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.
DNA Barcoding Workshop
Urban Barcode Project (UBP) Educator Training
Thursday, May 29, 2025
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Regeneron DNA Learning Center
Sleepy Hollow, 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 Urban Barcode Project (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 this workshop will learn:
- Introduction to DNA barcoding and biodiversity
- Sample collection and documentation
- DNA extraction
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Gel electrophoresis
- Program implementation
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is an approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE).
- In-person free workshop
- Thursday, May 29, 2025
- 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Regeneron DNA Learning Center
1 Rockwood Road, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 - Directions
In-Class DNA Sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Technology
Monday, June 30–Wednesday, July 2, 2025
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Dolan DNA Learning Center
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Nanopore sequencing, which analyzes individual DNA molecules in real time, is the “next big thing” in biology education. It promises to put real-time DNA sequencing within reach of any motivated bioscience teacher.
The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) and Oxford Nanopore are working together to adapt nanopore sequencing for use in education—including improved chemistry, workflows, directions, and pricing. The DNALC’s popular DNA Subway has been redeveloped for full mobile use, including a new line for nanopore sequence analysis. Workshop participants will test the integrated Oxford Nanopore MinION/DNA Subway system, which will provide DNA sequencing and analysis any time, any place, by anyone.
This 3-day workshop will appeal especially to high school faculty who mentor student research. At less than $10 per barcode or metabarcode sample, nanopore sequencing is a speedy and cost-effective alternative to commercial sequencing. Workshop participants will have the unique opportunity to immediately sequence and analyze DNA from samples they bring to the workshop. Barcode, metabarcode, and small genome sequencing will be covered.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is an approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE).
- In-person free workshop
- Monday, June 30–Wednesday, July 2, 2025
- 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Dolan DNA Learning Center
334 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 - 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.