UArctic Mobility Grant supported stay abroad at the Centre for Paleogenetics, Stockholm
In May 2024, our PhD student Vanessa Molin Paynter, spent two weeks on a stay abroad at the Centre for Paleogenetics (CPG) in Stockholm, Sweden.
As part of her PhD project on paleotransciptomics and museomics, Vanessa’s focus was on detecting and analyzing microRNAs of animal remains from the pleistocene period. These samples were acquired through co-supervisor and CPG resident Dr. Peter D. Heintzman.
The Centre for Paleogenetics at Stockholm University, features an exceptionally well equipped ancient DNA laboratory adhering to strict protocols for molecular work on ancient samples. Following these protocols for the extraction and sequencing of ancient RNA, she was able to work with confidence in a contamination-free environment, made possible by the rigorous safety and good lab practices maintained.
CPG offered a hospitable environment, conducive to research, with extremely helpful technical staff. We extend our gratitude for the UArctic North2North grant that partly supported her stay, to Dr. Love Dalén, and Dr. Peter D. Heintzman for their supervision and support. Additionally, we would like to thank Vendela Lagerholm and George Xenikoudakis for their technical support, and Erik Ersmark for his administrative assistance, all of whom made this a memorable and smooth experience for our student.
We look forward to seqeuncing results and hearing about her exciting research!