The lab spaces at Mpala are shared areas among researchers. In all the labs, except in the NSF lab (see detailed description below), clean water and electricity are available on a 24 hour basis.
McCormack Lab
The McCormack lab is a wet lab space that contains basic equipment for microscopic examinations, analytical chemistry, computer facilities, freezer space, and offices. Clean water and electricity are available in the lab on a 24 hour basis.
NSF Lab
The Kenya Long Term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE) project works out of the NSF lab. The project has been ongoing for about 24 years now looking at the separate and combined effects on the community structure of herbivory by cattle, elephants, and other indigenous large mammal species. The NSF lab is a dry lab area and has basic equipment for microscopic examinations, computer work spaces, and freezer space. The lab has electricity and access to clean water.
Genomics Lab
The genomics lab at Mpala is equipped with instruments that allow for DNA sequencing and analysis. The lab is equipped with instruments for DNA extraction, PCR, and Post PCR analysis. Extraction materials include centrifuges, hot plate incubators, micro-pipettes, and serological pipetter. PCR equipment includes a PCR machine (Thermo-cycler), electrophoresis chamber machine, and microwave. The post PCR equipment includes iseq-illumina sequencer and a computer for sequencing as well.
The stable isotope lab at Mpala, the PERMILab, is designed to analyze hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in meteoric water (rivers, rainfall, groundwater, etc.) and from water in plants and soils. It is equipped with a cryogenic extraction line to remove water from soils and plant parts. The lab also contains LGR and Picarro isotope analyzers and soil moisture analyzers.
Both the Genetics Lab and the PERMILab are temperature controlled, solar powered, and equipped with sinks and outlets in addition to specialized instruments.
Mpala Lab Use Protocols (56434 downloads )