Immersive Videography of Ancient DNA Extraction for Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives by the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project

Abstract

Objective

Community engagement is an increasingly important component of ancient DNA (aDNA) research, especially when it involves archeological individuals connected to contemporary descendants or other invested communities. However, effectively explaining methods to non-specialist audiences can be challenging due to the intricacies of aDNA laboratory work. To overcome this challenge, the Anson Street African Burial Ground (ASABG) Project employed a GoPro camera to visually document the process of aDNA extraction for use in community engagement and education events.

Methods

A GoPro Hero 6 camera enclosed in a decontaminated underwater case was used to film multiple rounds of aDNA extractions from first- and third-person perspectives. The raw footage was edited into long (13-minute) and short (5-minute) format videos to summarize the steps of aDNA extraction for different educational aims.

Results

The videos were used at community engagement events, as well as in classrooms and other educational venues for students of different age groups. General feedback from the community was solicited at the events. We found that the use of videographic methods increased the transparency and accessibility of the aDNA research conducted by the ASABG Project team.

Discussion

Providing a visual guide to the often destructive nature of aDNA testing served as an important step in the continuing practice of informed (dynamic) consent with the descendant community. Future initiatives could expand these visualization efforts by illustrating other steps in the aDNA testing process, such as library preparation or sequencing, or incorporating approaches such as live streaming to foster trust and expand public science literacy.