Project:

DNA Barcoding of Ground Plants in Prospect Park

Students:

Mareelin Teolopez, Keith Chen, Isaiah Osei-Gyening

School:

High School for Health Professions and Human Services, Queens

Mentors:

Rocheli Apilan

Abstract:

Prospect Park is known to be the second biggest park in Brooklyn having more than 200 species. We decided to barcode the DNA of the ground plants in Prospect Park in order to understand how to conserve these plants to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. The collection of samples will be done in four different locations (North, South, East, and West) of the park. We will throw randomly a hula hoop and collect samples within the hula hoops’ circumference. After collecting the samples, DNA will be extracted and prepared for DNA barcoding that will enable us to identify different ground plants found in Prospect Park.

Poster:

Team samples: