Applied Genetics and Genomics Lab

Your Partner for High-Quality Molecular Diagnostics and Genetics Research

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Applied Genetics and Genomics Lab (AGGL) is a state-of-the-art molecular biology facility with two overarching goals:

Use molecular biology to improve the lives of the people, plants, animals, and environment of Maine through diagnostics and research
Increase researcher access to molecular biology tools and techniques

To order services, or learn more about the services the AGGL can provide, please reach out directly to the lab at extension.AGGL@maine.edu.

Two laboratory doors with glass panels and lab coats hanging between them and a red biohazard box on the floor (menu image for aggl page)

Applied science. Dedicated people.

Meet the Team

The AGGL Facility

The Applied Genetics and Genomics Lab (AGGL) is housed in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Lab (DRL) located at 17 Godfrey Drive in Orono, Maine.

DRL lobby with the AGGL equipment on TV screen

The configuration of the AGGL has separated most of the processes of a traditional molecular biology laboratory to reduce the possibility of sample contamination. DNA/RNA extractions, PCR setup, and post-PCR sample manipulation occur in separate laboratory rooms. Since the AGGL is primarily a diagnostic testing facility, our laboratory procedures have been designed specifically to ensure sample integrity.

With the recent addition of multiple robotics platforms, the AGGL is equipped to handle high-throughput sample processing needs. For DNA / RNA extraction, the AGGL is equipped with a Roche MagNAPure 96 Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor. PCR and liquid handling are completed on an Eppendorf EpMotion 5075.

Two laboratory doors with glass panels and lab coats hanging between them and a red biohazard box on the floor — Clean rooms are used for PCR reaction setup

The AGGL is also equipped for high-throughput qPCR / RT-qPCR projects with 8 Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5 instruments. These instruments are able to detect fluorescence on up to six channels, allowing for substantial multiplexing.

Roche MagNApure 96 nucleic acid extraction robot on top of a cabinet with doors — Roche MagNAPure 96 Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor

EpMotion 5075 robot sitting on a lab bench with a computer screen in foreground — Eppendorf EpMotion 5075 automated liquid handler

The AGGL has been using Oxford Nanopore equipment for long-read next generation sequencing since 2021. Over the years, we have developed sample processing and data analysis pipelines for most sample types. The AGGL is equipped with a GridION instrument which can run 5 MinION or Flongle flow cells simultaneously.

Five QuantStudio 5 instruments sitting on a lab bench in a row — Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5 Instruments

To assist with sequencing library preparation, the AGGL is equipped with an Agilent TapeStation 4200, and a Sage Science BluePippin.

Oxford Nanopore GridION on a lab bench next to a computer monitor and keyboard — Oxford Nanopore GridION

The AGGL is also equipped with multiple biosafety cabinets and is able to handle BSL2 pathogens for diagnostic testing or research.

Agilent Tapestation 4200 on a lab bench next to a closed laptop — Agilent TapeStation 4200

The AGGL is equipped with multiple -80C freezers for sample storage and archiving.

Illuminated biosafety cabinet with pipettes in a rack behind the glass sash — 6 ft. Biosafety cabinet equipped to handle BSL2 level pathogens

Coming Soon in 2026: The AGGL has recently secured additional, dedicated lab space at the DRL, which is currently under renovation. This space will allow us to greatly increase our capacity and add new equipment. The AGGL is expected to move into the new space sometime in 2026. Once the new space is available, this page will be updated to showcase it.

Three large -80C freezers next to each other in a room — -80C freezer farm for sample storage/archiving

AGGL Services and Pricing

Before sending samples to the laboratory, please get in touch with extension.AGGL@maine.edu to ensure the AGGL can complete your desired services.

We offer high or low throughput DNA / RNA extraction services on a large number of sample types. Our extraction products are high-quality and are perfectly suited for your downstream applications, including PCR or next-generation sequencing. Please contact the laboratory directly at extension.AGGL@maine.edu for an estimate of turnaround time or if you are planning on submitting a large project of more than 200 samples.

Service	Kit / Workflow	Sample Types	UMS / Federal Per Sample Cost	External Per Sample Cost
Automated, magnetic bead-based combined DNA and RNA extraction (Roche MagNApure 96).	Roche MagNApure 96 DNA and Viral NA Small volume Kit	Animal tissues, whole blood, bacterial culture, and cell culture	$11	$15
DNA extraction – plant source material	Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (silica column-based)	Leaves, flowers, woody materials, roots, and seeds	$14	$20
RNA extraction – plant source material	Qiagen RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (silica column-based)	Leaves, flowers, woody materials, roots, and seeds	$16	$22
DNA extraction – animal source material	Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit (silica column-based)	Most animal tissues and blood	$14	$20

We have dedicated clean spaces for PCR reaction construction, which greatly reduces the possibility of sample contamination. We also have a large number of thermal cyclers available for your specific needs. For larger projects, we have a liquid handler available that can facilitate high-throughput projects.

Service	Kit / Workflow	Sample Types	UMS / Federal Per Sample Cost	External Per Sample Cost
PCR	Basic endpoint PCR of amplicons from 80bp-15,000bp	All	$4	$6
Nested PCR	Nested PCR requiring two separate reactions on the same sample(s)	All	$6	$8
RT-PCR	One-step cDNA synthesis and PCR of RNA amplicons from 80bp-1,000bp	All	$6	$8
qPCR	Full service qPCR of DNA extracts, samples run in duplicate	Limited to already established panels, see below for list	$6	$8
	Full service RT-qPCR of RNA extracts, samples run in duplicate	Limited to already established panels, see below for list	$6	$8
	Full service qPCR / RT-PCR, user provided probe(s), samples run in duplicate	All – client must purchase probes and provide aliquot to AGGL for reactions	$5	$7
	Full service SYBR green analysis, samples run in duplicate	All	$5	$7
	Loading and running a prepared client-provided plate on a QuantStudio 5	Client provides loaded and sealed qPCR plate compatible with the QuantStudio 5	$25 / plate	$30 / plate
	Custom qPCR assay development services are available. We can develop new assays for your particular application or adapt those from the scientific literature	–	Contact the lab for more information on pricing	Contact the lab for more information on pricing

While we do offer Sanger sequencing services, we recommend using the UMaine CORE DNA Sequencing Facility instead of the AGGL. The UMaine CORE DNA Sequencing Facility can handle larger sample throughput and has much lower per-sample rates.

Service	Description	Services Include:	UMS / Federal Per Sample Cost	External Per Sample Cost
Full Service Sequencing	DNA sequencing of DNA extracts (client-provided primer required)	PCR PCR cleanup BigDye reaction Xterminator cleanup DNA sequencing	$18	$24
Partial service DNA sequencing	DNA sequencing of client-provided PCR products (client-provided primer required)	PCR cleanup BigDye reaction Xterminator cleanup DNA sequencing	$12	$16
Loading service	Capillary sequencing of previously prepared samples provided by client	DNA sequencing	$3	$4

We offer sequencing services with two different types of Oxford Nanopore flow cells, the MinION and the Flongle. MinION flow cells have a maximum yield of 50Gb per run, with a realistic yield of 10-20Gb, depending on the library type. Flongle flow cells have a maximum yield of 2.8Gb per run, with a realistic yield of 600Mb-1Gb, again depending on the library type. Flongle flow cells are ideal for smaller experiments or when conducting research and development. MinION cells offer superior read quantity and quality and are the typical flow cell used for most projects. Please contact the lab at extension.AGGL@maine.edu for more information about flow cells, yields, and what to select for your particular project. These costs do not include any bioinformatics analyses of generated data. Clients will be provided with the raw run data and basecalled files to use in their own downstream processes.

