Allina Bennett, NPDN Professional Development Coordinator
The Communicator: Volume 6, Issue 11, November 2025
Front row- James Woodhall, Jessica Velte, Karen Snover-Clift, Hannah Ayala, Lara Brown, Sara Wallace, Jean Williams-Woodward, Laura Miles, Allina Bennett
Ten NPDN diagnosticians gathered at the University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center for advanced nucleic acid extraction and qPCR training from October 14-16. This first-time, three-day event focused on enhancing molecular diagnostic capacity across the NPDN, providing hands-on instruction in nucleic acid extraction, assay design, real-time PCR (qPCR), and troubleshooting problems. The training was led by James Woodhall, Josh Rosnow, Ben Wood, and invited experts including representatives from Thermo Fisher Scientific.
The training combined classroom learning, laboratory exercises, and field tours with a strong emphasis on practical applications in plant diagnostics. Participants practiced DNA and RNA extraction to gain experience with the KingFisher magnetic bead extraction machine, tested loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and analyzed real-time PCR results. Tours of Parma’s new lab included discussion of ensuring quality control in molecular workflows.
Participants represented ten NPDN member institutions: Oklahoma State University, Cornell University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Texas A&M University, University of Maine, University of Florida, Iowa State University, University of Wyoming, and Virginia Tech. Two scientists from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture also participated in the training. Their involvement provided perspective on how NPDN member laboratories collaborate closely with state department of agriculture labs to strengthen diagnostic networks and coordinate detection of plant health issues both at the state and national levels.
The training promoted both technical skills development and inter-laboratory collaboration. For Hannah Ayala (Texas A&M University), the training made a difference in her day-to-day plant diagnostic work: “Learning how to use the KingFisher is a gamechanger when it comes to DNA extraction. Getting instruction in the context of diagnostics is really important”. She has already integrated techniques learned in Idaho into her lab’s standard operating procedures.
At Iowa State University, Chelsea Harbach reported a major increase in confidence with molecular diagnostics. “I came back with a list of assays to validate in our lab. Before, we’d send samples elsewhere, now we can work towards doing them in-house,” she explained. Harbach is also looking forward to partnerships with local seed labs to provide surge capacity testing during peak seasons.
Stephanie Shea (University of Maine) emphasized the importance of the network’s collaborative spirit: “Whenever you get diagnosticians together and can exchange ideas, you feel less isolated. It’s important to share ideas and experiences”.
When talking about learning about the Kingfisher Apex, an automated system for nucleic acid extraction, Jessica Velte (University of Florida) noted that “Being able to see how other labs are utilizing the equipment and how we can continue to use it with better assays really helps us make progress in how we can standardize tools across these labs.” She added that the experience will aid in her own research, which includes work on optimizing and validating molecular assays.
Additional participants highlighted how the workshop bridged the gap between research and diagnostics. Lina Rodriguez Salamanca (Virginia Tech) noted, “It was interesting to see predictive diagnostics rather than reactive diagnostics… It has a lot of value for growers”. She plans to adapt total nucleic acid extraction protocols learned at the training to her lab’s automated workflows and explore collaborations with Extension plant pathologists at her institution for new applications in soil and spore analysis
John Bonkowski (Purdue University) said the experience improved his understanding of optimizing extraction protocols across different robotic platforms. “Knowing how to program and troubleshoot the process will improve our ability to handle larger sample loads” he said. Bonkowski also emphasized the benefit of learning in a practical setting and discussing troubleshooting.
For Jean Williams-Woodward (University of Wyoming), the value extended beyond technical instruction: “The interactions with everyone there were the most invaluable part. Seeing how other labs process samples and organize their work was helpful as I am setting up a new lab”.
Laura Miles (Michigan State University) shared similar sentiments, noting that the training opened new possibilities: “We’re interested in expanding into seed testing and soil diagnostics. Seeing how other labs use the KingFisher helps us move toward opportunities for new services”.
The success of this training highlights the value of in-person learning experiences led and attended by NPDN plant diagnosticians. The advanced nucleic acid extraction and qPCR training will serve as a model for how future NPDN-sponsored workshops can take place, with the goal to spread diagnostic readiness across the network and partner institutions.
