SHL scientists collaborate with federal and state partners such as CDC, APHL, FDA and USDA, and with University researchers and students in projects that include development of test methods and surveillance for pathogens of public health significance.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Advanced next generation sequencing (NGS) projects and collaborations by obtaining funding to support personnel, purchase of a second MiSeq instrument, reagents and supplies.
- Participated in CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection initiative with NGS projects in enteric bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. SHL continued participation in FDA’s GenomeTrakr program, and developed a NGS Legionella project to better understand the bacteria found in Iowa hospital plumbing systems.
- NGS revealed the need for bioinformatics capabilities at the laboratory. In response, this office initiated a program to develop the capacity to utilize NGS data in public health investigations. SHL partnered with University of Iowa faculty and graduate students for training, attended workshops and networked on a national level.