Service	Description	Flow Cell Type	Service Includes:	UMS / Federal Per Run Cost	External Per Run Cost
Full service	Single-sample full-service sequencing. Typical sample types are DNA extracts (whole genome sequencing), cDNA, or PCR amplicons	MinION	Library preparation Quantification and Q/C Flow cell Flow cell loading	$2,000	$2,600
	Single-sample full-service sequencing. Typical sample types are DNA extracts (whole genome sequencing), cDNA, or PCR amplicons	Flongle	Library preparation Quantification and Q/C Flow cell Flow cell loading	$275	$360
	Up to 24 sample full service sequencing. Typical sample types are DNA extracts (whole genome sequencing), cDNA, or PCR amplicons	MinION	Library preparation Quantification and Q/C Barcoding Flow cell Flow cell loading	$2,500	$3,520
	Up to 24 sample full-service sequencing. Typical sample types are DNA extracts (whole genome sequencing), cDNA, or PCR amplicons	Flongle	Library preparation Quantification and Q/C Barcoding Flow cell Flow cell loading	$350	$455
Flow cell loading only	Flow cell loading of client-supplied and prepared library. Check with the laboratory about the compatible library preparation kits before ordering this service	MinION	Flow cell Flow cell loading	$950	$1,235
Flow cell loading only	Flow cell loading of client supplied and prepared library. Check with the laboratory about the compatible library preparation kits before ordering this service	Flongle	Flow cell Flow cell loading	$175	$230
High-throughput Amplicon sequencing	High-throughput amplicon sequencing is available using our custom-developed internal barcodes. Combined with the Oxford Nanopore barcodes, hundreds or thousands of samples can be run on the same MinION cell, bringing DNA sequencing costs to only a few dollars per sample. This method has been successfully used on DNA fragments of sizes from 150bp to more than 10kb	–	–	Contact the laboratory at extension.AGGL@maine.edu for more information.	Contact the laboratory at extension.AGGL@maine.edu for more information.

We have equipment and services available to examine the quality of a DNA / RNA extraction or sample library before use in downstream procedures. Many of these services are included in the sample quantification & Q/C of our next-generation sequencing services, but these are also available to those completing their downstream sequencing elsewhere.

Service	Description	Equipment / Materials UsedTypes	UMS / Federal Per Sample Cost	External Per Sample Cost
Agilent TapeStation 4200 Analysis	Analysis of sample/library quality, fragment size, and concentration	D1000 ScreenTape D5000 ScreenTape Genomic ScreenTape High Sensitivity Genomic ScreenTape	$10 $10 $11 $13	$13 $13 $14 $17
Quantification/purity analysis	UV-VIS quantification of DNA / RNA extracts or PCR products to determine sample quality	ThermoFisher Scientific Nanodrop 8	$2	$3
Quantification	Fluorescent DNA quantification for a more accurate assessment of sample concentration than UV-VIS	DeNovix DS-11	$4	$6
Size Selection	Size selection of sequencing libraries to remove undesired fragments and improve sequencing run quality	Sage Science BluePippin	$40	$55

We offer gel electrophoresis services as an endpoint for basic PCRs. This can also be used to assess the quality of a library for Nanopore sequencing in certain contexts. Analysis fees are assessed by gels instead of by sample. Unless otherwise stated, we use Thermo Scientific SYBR Safe E-gels for our gel electrophoresis services.

Service	Description	Sample Types	UMS / Federal Per Sample Cost	External Per Sample Cost
Gel electrophoresis	Basic process used to separate out DNA fragments / PCR products by size and visualize them	Group of 1-10 samples Group of 11-20 samples	$30 $45	$40 $60

The AGGL is equipped with an in-house supercomputer (96-core processor, 128GB RAM) that has higher performance than basic supercomputer clusters. This machine is available to be booked for analyses per-hour or by day. This supercomputer is also equipped with the entire NCBI BLAST database and can be used for analyses of individual reads. We also offer bioinformatics training, consulting, data analysis, and custom pipeline development services.

Service	Description	UMS/Federal Rates	External Rates
Supercomputer data analysis	Usage of the AGGL supercomputer for bioinformatics analyses. Permissible run types are at the discretion of AGGL staff, and are based on availability.	$20 / hour $200 / day	$35 / hour $350 / day
Basic bioinformatics training	Basic data analysis training provided to users to help them understand next generation sequencing data output and how to get started analyzing their own data.	$80 / hour	$105 / hour
Bioinformatics data analysis services/consulting	Bioinformatics analysis of client data using readily available analysis tools, pipelines, and pathways. Service availability will depend on staff schedules and is not guaranteed.	$100 / hour	$130 / hour
Bioinformatics custom services	Creation of custom bioinformatics pipelines that are not already available to meet specific research goals. Extensive code generation will be required and the availability of this service will depend on staff schedules and is not guaranteed. Please contact the lab ahead of time at extension.AGGL@maine.edu if you are planning on using this service to discuss scheduling.	$140 / hour	$185 / hour

We have a number of skilled laboratory technicians on staff who can assist you with your project needs. Technician time is billed separately when it is needed outside of the other listed services. This can include sample handling and preparation before extraction procedures, moving samples between vessel types, or consultation on the interpretation of generated data (not bioinformatics analysis).

Service	UMS / Federal Hour Rate	External Per Hour Rate
Laboratory technician time	$60/hr.	$80/hr.

We understand that species identification can sometimes be a difficult task. We offer services that can identify the species of many different sample types. These services are all inclusive and only include a single fee to go from sample to species identification.

Service	Description	UMS / Federal Rates	External Rates
Bacterial species ID (1-8)	Identification of bacterial species from pure culture (1-8) samples. We use a 16S protocol that can get to species level in many cases, but only genus level in others.	$30 / sample	$40 / sample
Bacterial species ID (9+)	Identification of bacterial species from pure culture (9+) samples. We use a 16S protocol that can get to species level in many cases, but only genus level in others.	$25 / sample	$35 / sample
Mammal species ID (1-8)	Identification of mammal tissues of unknown origin (1-8 samples). Red muscle tissue is preferred, but this service can also be completed on blood and organ tissues. For other sample types, please contact the laboratory.	$30 / sample	$40 / sample
Mammal species ID (9+)	Identification of mammal tissues of unknown origin (9+ samples). Red muscle tissue is preferred, but this service can also be completed on blood and organ tissues. For other sample types, please contact the laboratory.	$25 / sample	$35 / sample
Insect / Arthropod Species ID (1-8)	Identification of unknown insects or arthropod samples (1-8 samples). Whole animals preferred. Most samples can be identified to the species level.	$30 / sample	$40 / sample
Insect / Arthropod Species ID (9+)	Identification of unknown insects or arthropod samples (9+ samples). Whole animals preferred. Most samples can be identified to the species level.	$25 / sample	$35 / sample
Peromyscus leucopus and / or Peromyscus maniculatus species ID	This assay can genetically determine species of origin for mouse specimens in situations where morphological identification is difficult. This service also includes testing for the tick-borne pathogens of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti.	$25 / sample	$35 / sample

We currently have multiplexing qPCR and RT-qPCR testing panels available for a limited number of pathogens. However, we do have several other primers and probes available for many different pathogens and organisms. Contact the lab directly at extension.AGGL@maine.edu to learn more about our testing capabilities.

The AGGL operates out of the UMaine Extension DRL, which is a highly collaborative facility. As such, we work regularly with other labs and develop molecular testing tools and technologies for their specific needs. The AGGL offers additional services, but they must be ordered through our partner labs. Please see their contact information below.

Mosquito Panel

This panel was developed for use on whole mosquito specimens or sample pools.

Jamestown Canyon Virus^
Snowshoe Hare Virus^
La Cross Virus^
West Nile Virus
Eastern Equine
Encephalitis Virus

Bobcat Sex ID

This test uses DNA to genetically assign sex for bobcat individuals when morphological identification is difficult.

