1. Jessica Henley CIRES Fierer Lab
Freezer Inventory
Jessica Henley
CIRES
Fierer Lab
Intro self
Our lab has various types of env samples. Air filters, dust swabs/tapes, insects, plant tissue/roots, soil

2. Environmental Sample Nightmare
Various types of env samples leads to a sample storage nightmare.
Inventorying software available is more designed for medical samples- samples of set sizes

3. Start with the easiest Started with processed samples- gDNA
Racks for plates and boxes of tubes
Simple Excel spreadsheet listing contents

4. gDNA Freezer - Easy to put together & maneuver - Check for labeling
- Freezer Racks for -20C
- No barcodes yet
- No links to metadata
Pros
-easy to put in place
-double check for adequate labeling
-sufficient for small number of freezers
-easy to maneuver large amounts of samples at once
Cons
-few options for freezer racks that fit -20 freezer
-not barcoded yet – would have to thaw out to do this, still need software
-no links to metadata

5. Unprocessed Samples Started out by binning project samples Pros
Inexpensive
Easier to find, keep track of.
Sturdier than the bags previously used
Cons
Still not sorted within bin.
No link to metadata.
Requires more individual effort, which can be difficult to get

6. Sample Storage Various sample types Samples sent from collaborators
Field collection restrictions
For future, getting samples into uniform containers would be best
Difficulties
-different sample types
-collaborators unaware, unable
-restrictions during collection, initial processing
Necessary
PI support and direction
TIME to process samples at start of project
Pros
Less ‘extra’ sample in freezers
Better labeling
Able to barcode at beginning- link to metadata, project info, researcher

7. Future Plans
Develop inventory program specific to our research samples
Barcodes for new gDNA plates/samples
Build in time necessary for organizing samples
Suggestions?