Project:

Metabarcoding water samples on Staten Island

Students:

Veronica Frid, Jenny Li, Vivian Lam

Institution:

Staten Island Tech, Brooklyn Tech, New Dorp, Staten Island

Mentors:

Tyler Clabby

Abstract:

We aim to measure the fluctuations in populations of bacteria over time, specifically, as the weather grows warmer. We will collect water samples from a freshwater source: a small stream in Clove Lakes Park on Staten Island, NY. These samples will be collected in the same spot a total of three times, with two weeks separating each. By separating the DNA from the water, we will be able to sequence it and therefore assess the size of the bacteria populations residing in the water. By viewing the effects of increasing temperatures on the amounts of bacteria, we can draw conclusions as to how this has an impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Poster:

Team samples: