2003 CSBi Annual Conference: Computational and Systems Biology - From Bioinformatics to Biofabrication
Prof. Peter Sorger
Thu Jan 9, Fri Jan 10, 08:30am-05:30pm, Wong Auditorium, E51
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
A 2-day scientific symposium with research talks covering a wide variety of science and engineering topics from bioinformatics to the fabrication of biology-based nano-machines. CSBi is an MIT-wide program that links biology, engineering and computer science in a multi-disciplinary approach to the synthetic analysis of complex biological phenomena.
Sponsor: Computational and Systems Biology Initiative (CSBi)
Web: http://www.csbi.mit.edu
Contact: Prof. Peter Sorger, 68-371, x2-1806, psorger@mit.edu
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A Biologist's Toolkit for the New Millennium
Prof. Michael Yaffe
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none
This series will discuss cutting edge technologies such as RNAi technology, microarrays, microscopy, and computational and bioinformatics tool that are currently revolutionizing every aspect of biology.
Contact: Prof. Michael Yaffe, E18-580, x2-2442, myaffe@mit.edu
A User's Guide for Performing RNAi
Carl Novia, Ph.D. & Michael McManus, Ph.D, MIT
An applications-focused talk about RNAi technology. The science and fundamentals of RNAi will be reviewed, and critical issues in designing and using RNAi techniques to address various aspects of biology will be discussed. Members of the audience are encouraged to question how RNAi could be used in their own research projects.
Tue Jan 7, 02-04:00pm, 68-181
Why Do We Look and Sound Human? The Molecular Evolution of the Face, Jaws and Hearing
Robert Nissen, Ph.D., MIT
Why are faces so characteristic of different animals? How do amphibians and reptiles hear? Do the face, jaws, and ears evolve cooperatively and if so, what is the molecular basis for this evolution? These and other aspects of molecular evolution will be discussed.
Thu Jan 9, 02-04:00pm, 68-181
Methods for Analysis of Complex Biological Systems: Dynamics and Representation
Drew Endy, Ph.D.
The life of a cell constitutes a complex system of interconnected molecular networks. Can we use engineering and mathematics to model natural and "synthetic" biological systems and predict their future behavior?
Tue Jan 14, 02-04:00pm, 68-181
What Can Computers Tell Me About My Gene and Protein?
Uwe Ohler, Ph.D.
This lecture, aimed at the beginner, is on computational and bioinformatics tools that are available to the scientific community to help decode protein function, predict genes from genomic data, and analyze gene control regions in DNA sequences.
Thu Jan 16, 02-04:00pm, 68-181
Biological Weapons and Bioscience: Obligations and Opportunities
Brad Smith, Ph.D. Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies, John Hopkins Univ
A talk about bioterrorism from an expert in the field. What are the dangers that confront us, how are biological weapons produced, what new toxic organisms are being developed, and how can we protect ourselves from nearly certain death? What roles can civilian scientists play in protection from bioterrorism?
Thu Jan 16, 04-05:00pm, 68-181
A Field Guide to NCBI Resources-Part 1
Peter Cooper, Ph.D., and NCBI staff
A lecture from the staff at NCBI on GenBank and related databases covering effective use of the Entrez databases and search service, the BLAST similarity search engine and genome data and related resources. Contact Sanchita Bhattacharya (sanchita@mit.edu) to preregister.
Tue Jan 21, 01:30-04:30pm, 54-100, PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
A Field Guide to NCBI Resources-Part 2 - Hands on Training
Peter Cooper, Ph.D., and NCBI staff
A hands-on computer workshop from the NCBI staff on GenBank and related databases covering effective use of the Entrez databases and search service, the BLAST similarity search engine and genome data and related resources. Contact Sanchita Bhattacharya (sanchita@mit.edu) to preregister.
Wed Jan 22, 09am-04:30pm, W89;PRE-REG REQUIRED, 3 sections:9-11,12-2,2:30-4:30
Design and Implementation of DNA Microarrays: The Nuts and Bolts as Applied to Your Experiment
Rebecca Fry, Ph.D.
This is a hands-on nuts-and bolts talk about how to design, perform and analyze microarray experiments, covering everything from basic theory to specific applications and detailed protocols that will work for you.
Thu Jan 23, 02-04:00pm, WI Auditorium
Microscopy: From Fundamentals to the Future - Part 1
Paul Goodwin, Ph.D., Applied Precision
This 2-part lecture series will cover the basics of microscopy to the latest high-tech instruments. Topics will include phase contrast, confocal, deconvolution, and 2-photon microscopes, Nomarski optics, new state-of-the-art optical techniques in the pipeline, and other topics.
Tue Jan 28, 10am-12:00pm, 68-181
Microscopy: From Fundamentals to the Future - Part 2
Paul Goodwin, Ph.D., Applied Precision
See description for Microscopy: From Fundamentals to the Future - Part 1.
Wed Jan 29, 10am-12:00pm, 68-181
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A Sampling of Careers in Biology
Biology Postdoc Association
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none
Academia is not the only rewarding career opportunity for scientists. Here are a few of the more interesting alternatives. This series provides professional advice for undergraduate students, graduate students and post-docs who are interested in pursuing non-academic career paths. The discussions will be informal, with plenty of opportunity for discussion.
Contact: Prof. Michael Yaffe, E18-580, x2-2442, myaffe@mit.edu
Teaching at a Liberal Arts College
Caroline Goutte, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Amherst College
Mon Jan 6, 11am-12:00pm, 68-181
Career Options in the Law for Ph.D.'s in Life Sciences
Stephen Seckler and Warren Kaplan
Stephen Seckler, Esq. is President of Seckler Legal Consulting, a Boston area recruiting and coaching firm, and has 13 years of experience working with attorneys on professional development issues. Warren Kaplan, Ph.D., Esq., is a former research biologist who has worked as a patent lawyer for a prominent patent boutique, served as Assistant General Counsel for Intellectual Property at Biogen and is currently teaching at Boston University's School of Public Health. Together they will discuss with you the exciting range of options that are available in a variety of legal settings.
Wed Jan 8, 11am-12:00pm, 68-121, Note room change
Careers in Genetic Counseling
Kristin Niendorf and Nathalie McIntosh
Kristin Niendorf, MS, CGC, Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Hematology Oncology, and Nathalie McIntosh, MSc, CGC, CCGC, Brandeis University Genetic Counseling Program.
Mon Jan 13, 11am-12:00pm, 68-181
From the Lab Bench to Biodefense Policy: Making the Transition to the Science Policy World
Brad Smith, Ph.D. and Rocco Casagrande, Ph.D.
Brad Smith, Ph.D., Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies, Johns Hopkins University and Rocco Casagrande, Ph.D., Surface Logix, Inc.
Fri Jan 17, 11am-12:00pm, 68-181
Working for a Small Biotech Company
Joseph Lehar, Ph.D.
Joseph Lehar, Senior Scientist, Computational Biology, CombinatoRx, Inc.will discuss working for a small biotechnology company.
Thu Jan 23, 11-12:00am, 68-181, Note Room change
Science Writing/Publishing
Leslie Roldan, Ph.D.
If you like to write, then perhaps you've considered a career in science publishing. What is this career like, and how do you get a job in science writing and publishing?
Mon Jan 27, 11am-12:00pm, 68-121, Note room change.
Transitioning into Venture Capital
Karen Hong, Ph.D.
Come to learn about venture capital as a post-graduate job option.
Fri Jan 31, 02-03:00pm, Whitehead Auditorium
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Synthetic Biology Lab: Engineered Genetic Blinkers
Drew Endy, Tom Knight, Gerald Sussman, Randy Rettberg
Mon-Fri, Jan 6-10, 13-17, 21-24, 27-31, 12-03:00pm, NE43-911
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 01-Dec-2002
Limited to 16 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
Limited enrollment; contact instructors at email address below. Hands-on introduction to the design and fabrication of synthetic biological systems. Students will work together in small teams to specify and design engineered genetic networks that program cells to periodically emit light. Each team will have access to a "standard parts list" of pre-existing biological components and will also be provided a budget for de novo DNA synthesis. Class time will be spent discussing biological component device physics, system application specifications, biological systems analysis and fabrication, and principles of modern systems design. Final system designs will be shipped for off-site fabrication on 01/31/03 and will return for evaluation and debugging in April. Jointly sponsored by Course VI and the Biological Engineering Division.
Contact: Drew Endy, Tom Knight, Gerald Sussman, Randy Rettberg, wetware@mit.edu
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Taking the Next Step in Academic Science
Biology Postdoc Association
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
The academic path is well laid out and a familiar one, but it is sometimes rocky. These sessions focus on the transitions we make as our careers progress and provide professional advice for undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows pursuing academic research careers. The discussions will be informal with plenty of opportunity for questions.
Contact: Prof. Michael Yaffe, E18-580, x2-2442, myaffe@mit.edu
Applying for a Junior Faculty Position
Prof. Robert Sauer
How do you stand out amongst the many applicants? Once you get an interview, how do you get a job? Junior faculty will talk about their experiences in the job search and senior faculty will discuss how search committees choose new professors.
Wed Jan 8, 02-03:00pm, Whitehead Auditorium
Balancing Family and Science
Prof. Susan Lindquist, Prof. Hazel Sive
Science is often more than a full-time job, and yet most of us also want to have a life outside of lab. The panel members will discuss their experiences balancing family and career.
Thu Jan 16, 11am-12:30pm, Whitehead Auditorium
Women and Science
Prof. Susan Lindquist, Prof. Jackie Lees
Profs. Susan Lindquist, Jackie Lees, Nancy Andrews, Andrea McClatchey and Karen Cichowski will lead a panel discussion on women and science.
Wed Jan 22, 11-12:30am, 68-121
RO1 Grant Writing
Prof. Robert Weinberg
This session will present grant writing tips from successful grant writers and from those who have served on study sections.
Wed Jan 29, 11am-12:30pm, Whitehead Auditorium
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The HHMI Education Group
Prof. Graham Walker
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Curriculum develoment for the biology department.
Contact: Prof. Graham Walker, 68-633, x3-6716, gwalker@mit.edu
Experiments in Biology Internet Education
Prof. Graham Walker, Frank Miskevich, Gurukarm Khalsa
There's a new group on campus, the Howard Hughes Biology Education Group. We want to know (and improve) on the best ways of teaching biology today. To do this, we need to know what's already available online and how useful it is. Here’s where your Internet expertise is needed. Our goal is to put together an annotated, indexed list of Biology teaching sites that are fun and informative which will be used as a resource for Biology classes. Four meetings (with food!) on dates below to share results and feedback, with flexible time commitments. Come find out about Biology outside of MIT! Contact: Frank Miskevich, 68-388,8-6647, frankm@mit.edu
Tue Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, 01-03:00pm, 68-121
Science Animation
Prof. Graham Walker, M.Sassanfar, M.Mischke, D.G.Halme
Limited to 6 participants who must have knowledge of FLASH micromedia. Did you ever wish biology was less boring, or less confusing, or more fun? Do you like cartoons? Are you creative and visual? Here is your chance to contribute to biology education at MIT. Help future students learn faster while sharpening your own animation skills. Create an animation of a fundamental cellular process taught in introductory biology. High cholesterol, tasty food and non-alcoholic diet drinks provided. Contact: Mandana Sassanfar, mandana@mit.edu, or Michelle Mischke, mischke@mit.edu.
Wed Jan 8, 01-03:00pm, 68-151, 3 sessions, flexible schedule
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