UMIACS Researchers Help Students Sequence DNA of the Diamondback Terrapin

Mihai Pop, an associate professor of computer science with appointments in UMIACS and the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, is working with UMD freshmen to sequence the genome of the diamondback terrapin.

The reptile is perhaps best known as the university’s mascot, yet is also an important part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Maryland students involved in the project are learning both wet lab and DNA sequencing skills as part of the First Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) program.

Stephen Mount, an associate professor of cell biology and molecular genetics with an affiliate appointment in UMIACS, is assisting on the project.

Read more about Pop and Mount's work here. To see a video of Pop discussing his work, go here.