Frasier Lab

Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
What the facility does

Genetic analyses of populations, including DNA sequencing and genotyping.

Areas of expertise

We develop new protocols for the genetic analysis of a wide range of species, conduct the laboratory work (typically DNA sequencing and high-resolution genotyping), and perform the subsequent analytical/statistical analyses and interpretation. Our focus is on using these techniques to aid the conservation of endangered species. However, the procedures are the same for a wide range of applications (forensics/management/maintaining captive populations/) and we are also involved in a number of other projects that are not related to conservation. Our lab is in a “middle ground” where we are small enough for efficient protocol development for new projects, but large enough to also conduct high-throughput analyses.

Research services

Protocol development, DNA extraction and quantification, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA sequencing, high-resolution genotyping (microsatellites/SNPS etc.), statistical analyses (individual identity/ parentage/ relatedness/ population structure/ species identification etc.), data interpretation

Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Forestry and forest-based industries
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
  • Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
Equipment Function
ABI 3500xL Genetic Analyzer Capillary electrophoresis for high-throughput DNA sequencing and genotyping.
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • New England Aquarium
  • Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM)