The Single Cell Genomics Center at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is entering a new era of leadership and technical capability under the joint direction of senior research scientists Nicole Poulton and Julia Brown, according to an announcement from the laboratory. As the only open-access facility globally offering specialized educational programs and services in microbial single cell genomics, the center is leveraging newly acquired robotic systems and sequencing tools to reduce analytical costs and expand its scientific reach.
Future-Proofing Single Cell Genomics: Advanced Tools and New Leadership
New Leadership Structure Drives Efficiency at Bigelow Laboratory
The joint appointment of Poulton and Brown aims to streamline operations by closely coupling the Single Cell Genomics Center with the Center for Aquatic Cytometry, where Poulton already serves as director. According to the laboratory, this administrative alignment increases efficiency and reduces operational costs across both facilities. Brown initially joined Bigelow Laboratory as the center’s first bioinformatics scientist before earning a promotion to senior research scientist.
“People didn’t think this kind of work was even possible originally, but we’ve watched this center grow from a vague idea in a proposal into the amazing resource it is today,” Poulton stated regarding the facility’s legacy.
Did you know? The Single Cell Genomics Center remains the world’s only open-access facility dedicated to microbial single cell genomics, providing researchers globally with access to advanced technical services and training programs.
Advanced Robotics and Sequencing Instruments Expand Research Capacity
A recent $2.7 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation program, combined with a private donation, funded the acquisition of new robotics and a high-throughput sequencer last year. According to the laboratory, these instruments streamline the center’s analytical workflow and enhance the Center for Aquatic Cytometry’s capacity to differentiate cells with heightened precision.
“We’re starting this next chapter with a whole suite of incredible tools that are going to help us make this cutting-edge work and the services we offer less expensive and more efficient,” Brown said. The customizable support services allow the facility to tailor sequencing packages to diverse client needs.
Targeted Applications in Environmental and Marine Genomics
The newly acquired instrumentation supports both ongoing research projects and novel investigative approaches. Senior Research Scientist Melody Lindsay is collaborating with the center to apply an environmental microcompartment genomics approach—published last year—which utilizes microfluidic technology to study low-biomass ecosystems and analyze individual cell function based on genomic blueprints.
Additionally, Senior Research Scientist John Burns is utilizing foundation funding later this month to sequence the first radiolarian genome in partnership with the Single Cell Genomics Center and the Center for Aquatic Cytometry. These marine protists produce intricate glass skeletons that have historically eluded detailed study regarding their life history, making single cell sequencing a vital pathway for decoding their biology.
Future Horizons: Integrating AI and Expanding Microbiome Research
Looking ahead, the co-directors plan to broaden the utility of single-cell technology by integrating additional data streams into ongoing analyses and investigating new systems, such as the human microbiome. According to the laboratory, the team also anticipates building advanced bioinformatic tools and leveraging artificial intelligence to interpret genomic data and identify novel patterns within the microbial world.
Pro Tip: Researchers looking to utilize single-cell genomics for custom sequencing projects can access customizable support packages tailored to specific microbial and environmental research goals through the facility’s open-access portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Single Cell Genomics Center?
Who leads the Single Cell Genomics Center?
The facility is jointly directed by senior research scientists Nicole Poulton and Julia Brown.
What funding enabled the center’s recent equipment upgrades?
Last year, Bigelow Laboratory received a $2.7 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation program, which was supplemented by a private donation to purchase advanced robotics and sequencers.
To learn more about upcoming research initiatives or to explore analytical services for your laboratory, visit the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences website or contact the Single Cell Genomics Center team directly to discuss custom project packages.
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