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

*This organism is a select agent and, if detected, may be subject to additional regulations.

^A single test detects all of these viruses. If a positive is detected, follow-up sequencing may be required to differentiate.

Aquatic Animal Health Lab

The UMaine Extension Aquatic Animal Health Lab offers a wide range of services related to aquatic animals and aquaculture.

Explore the Site

Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab

The UMaine Extension Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab accepts plant samples from growers, producers, and home gardeners. After identifying the disease, they can provide remediation instructions.

Explore the Site

Tick Lab

The UMaine Tick Lab offers tick testing services for individual clients as well as for researchers, agencies, and organizations. See the table below for the available pathogen tests/panels. The pricing for these tests is determined by the current rates offered by the Tick Lab.

Explore the Site

Veterinary Health Lab

The UMaine Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Lab offers diagnostic services on animal samples as well as necropsy services.

Explore the Site

These panels can only be ordered through the Tick Lab. Individual clients seeking to test a small number of ticks should use the tick submission form. Researchers, agencies, and organizations interested in larger scale tick testing projects should reach out directly to the Tick Lab at tickid@maine.edu for more information.

Ixodes Tick Panel I

This panel was developed for use on whole Ixodes spp. tick extracts from New England.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Tick DNA (internal extraction quality control)

Ixodes Tick Panel II

This panel was developed for use on whole Ixodes spp. tick extracts from New England.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto
Babesia microti
Babesia odocoilei
Borrelia miyamotoi

NonIxodes Tick Panel

This panel was developed for use on whole Ixodes spp. tick extracts from New England.

Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis (A1), holartica (B2), mediasiatica, and novicidia*
Ehrlichia spp.
Rickettsia rickettsii

Tick Virus Panel (RNA Viruses)

This panel was developed for use on whole tick extracts from New England.

Powassan Virus Lineage I
Powassan Virus Lineage II (Deer tick virus)
Heartland Virus
Tick RNA (internal extraction quality control)

Publications

Dill, G.M., Rounsville Jr., T.F., Bryant, A.M., and Gardner, A.M. (2025). Patterns of demographic and behavioral factors associated with tick encounters in Maine (USA) using passive surveillance data. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 16(6), 102573.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102573
Rounsville Jr. T.F., Dill, G.M., Bryant, A.M., Marini, A.G., Woods, A.C., Nugent, J.S., Choi, O.N., and Dill, J.F. (2025). Passive Tick Surveillance at The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab: A 6 Year Retrospective. Journal of Maine Medical Center. 7(2).
https://doi.org/10.46804/2641-2225.1224
Dill, G. M., Rounsville Jr., T.F., Bryant, A.M., Groden, E., & Gardner, A. M. (2024). Effects of Peromyscus spp. (Rodentia: Cricetidae) presence and tick habitat suitability on Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) ecology in an emergent area for tick-borne disease. Journal of Medical Entomology, 61(6), 1478-1488. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjae113
Price, L.E., Winter, J.M., Cantoni, J.L., Cozens, D.W., Linske, M.A., Williams, S.C., Dill, G.M., Gardner, A.M., Elias, S.P., Rounsville Jr., T.F., Smith Jr., R.P., Palace, M.W., Prusinski, M.P., Casey, P., Doncaster, E.M., Savage, J.D.T., Wallace, D.I., and Shi, X. (2024) Spatial and temporal distribution of Ixodes scapularis and tick-borne pathogens across the northeastern United States. Parasites and Vectors, 17, 481. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06518-9
Rounsville Jr., T.F., Polinksi, M.P., Marini, A.G., Turner, S.M., Vendramin, N., Cuenca, A., Pietrak, M.R., Peterson, B.C., & Bouchard, D.A. (2024) Rapid differentiation of infectious salmon anemia virus avirulent (HPR0) from virulent (HPRΔ) variants using multiplex RT-qPCR. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 36(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/10406387231223290
Rounsville Jr., T.F., Rogers, R.E., Welsh, A.B., Ryan, C.W., & Anderson, J.T. (2022). Novel hair snare and genetic methods for non-invasive bobcat detection. Ecology and Evolution, 12, 8435.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8435
McBride, S.E., Lieberthal, B.A., Buttke, D.E., Cronk, B.D., De Urioste-Stone, S.M., Goodman, L.B., Guarnieri, L.D., Rounsville Jr., T.F., & Gardner, A. M. (2022). Patterns and Ecological Mechanisms of Tick-Borne Disease Exposure Risk in Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine, United States. Journal of Medical Entomology, tjac152.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjac152
Rounsville Jr., T.F., Dill, G.M., Bryant, A.M., Desjardins, C.C., & Dill, J.F. (2021). Statewide Passive Surveillance of Ixodes scapularis and Associated Pathogens in Maine. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Jun 2021. 406-412. http://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2020.2724

