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Ancient DNA offers a unique window into past ecosystems, revealing insights into genetic diversity, adaptation, and evolutionary history over millennia. In this study, we report what we believe is the first successful DNA extraction from wood that grew during the last interglacial period. Wood from 5 trees was discovered thawing out of the permafrost near Toolik Field Station on the North Slope of Alaska. A microscopic observation of the tissue-thin sections indicates that the wood is spruce. Although radiocarbon dating suggests an age of older than 50,000 years, regional paleoclimate data indicate that the North Slope was glaciated at that time—these samples date to at the earliest the warmer interglacial period (80,000–130,000 years ago) when spruce trees could thrive.

To address the challenges of working with such old material, we developed a specialized extraction protocol: samples were maintained at -17.8°C, decontaminated by surface scraping, and ground using a SPEX Freezer/Mill prior to DNA extraction in an ancient DNA facility at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. DNA quantification and quality assessments performed at the Institute of Arctic Biology Genomics Core Lab yielded concentrations between 0 and 0.62 ng/µL. Our ultimate goal is to identify the spruce species using DNA sequencing, thereby enriching our understanding of North Slope vegetation dynamics during a critical climatic epoch.

I found out about URSA when I first enrolled in UAF in Fall 2022. I applied for funding because it was my dream to come to UAF to experience the life of undergraduate research. Undergrad research is an amazing way to build your resume and stand out when applying for future jobs and/or graduate positions! URSA has prepared me for graduate school in ways that I didn't think were possible! I have been applying for graduate schools and have received so much positive feedback about the research opportunities that I have been a part of during my time here at UAF.

How does your URSA project relate to your career or personal goals?

This URSA project relates to my career by allowing me to learn critical lab skills that I will apply in the future as a wildlife toxicologist. When I first began this project I was under the impression that I wanted to take the route into wildlife research, working strictly in a lab setting. This project has allowed me to explore that lifestyle while learning that a lab setting is not meant for me as a forever career. This is another reason why doing projects as an undergraduate can be extremely beneficial: it will help guide you to the path you are meant to take! I am very passionate about research and very excited to apply what I have learned as an undergrad to the real world.

My main piece of advice for students is to go for it! The thought of doing a research or creative project may seem daunting or intimidating but I promise it will be worth it! Take advantage of all of the opportunities that UAF has to offer. URSA offers transformative experiences that are rare to find at other universities; it is what brought me here to begin with! Your time here as an undergrad is the best time to build that resume up so that you are better prepared for your future after graduation, whether that is in graduate school or the workforce. Success equals rewards!