Projects

191001-363513-3F
17-NGI3-33
N/A
10/1/2017
2022-6-30 0:0:0
Active
$154,421.00
Bioinformatics to Aid Ecosystem Understanding, Research Transition, and Development of a Next-Gen Workforce
Wang
Shiao
USM
EM-DM-CH-CE
OAR
Building bioinformatics capacity is critical to address threats on ecosystem services, especially as genome-based techniques (termed ‘omics) are now the gold-standard for biological measurement. However, our ability to supply bioinformatics expertise has not kept pace with the generation of sequence data, creating created a data backlog and hindering the transition of data to actionable information. This project supports on-going efforts to develop 'omics-derived ecosystem indices for incorporation into models and a trained workforce that can use computational tools to analyze genomic databases. This includes analysis of the global Ocean Sampling Day dataset using bioinformatic tools in support of the Earth Microbiome Project, collaboration with international partners for publications, and getting back-logged data into the public domain. Additionally, there is analysis of ocean and animal microbiome (existing DNA sequences from Gulf of Mexico samples) and evaluation of a prototype autonomous underwater vehicle that can collect samples for 'omics analysis. The transfer of bioinformatics knowledge to students and workers is being done through presentations, workshops, and university courses (e.g., Applications of Biotechnology in Marine Biology).