Gene librarian Aren Gunderson keeps it cool

May 4, 2011

Marmian Grimes

The University of Alaska Museum of the North holds a collection of thousands of genetic samples from creatures that live in Arctic environments.

When someone, somewhere needs a sample of bear or rabbit or whale DNA more than likely they can contact the UA Museum of the North to find that sample. Researchers have been collecting tissue samples for almost 20 years and slowly building a vast genetic library.

This genomic resource is managed by a man named Aren Gunderson.

"The tip of a pencil lead," is all a scientist needs to conduct genetic research Gunderson says.

Using a computer database Gunderson and find any sample within moments, pull it out of cryo storage, pack it in an overnight box and ship it anywhere in the world.

"We're keeping this stuff in perpituity," Gunderson says. With the museum's resources people who study climate change in 100 years will have a genetic sample from late 20th century muskox.

Gunderson conducts his own small-mammal research as well as being a gene librarian. UAF - Aren Gunderson profile