Project:

Using DNA Barcoding to Study the Biodiversity and Interspecies Relationship of Suzhou High School

Authors:

Lucas Zhu, Voidext Wang, and Diana Hao

School:

Suzhou High School of Jiangsu Province, China

Mentor:

Dr. Jessica A. Talamas

Abstract:

A fascinating academy with history of over a millennium, our Suzhou High School enjoys picturesque scenery all year round. In Cold Spring Harbor Asia DNA Learning Center, we had the opportunity to learn the novel taxonomic tool, DNA barcoding, to study biodiversity and genetic taxonomy by sequencing and analyzing a specific coding region distinct for each species. With DNA barcoding at hand, we decided to investigate plants in certain areas in our school, more specifically the Dao Mountain and the lawns in front of the Red Mansions. The Dao Mountain, a symbol of the school’s reverence for knowledge and truth, is a knoll furnished by abundant vegetation along with crude step-stones and a delicate pavilion on the top. The Red Mansions have been the most prestigious buildings of the school, and the lawns in front of the Mansions with a couple of trees and flowers are among the best photo-taking spots. By completing this project we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the symbols of Suzhou High School while learning necessary set of skills for our future researching career.

Poster: