Project:

DNA Barcodes of Melons and Pears in Different Neighborhoods in NYC

Students:

Jia Ling Chen, Alissa Borshchenko, Whitney Lai, Lai Yee Kwan

School:

Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn

Mentors:

Kelly Lovelett

Abstract:

According to the New York City Department of City Planning, New York City has a population of 8.3 million people, as of 2009. Out of this 8.3 million people, around 950,000 are Asian, 2.1 millions are Black/ African American, 2.3 million are Hispanic or Latino and 20 thousands are American Indian or Alaska Native. With these many ethnicities, different kinds of fruits are being introduced into New York City markets. In this project, we will be extracting DNA from pears and melons obtained from various ethnic markets across New York City neighborhoods. We will identify the different species of pears and melons at Chinese, Indian, African American/Caribbean, and Mexican markets around New York City. In addition, we will determine if there is a pattern in the type of pears and melons offered at the various markets.

Poster:

Team samples: