Super charging scientific datasets with computers and the web!

[mozfest-bot]

[ UUID ] e9fc3d1b-1d58-4246-b126-dbaac6e3eef4

[ Session Name ] Super charging scientific datasets with computers and the web! [ Primary Space ] Open Innovation [ Secondary Space ] Youth Zone

[ Submitter's Name ] Rob Schaefer [ Submitter's Affiliated Organisation ] University of Minnesota [ Submitter's Github ] @schae234

What will happen in your session?

What's in your DNA? Are GMOs bad? What are scientists studying plants and animals even doing? Is it safe? I am a computer scientist turned biologist funded by the USDA to help make sure we have enough food to safely feed the extra 3 billion people that will be born in the next three decades. Participants in this workshop would be introduced to the basic concepts behind DNA sequencing and to the impressive scale of a genome through several hands on activities. First participants will perform a basic DNA search using paper models to demonstrate basic search algorithms. Then participants will use a web-based open-source program developed in our lab to show how computers and the web accelerate biological research.

What is the goal or outcome of your session?

This session involves focuses on engaging the public in order to understand just what it is that we (scientists) are doing when we perform an experiment involving a “genome”. It is meant to help them understand why scientists are concerned about certain problems, like food security, and to engage them on any questions or concerns that they have about the nature of this research (GMO, animal health, etc). The other main goal of our outreach as scientists is to inspire the next generation of scientists. This session is meant to connect with participants on the problem of scale. We need smart people to study these difficult problems and we need computers in order to perform these experiments quicker.

If your session requires additional materials or electronic equipment, please outline your needs.

I would only need access to a projector. I can provide the paper based materials, the other materials are all digital and available freely (CC0) online.

Time needed

60 mins

[mozfest-bot]

Thank you for taking the time to submit a session to MozFest. Due to the high level of submissions, we’re unable to accept all proposals and unfortunately, your session was not part of the final group.

Thank you for taking the time to submit and we will follow up on email very soon.

[kaodro]

Hi @schae234 , my name is Kasia and I work on Mozilla’s Internet Health Report. At Mozfest we will be present with an “Internet Research Hub” #618 (last comment) - an easy-going, cozy space for discussions and networking both with us about Internet Health and among researchers themselves.

We also invite anyone who does work in an Internet research field to sign up and present their work at a couple of open display tables we will have in the hub. We will promote these sessions throughout the festival. You can do it spontaneously with pen and paper on site or if you would like to save a spot beforehand, drop me an email at kasia@mozillafoundation.org with a short description of the session.

In any case, if you are planning to attend Mozfest I would like to invite you to pass by the Hub and say hi. We will start with an informal "Research and coffee grinder” get-together at the beginning of the festival where people can get to know each other. Space and exact schedule for the Hub are still being decided and I will update you once we know the details. Hope to see you there!

[schae234]

Hi @kaodro Sorry, I cant make it to MozFest this year. Maybe we will meet another time!

Cheers!