Meet the Team

Meet the people who make the Applied Genetics and Genomics Lab possible. Our team includes dedicated lab staff and graduate students whose expertise drives our diagnostic services, research, and innovation. Explore the bios below to learn more about their roles and areas of specialization.

Tom Rounsville, Ph.D.

Assistant Extension Professor and Applied Molecular Specialist
Tom is the director of the AGGL, and his primary research interest is the application of molecular biology to topics under the One Health umbrella. Tom has collaborated broadly in a number of different fields and is experienced in using molecular biology to study ticks, wildlife, plants, fish, and livestock. Tom is also passionate about developing new techniques and methodologies to increase the accessibility and affordability of molecular biology. Outside of the lab, Tom enjoys spending time in nature, but frequently finds himself fixing one of his old, broken cars.

Ann Bryant

Laboratory Manager (AGGL/Tick Lab)
Since graduating in 1991 with a B.S. from The Evergreen State College, Ann had a diverse career working as an Organic Chemist in Seattle and an educator in several Maine school districts before finding her calling at the University of Maine in 2013. She started working at the Lichtenwalner lab on the diseases of goats and sheep but eventually had additional opportunities working in multiple labs in the School of Food and Agriculture, researching the parasites and diseases of fish, small ruminants and wildlife. Since 2020, Ann has been working at the Tick Lab and AGGL to support and investigate research projects that use molecular tools to better identify and understand problems in a variety of fields. She loves a good mystery and digging deeper and wider to solve problems that seem unsolvable. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, photography, motorcycling, quilting and gardening.

John Nugent

Fieldwork Coordinator / Molecular Diagnostic Scientist (AGGL/Tick Lab)
John earned his Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Maine, and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences studying the diets of Lynx in Maine. John started with the Tick Lab as an undergraduate student, and now works to coordinate field research initiatives including tick collection, small mammal sampling, game camera monitoring, and weather data logging at sites across Maine. He is interested in ways to improve detection and monitoring efforts of elusive species, as well as any work that takes him to remote areas where he can roll in the dirt. He is passionate about finding ways to make science more fun and approachable to get people excited about exploration and discovery. Outside of work, John enjoys hiking, arts and crafts, tinkering with things, and sticking his face into his cats’ bellies.

Sarah Manning

Scientific Research Specialist CL2
Sarah earned her B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine in 2025. She divides her time between fieldwork and lab work, contributing to a variety of projects at the AGGL/Tick Lab. Her primary focus is on collecting and testing ticks from across Maine. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys outdoor rock climbing, playing guitar, board games, and reading.

Collaborator

Griffin Dill

UMaine Tick Lab Director
Griffin is the Director of the Tick Lab, where he works on statewide efforts in active and passive tick surveillance. He coordinates the Integrated Tick Management Program, working at the intersection of human, wildlife, and environmental health to support surveillance, prevention, and public education related to vector-borne disease risk in Maine. In addition to his work on vector-borne disease, Griffin researches and provides technical support on wildlife-related issues and contributes to multiple Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs at the University of Maine.

Olivia N Choi, Ph.D.

