Davinack Research Group @ Wheaton College
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WELCOME TO THE DAVINACK LAB
As a research group within a Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI), the Davinack Lab is engaged in purely undergraduate-driven research. We utilize several tools including but not limited to: phylogenetics, morphology, population genetics, DNA barcoding and eco-physiology, to understand how aquatic invasive species (AIS) survive, spread, become established and most importantly, maintain connectivity across a complex seascape or riverscape. We are particularly interested in aquatic invertebrates, especially annelids and molluscs.
Identification of polychaetes and mystery snails
Occasionally we receive annelid and freshwater gastropod samples from around the country to identify using morphological and molecular analyses. As a lab that is primarily interested in exploring aquatic biodiversity, we are more than happy to aid in any identifications free of charge with the explicit understanding that the data generated (e.g. gDNA, sequences) be attributed to the Davinack Lab if any presentations or publications arise from that data.
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If you are sending polychaete samples, please ensure that they are stored in at least 70-99% molecular grade ethanol. For gastropods, ensure that they are either dried, frozen or stored in 99% molecular grade ethanol
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Samples can be shipped to the following address:
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ATTN: Prof. Davinack
Biology Department
Mars Center for Science and Technology
Wheaton College
Norton, MA 02766
USA
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Exciting News: The Davinack Lab has moved to Wheaton College! (July 1 2022)
The Davinack Lab has officially relocated to beautiful Wheaton College in Massachusetts! This strategic move brings us full circle back to the marine environment. While the past six years cloistered in the Adirondacks had its charms, and it was a great experience learning and exploring freshwater environments, a ‘return to the sea’ was always in the works. We are currently in the process of putting together the new lab, sorting out new grant proposals and prioritizing new projects, most of which will focus solely on polychaetes - those beautiful vermiform monsters that were neglected in our lab for so long. We already have our first honors student who will be working on genetic diversity of a shell-boring polydorid on the New England coast this coming fall. Stay tuned!