The objective of this project is for the learner to isolate a fungal or bacterial pathogen from an infected plant sample (BSL-1). This sample has been provided by one of our curious clients. The learner will then use universal target sequencing (ITS, 16S, CPN60, etc.) on a nanopore to identify the causative pathogen.

1. The learner will need to research possible pathogens that could be present in the sample. They will then need to create an experimental plan to isolate the pathogen (~20 hours).
2. The learner will then grow/isolate the pathogen using the experimental plan that they designed to obtain an isolate (see photo for an example of an isolate) (~35 hours).
3. The learner will prepare the sample for universal target sequencing (~5 hours).

The student will have full access to the Pathoscan staff to inform their design of the experiment. They will also receive full access to the Pathoscan facility to facilitate growing the cell culture. The Pathoscan staff will provide on-site biosafety training, and will supervise the student through the course of their work.