• Undergraduate Researcher
• Education: B.S., Genetics, North Carolina State University, in progress
• About: Ian has been an undergraduate researcher in the Blueberry Genetics and Genomics Laboratory since May 2025. He completed an independent research project developing and applying KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) genotyping assays to establish phylogenetic relationships among highbush blueberry cultivars. His work involved CTAB-based DNA extraction, Qubit and Nanodrop quantification, automated liquid handling using the Apricot pipetting system, KASP PCR amplification, fluorescence detection, and phylogenetic analysis using NTSys software. His results successfully resolved genetic relationships among seven blueberry cultivars and laid the groundwork for using KASP markers to predict tissue culture responsiveness — a key trait in blueberry breeding.
• Contact: itdale@ncsu.edu