2025 Early Career Networking Grant – D. Burge, N. Schulte, I. Bishop
Coming together to isolate – Preparing early career diatomists through advancing diatom DNA reference libraries
DNA metabarcoding is transforming diatom-based environmental monitoring, yet its global application is currently hindered by significant “reference gaps.” Many critical indicator taxa, particularly in North America, lack taxonomically validated sequences in DNA libraries. Our project addresses this limitation by hosting a three-day intensive workshop to train and connect researchers at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory in May 2026.
The network start-up focuses on bridging the gap between classical morphology and modern genomics. During the workshop, our early-career researchers will be trained in single-cell isolation and high-quality light microscopy. By pairing DNA sequences (rbcL and 18S V4 rRNA) with voucher-backed micrographs and herbarium specimens, we aim to generate 14 new reference barcodes from the Iowa Great Lakes region. These data will be accessioned into NCBI GenBank and Diat.barcode, strengthening the DNA reference libraries necessary for accurate biomonitoring and ensuring that the next generation of diatomists are skilled in both traditional and molecular taxonomic approaches.
About the Team: The project is led by David R.L. Burge, PhD in collaboration with a diverse network of researchers: Nick Schulte, PhD, Kui Hu, PhD, Emily Palmer, M.S., and Ian Bishop, PhD and PhD graduate students: Lane Allen and Leonardo Villacis. The team is supported by mentor Mark Edlund, PhD. This network represents a unique partnership between academic institutions and commercial laboratories, all dedicated to advancing the translation of diatom research for public benefit and ecosystem management.
Acknowledgement: We are sincerely grateful to the International Society for Diatom Research for the 2025 ECR Networking Grant. This award provides the essential travel and sequencing support required to bring our network together. We also thank the Friends of Lakeside Laboratory, EnviroScience, and Jonah Ventures for their generous matching funds and logistical support. This opportunity is vital for our development as early-career researchers and for the continued improvement of diatom-based environmental assessment tools.