Olivia is a postdoc at the AGGL/Tick Lab. Her research interests focus on microbial and molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and host–pathogen evolution, with a particular emphasis on birds—especially waterfowl. She is drawn to complex biological questions that require integrating multidisciplinary approaches to uncover patterns in host–microbiome–pathogen interactions and evolutionary processes. In addition to her research, Olivia is passionate about communicating science in ways that make it accessible and engaging to broad audiences. Outside the lab, she enjoys hiking, camping, hockey, and unwinding with video games, D&D, and similar pursuits.

Alaina Woods, Ph.D.

Alaina earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maine in 2025 and joined the AGGL/Tick Lab as a postdoc after graduation. Her research interests include One Health and molecular applications to wildlife disease ecology, parasitology, and vector ecology. Alaina integrates social and biological research to understand complex systems through human, animal, and environmental lenses. She is passionate about engaging stakeholders in the research process and developing molecular applications to further ecological research. Outside of the lab, Alaina enjoys running with her dog, camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

graduate Students

Alyssa Marini, Ph.D. Student

Alyssa earned her B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and her M.S. in Entomology from the University of Maine. She is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. Alyssa has been working at the AGGL / Tick Lab since 2022. Her research interests include studying vector-borne disease systems, specifically mosquitoes and ticks. Her dissertation involves conducting a bloodmeal analysis of ticks in urban and rural residential areas. In addition to her passion for research, Alyssa runs her own business creating scientific illustrations, logos, graphical abstracts, and related materials for clients. Her goal is to simplify complex topics through illustrations to improve understanding of the material. She specializes in digital tools like Procreate and traditional media such as colored pencils. Outside the lab, Alyssa enjoys drawing, hanging out with her dog Oakley, playing board games, and flipping over rocks to find cool bugs.

: Colored pencil drawing: Mouse climbing on grass surrounded by ticks — Artist: Alyssa Marini.

Maggie McAuliffe, M.S. Student

Maggie earned her undergraduate degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine. During her undergrad she began working at the AGGL and completed her honors thesis at the lab studying the causative agent of Lyme disease in mice. Now, she is continuing her studies as a Masters Student at the AGGL. Her thesis focuses on developing sequencing assays for the human pathogen Babesia microti and a related protozoan, Babesia odocoilei. Outside of school and research, Maggie enjoys playing board games with her friends, crafting (knitting, crocheting, sewing, and more), and playing violin in the UMaine symphony orchestra.

Undergraduate Students

Kyla Perkins, B.S. Student

Kyla is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Biology with a premedical concentration at the University of Maine. Kyla started working at the AGGL/Tick Lab in 2024, mainly contributing to field work and tick-testing services. She is currently working on her honors thesis at the lab, studying Babesia species infecting human hosts. Outside of research, Kyla enjoys traveling, volunteering with Partners for World Health, and working with chemistry students as a Maine Learning Assistant.

Quinn D’Alessio, B.S. Student

Quinn is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying biochemistry at the University of Maine. Quinn started working at the lab in the summer of 2025, working on the long-term tick research project. He is also the culture editor for the school newspaper, the Maine Campus. In his free time, Quinn enjoys getting outdoors with hiking, camping, and skiing. One day, he hopes to become a neuropsychologist and climb a lot of mountains.

Grace Wallinga, B.S Student

Grace is a fourth-year undergraduate studying Biology and English with a concentration in pre-medical. Grace joined the AGGL/Tick Lab in the summer of 2025, primarily focusing on long-term tick monitoring sites and assisting in data collection for bloodmeal analysis of ticks. She also tutors for The Writing Center on campus. In her free time, Grace enjoys the culinary arts, camping, kayaking, and spending time by the ocean.

Contact

To order services or learn more about the services the AGGL can provide, please reach out directly to the lab at extension.AGGL@maine.edu.

The AGGL is located within the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory at 17 Godfrey Drive in Orono, Maine.

Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory