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Program is in EDT. Program subject to change without notice.

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Jumpstart Your Python Journey: Introduction to Python in Science and Biology

Unlock the power of Python with our hands-on workshop! This workshop assumes zero prior programming experience and will introduce you to the fundamentals of Python, the language commonly used for computational biology and bioinformatics. Through an engaging lesson and exercises, you will discover essential programming concepts such as variables, functions, loops, data types, and libraries. We will also talk about bioinformatics and introduce you to modelling in biology. A model describing cancer growth will be presented.

Organizers: Daniel Valentini and Vadim Zamaruyev

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Finding and Analyzing Genetic Data to Study Evolution: Multi-Sequence Alignments and Phylogenetics

In the era of genomics, the accessibility of online genetic databases has revolutionized biological research, empowering scientists with unprecedented access to vast repositories of genetic information. This workshop aims to introduce participants to the landscape of online genetic databases, focusing on prominent platforms like NCBI and UniProt. Participants will also gain practical experience about how to retrieve gene sequences and perform multi-sequence alignments using tools like Clustal.

Furthermore, the workshop will explore the application of these aligned sequences in phylogenetic analysis, elucidating the evolutionary relationships between different organisms. Participants will discover how to construct phylogenetic trees to infer ancestral relationships and uncover evolutionary patterns hidden within the genetic code.

By the end of the workshop, attendees will emerge equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate online genetic databases effectively, perform multi-sequence alignments, and leverage phylogenetic analysis to study evolutionary biology.

Organizer: Shireef Darwish

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Congratulations to Savanna Larson from Minnetonka High School for winning the 2024 YBS Student challenge with their submission "Evaluating the effects of sympatry on Canada lynx and bobcat population dynamics in Minnesota"

The purpose of the Student Challenge is to allow middle and high school students to think creatively, conduct background research, and develop a proposal for a unique solution that can help address important problems that face the medical field. Through this process, students will be able to think like scientists and learn how to make existing technologies even better.

Access Student Challenge Submissions

Theme

The theme of this scientific student challenge, "Bioinformatics Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainability," focuses on leveraging computational biology to address pressing environmental issues. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative bioinformatics tools and methodologies that can enhance our understanding and management of environmental data. This could include projects aimed at monitoring biodiversity, predicting the impact of climate change, optimizing natural resource usage, and mitigating pollution. By applying bioinformatics, students can contribute to creating sustainable solutions that promote ecological balance and support the health of our planet.

We want students to have room to explore their own interests and see how computational and engineering methods can be applied to the topic.

We have several mentors available to assist you. If you want someone to review your project, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and provide your need and your topic specifics and we will match you up with a mentor.

Before the Symposium

Students should brainstorm and think of ideas within the scope of the topic Bioinformatics Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainability. All attendees interested in participating in the Student Challenge will add the title and abstract for their project during the registration process. Attendees will have the opportunity to edit their registration to add their project information if they decide to participate after they have registered to attend. All projects need to be in the registration system by June 28th. All participants in the Student Challenge will receive an additional email with information on where and how to submit their project. All projects must be uploaded by July 5th.

During the Symposium

At the symposium, there will be scheduled time within the program when each participant in the Student Challenge will answer questions about their work with the various attendees at the symposium (family and friends) and will also present their work to the judges. The judges will score and determine the top projects, who will receive an award during the closing ceremonies.

Project Details

Before the symposium all participants in the Student Challenge MUST upload their project. Your submission should be between 3-5 minutes and consist of voice over slides or a video. All Student Challenge submissions will be available for on-demand viewing 48 hours before the symposium.

• Save your presentation as an MP4 file with the first name, last name, and project title.
• Slides should be widescreen16x9 ratio which export best to 1080p videos.

Some helpful tips on planning your recorded talk are available at these links:

• Recorded Presentation Guidelines for Virtual Events
• How to record a PowerPoint Presentation

Presenting your poster in a lighting style format using the PechaKucha or Ignite talks presentation style or a single slide or PDF is an option for presenters.

Here is a example of a presentation: https://youtu.be/rbLbb7eOao8

All projects must be uploaded by Friday, July 5, 2024.

At the Student Challenge, individuals will be assigned a virtual table and be available to answer questions about their project.

Judging Criteria

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BF Francis Oullette
Origin Bioinformatics
Canada

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