Code Ocean and Columbia University joined forces to organize a two-part RADcamp workshop focused on how to generate DNA libraries for Illumina sequencing. The first part of the workshop, held in May, brought together a diverse group of 17 scientists from all around the world. There were participants from Poland, Chile, Nigeria, the US, and more — spanning undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and seasoned professors.
At the workshop, participants actively engaged in practical exercises. Bringing their own samples, attendees had the opportunity to learn and use wet lab tools. By generating their own data, they gained valuable experience that directly benefited their individual research projects.
The success of the first workshop has paved the way for an eagerly anticipated second workshop happening this weekend (June 11th-12th), where attendees will learn how to analyze their data using Code Ocean.
Support from collaborating organizations played a crucial role in the success of the workshop. Two professional societies and two universities generously provided funding for the event, ensuring the workshop was completely subsidized for all who attended. A big thank you to:
- American Genetics Association
- Society of Systematic Biologists
- Columbia University’s Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department
- Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment & The University of Maine
Sandra Hoffberg, Application Scientist at Code Ocean, organized the RADcamp workshop and led the event along with a team of three other scientists. “It has been so rewarding to provide a hands-on learning opportunity to scientists that will definitely make an impact on their career. With no prior experience necessary, participants were able to generate data, ask thoughtful questions, and meet a community of scientists using similar tools. It was so much fun spending time with such a diverse, enthusiastic group, and lay the foundation for bioinformatic analysis in Code Ocean.”
Following the workshop, attendees gathered at a networking event held in a picturesque park overlooking the Hudson River. The setting allowed all to unwind and forge connections with their peers — helping to lay the foundation for future collaborations and long-lasting professional relationships.
