Event Title
Detection of Covid Variants in Wastewater with QPCR
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: The WHO has confirmed 474.6 million cases of COVID including 6.1 million deaths globally. In addition to clinical testing, wastewater monitoring is an attractive option for passively sampling an entire population quickly and at low cost. One of the major challenges of detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater is the high rate of mutation. Our goal is to develop qPCR assays to detect the variants of SARS-CoV-2. Many of the necessary skills in this lab are important to the degree program including sterile technique, bioinformatics, PCR, troubleshooting, nucleic acid concentration/purification and more. CHALLENGE: The first major challenge of the experience was to provide consistent quality results in lab work. The second major challenge involved designing, troubleshooting and optimizing assays to detect COVID variants. EXPERIENCE: In addition to lab skills, work in this lab improves many soft skills. The Molecular Monitoring lab is a learning environment with three very experienced mentors. OUTCOME: Data obtained during the regular workflow is regularly passed to the county which is passed on to the state. I also work on the ddPCR team the results of which are currently on the CDC dashboard. Work is still ongoing for the BA.1/2 assay development. IMPACT: I have gained confidence and competence in lab work, communicating professionally, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills all of which are core to the CMB PSM program.
Detection of Covid Variants in Wastewater with QPCR
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: The WHO has confirmed 474.6 million cases of COVID including 6.1 million deaths globally. In addition to clinical testing, wastewater monitoring is an attractive option for passively sampling an entire population quickly and at low cost. One of the major challenges of detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater is the high rate of mutation. Our goal is to develop qPCR assays to detect the variants of SARS-CoV-2. Many of the necessary skills in this lab are important to the degree program including sterile technique, bioinformatics, PCR, troubleshooting, nucleic acid concentration/purification and more. CHALLENGE: The first major challenge of the experience was to provide consistent quality results in lab work. The second major challenge involved designing, troubleshooting and optimizing assays to detect COVID variants. EXPERIENCE: In addition to lab skills, work in this lab improves many soft skills. The Molecular Monitoring lab is a learning environment with three very experienced mentors. OUTCOME: Data obtained during the regular workflow is regularly passed to the county which is passed on to the state. I also work on the ddPCR team the results of which are currently on the CDC dashboard. Work is still ongoing for the BA.1/2 assay development. IMPACT: I have gained confidence and competence in lab work, communicating professionally, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills all of which are core to the CMB PSM program.