Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity
Shelley James, Botanist
Aloha, my name is Shelley James and I am a botanist at Bishop Museum. The Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity (PCMB) is expanding the knowledge and understanding of the natural and cultural history of Hawai‘i and the Pacific region through molecular research.
The laboratory is an integral component of the Bishop Museum Natural Sciences biological collections, housing genetic material at ultra-cold temperatures for long term preservation. Mahalo for your support!
- pH Meter
All the buffers and solutions required for daily operation in the DNA laboratory need to be adjusted to an accurate acidity or alkalinity. The meter present in the PCMB is at least 10 years old and is becoming unreliable.
$650 - PCR Workstation
Ancient DNA techniques, using older specimens within the Natural Sciences, collections requires a clean work environment in order to prevent contamination from modern-day DNA.
$2500 - Thermal Cycler
For the amplification of DNA for population genetics, systematic research within the PCMB, dedicated to research involving older DNA specimens that can easily be contaminated.
$7500 - Variable Volume Pipettors
Essential for the accurate and precise delivery of liquids for ancient DNA research within the PCR workstation.
$1000 - Reference Books
The Bishop Museum has an online program called “Ask A Scientist.” This is a public outreach program where the general public, educators, students, and scientists on neighbor islands can submit an image of an organism, or ask a question about a plant or animal in Hawai‘i or the Pacific, and a Bishop Museum scientist will do their best to provide an identification and information. This requires the purchase of reference books to aid the scientist for efficient processing of requests.
$500. - Computer Chair
Much time in the laboratory is dedicated computer analysis, so a comfortable and ergonomic chair would be greatly appreciated!
$150