Genomics
DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech, Brooklyn, NY
Genomics Hub
Bring Genomics and DNA Sequencing into your Curriculum
We empower community college faculty to integrate genomics seamlessly into their biotech curriculum using Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURES). We are experts in developing CUREs that incorporate cutting-edge technologies in gene and genome analysis—specifically DNA sequencing, DNA barcoding, and metabarcoding. We connect industry leaders and educational organizations to provide hands-on training, preparing graduates for successful careers in the U.S. biotechnology workforce.
Who we are
The Genomics Hub is dedicated to making genomics technologies, including next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, accessible to community colleges. We are based at the Brooklyn location of the DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a world-renowned research institution and a historic site for seminal discoveries in DNA and molecular biology. The DNA Learning Center has delivered active research experiences in STEM education to students nationwide and worldwide for over three decades. Our Hub equips students with the DNA tools and training to explore human origins, identify organisms, and study biodiversity. We provide faculty with the necessary support to implement genomics research, including training on DNA barcoding, microbiome research, and bioinformatics. Our easy-to-use DNA Subway platform and collaborative approach make these experiences possible in diverse educational settings. At the Genomics Hub you will find everything you need to implement an engaging and successful DNA technology CURE.
What we can do for you
- Support student projects and course-based research in human mitochondrial DNA sequencing, DNA barcoding, and metabarcoding.
- Provide free DNA sequencing and next-generation sequencing for specific projects.
- Support bioinformatics analysis.
- Troubleshoot experiments.
- Collaborate on adapting experiments and developing genomics curriculum.
Hub Host:
DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech, Brooklyn, New York
Anna Feitzinger, Ph.D.
Assistant Director for Science, DNA Learning Center NYC, CSHL
feitzin@cshl.edu
+1 718 285 0389
Current programs
DNA Barcoding
DNA barcoding offers a versatile research experience ideal for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), allowing students to actively engage in every step of the scientific process as they use short, unique DNA sequences to identify species. From sample collection and DNA extraction to sequencing and data analysis, students gain hands-on experience and develop critical research skills. This comprehensive approach fosters a deeper understanding of biodiversity, evolution, and molecular biology while promoting collaboration and problem-solving. By incorporating DNA barcoding into your curriculum, you can provide students with a meaningful and authentic research experience that enhances their scientific literacy and prepares them for future STEM careers.
Collaborator:
Ray Enke, Ph.D.
James Madison University, VA
Nanopore Sequencing
Nanopore sequencing technology offers portable, inexpensive, real-time analysis of individual DNA molecules—potentially making DNA sequencing available anytime, anyplace, to anyone. This technology holds promise in bioscience education, where we envision a miniature Nanopore sequencer in every teaching lab, with students at all levels generating and exploring meaningful next generation sequencing data. Through an MOU with Oxford Nanopore, the DNALC has worked to make this technology accessible to high school and college classrooms across the country.
Collaborator:
Jonathan Pugh
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
DNA Subway 2.0
DNA Subway is an educational bioinformatics platform that bundles research-grade bioinformatics tools, high-performance computing, and databases into genomics workflows. Students learn advanced bioinformatics concepts by analyzing barcode and metabarcode sequences to identify species and discover phylogenetic relationships. The newly developed DNA Subway 2.0 is a mobile-first application designed to work equally well on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Additionally, pipelines will now be available for Sanger, Illumina, and nanopore sequencing technologies. These advances enable the sequencing and analysis of DNA barcodes in the field, in school, or at home.
Collaborators:
Monica Trujillo, Ph.D.
City University of New York, Queens College, NY
Maytal Dahan
Texas Advanced Computing Center, Austin, TX
eDNA
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is DNA collected from the environment when it is released by organisms when they shed or excrete cells. We have developed an eDNA website containing short educational modules on scientifically sound practices in eDNA work. These topic pages provide a helpful guide, example protocols, FAQs, videos, and other eDNA learning resources. You can also use our chatbot to search and explore trusted content on this site, including expert interview videos and peer-reviewed papers.
Collaborators:
Mark Stoeckle, Ph.D.
The Rockefeller University, NY
Jesse H. Ausubel
The Rockefeller University, NY
Taq Polymerase
A Taq polymerase production and validation laboratory that provides students with a valuable opportunity to delve into the practical applications of supply-chain biotechnology. Students solidify their understanding of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and essential skills in protein expression, purification, quality control, and storage—techniques crucial for any aspiring biologist or biochemist. This comprehensive approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also prepares students for real-world laboratory work.
Collaborators:
Carolina Biological, Burlington, NC
Taq Polymerase Production and Validation Kit
Aron Kamajaya, Ph.D.
Los Angeles Pierce College, CA
Synthetic Biology
We are developing new modules to illustrate principles of synthetic biology using in vitro mutagenesis, long-fragment PCR, exonuclease-based DNA assembly, and cell-free transcription/ translation (TXTL). Real-time nanopore sequencing validates constructs and identifies mutations conferring new functions. Plasmid projects mutate fluorescent protein genes to produce a rainbow of colors, while genome projects mutagenize a bacteriophage tail fiber to produce alter receptor binding—a direct model of antigen-antibody interactions in biopharmaceutical engineering.
Collaborators:
Vincent Noireaux, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Steven Bowden
University of Minnesota
Events
Summer of Nanopore Sequencing 2026
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May 20–22, 2026: Arecibo C3 STEM Center, Arecibo, PR
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May 27–29, 2026: Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY
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June 15–17, 2026: Southeast Community College, Lincoln NE
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June 15–17, 2026: Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA
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June 29–July 1, 2026: Meharry Medical College DNA Learning Center, Nashville, TN
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 the reach of any motivated bioscience educator. We envision a MinION miniature nanopore sequencing device in every biology teaching lab within a decade.
The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies are working together to adapt nanopore sequencing for use in education – including improved chemistry, workflows, directions, and packaging/pricing attractive to high school and college faculty. The DNALC’s popular DNA Subway bioinformatics platform has been redeveloped for full mobile use, including a new workflow for nanopore sequence analysis. Workshop participants will be the first to test this streamlined approach for combining MinION sequence data with the DNA Subway 2.0 pipeline–ensuring DNA sequencing and analysis can be performed anytime, anywhere, by anyone.
The workshop will appeal especially to high school and college faculty who mentor student research or participate in large, distributed projects, such as DNA barcoding (DNALC), SEA-PHAGES (Howard Hughes Medical Institute), and Tiny Earth (University of Wisconsin). At less than $10 per barcode or metabarcode sample, and $30 per phage or organelle genome, nanopore sequencing is a speedy and cost-effective alternative to commercial sequencing. Nanopore takes DNA sequencing out of the “black box,” exposing students to every step of the workflow. 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.
Qualified workshop participants will receive a $300 stipend. Although we expect that most participants will commute to the workshop, funding for travel, room & board is available for a limited number of qualified applicants living outside commuting distance.
Applications will be reviewed and acceptances emailed continuously, beginning April 24, 2026.
Supported by: National Science Foundation: InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Education Center (#2349809); Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement (#2321729); National Institutes of Health: Pathogen Data Network (1U24AI183840); Oxford Nanopore Technologies.