Future workshops will introduce
technologies such as Real-time PCR and Microarrays.
Future Endeavors
Future collaborations between campuses are planned, including Seminar Lecturer exchanges between campuses and joint workshops. The planned Biotechnology Workshop 2005 which, in partnership with the MBBE department at UH Manoa, will be held at both the Manoa and Hilo campuses. These will be open to faculty and students in Hawai`i, including community college and high-school faculty statewide, as well as to national and international participants. Joint endeavors between campuses throughout the state, such as sharing of equipment and expertise, as well as planned workshops, will allow the University system to become a more seamless entity.