Lauranell Burch, Ph.D.
Molecular Genetics Core Facility
-
Lauranell Burch
Data Analysis, Assay Development -
Tel (919) 541-4411
Fax (919) 541-7593
burchl@niehs.nih.gov -
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop D2-07
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions
Research Summary
The goal of the Molecular Genetics Core Facility (MDCF) is to provide a molecular genetics infrastructure for NIEHS investigators. The facility is funded by the Division of Intramural Research (DIR), and services are provided at low or no cost to DIR investigators. As director of the Molecular Genetics Core Facility, Lauranell Burch, Ph.D., oversees operations of the facility, as well as technology development in molecular genetics applications. She is also a technical resource for NIEHS investigators and their collaborators.
MGCF services include:
- Study design and data analysis support
- Custom Oracle database design
- Robotic sample extraction and processing
- DNA sequencing
- SNP genotyping
- Mouse tail genotyping
- Bioinformatics support
Burch led her group in the design of an interactive core facility website, which allows users of the facility to apply for services and submit sample information online. The website’s custom Oracle database is integrated with barcoding systems to provide reliable sample tracking. The Oracle database tracks project status, sample information, data, and also provides cost accounting.
Burch received B.S. and Master’s degrees in biology from Bowling Green State University, and earned a combined Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After obtaining her doctorate, she accepted a position as Research Associate at Duke University and was promoted to Senior Research Scientist at Duke within two years. Burch joined NIEHS in 2005 as a Staff Scientist, and became director of the MGCF in 2007.
