Diatoms of North AmericaDates: June 15–19, 2026
Location: Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, MacBride Lab
Instructor: Sarah Spaulding
Credit Hour: 1
Enrollment: Limited to 10 participants
Overview
This one-week workshop is designed as a collaborative work session for students, researchers, and water quality professionals working with diatoms. Participants bring their own data, questions, or projects and use the week to make meaningful progress with expert guidance and peer feedback.
What You’ll Gain
- Dedicated time to advance your research or analysis
- Access to high-quality microscopy and imaging tools
- Individualized input on taxonomy, methods, and interpretation
- Opportunities for collaboration and peer exchange
- Refined analyses and new methodological approaches
- Efficient and effective development of "pre-count voucher floras" for projects
- Aligning analysts to produce taxonomically consistent data
Facilities & Resources
The workshop is based in the MacBride Laboratory, a historic stone facility equipped for advanced microscopy. Each participant will have access to:
- A dedicated Leica microscope and digital imaging system
- Digital imaging capabilities of research microscope with DIC
- Shared lab space for both independent and collaborative work
Format
The workshop is intentionally flexible and participant-driven. The week may include:
- Small-group discussions
- Targeted mini-lectures
- Problem-solving sessions
- Optional field activities
Who Should Attend
- Students working with diatom datasets
- Researchers developing or refining projects
- Water quality professionals and practitioners
Prior experience with diatom identification or completion of the preceding course is helpful, but not required for participants focused on data analysis.
Funding is available from Friends of Lakeside Lab to offset expenses for room and board.
