Applying nanopore sequencing in the undergraduate classroom for environmental microbiome analysis

Abstract

Exposing students to cutting-edge genomic tools in a real-world context is essential to prepare them as future global problem solvers. Nanopore sequencing provides an excellent platform for integrating education and research, and has been applied in undergraduate labs at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, USA. Students have investigated environmental impacts on microbial diversity using MinION technology, with projects focusing on a mining-contaminated river, a lead-contaminated smelter site, and local drinking water. The presented work highlights their 16S composition results and also reports on the student experience through survey analysis, identifying key themes regarding technical ability and perception of research.