Link to the abstract draft in Google Docs: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PWPJWKocD3p2SzqO6JVnpAbEKlUAcuT8IiwJeDIGPIo/edit

Click here to go to the symposium's website.

Ann Loraine - please review the version of the abstract below.
Link to abstract draft: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PWPJWKocD3p2SzqO6JVnpAbEKlUAcuT8IiwJeDIGPIo/edit

Nowlan second version
The cost of sequencing a human genome has fallen from an estimated $300 million dollars for the first draft in 2000 to just over $500 in 2024. This dramatic drop in price has made sequencing an accessible tool for research labs, hospitals, and even the average consumer. Direct-to-consumer genomics companies provide a way for anyone to have their genome sequenced and analyzed with reports such as ancestral overviews and genetic testing panels. Unfortunately, these consumer genomics companies often do not provide a way to interactively visualize and explore the data they produce. In the Loraine Lab here at UNC Charlotte, we feel strongly that everyone should be able to visually explore their data. We develop the Integrated Genome Browser (IGB, pronounced “ig-bee”), an open-source desktop genome browser originally designed for researchers to explore and analyze genomic data. IGB supports fast navigation through data-rich genomic datasets, including those from direct-to-consumer genomic kits such as whole genome sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. As sequencing has become more widely available, we have worked to make IGB more customizable to the end users' needs. IGB includes customizable “LinkOuts” to the web so users can find more information about various features. We released the IGB App Store so that users can customize IGB with features important to them. And as of the latest release, IGB can display Compressed Reference-oriented Alignment Map (CRAM) files, often used by biotechnology and consumer genomics companies to reduce the size of whole genome sequencing data files. We’ve found that by providing user-friendly apps and functionality with file types provided by consumer genomics companies, we’re making our resources accessible to even more audiences regardless of their scientific background, and thereby reducing barriers to visualizing data. In this presentation, we demonstrate how to visualize consumer CRAM data with IGB, as well as how to use an app from the IGB App Store to view SNP data.

I added two long comments that may or may not be useful. I feel like I need to come back with fresh eyes on Monday before proceeding, and also talk with Nowlan and Paige, as wel. So, I am letting this ticket hang around in "First Level Review" for now.

Nowlan's bio:

After graduating with a degree in Biology from St. Olaf college, Nowlan moved to Clemson, South Carolina where he enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Clemson University in the Biological Sciences department. There he studied developmental biology of vertebrates, focusing on genetic pathways that specify the size and shape of the vertebrate tailbone. This research culminated in his thesis: A novel gain of function of the gene IRX1/2 disrupts axis elongation in the Araucana rumpless chicken, and in 2013 he received his Ph.D. from Clemson. After graduating Nowlan moved to Jena, Germany where he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, studying the use of nematodes as a deterrent to Western corn rootworm.

Nowlan Freese joined the Loraine genome visualization lab as a postdoctoral researcher and trainee in Sept. 2014. Nowlan’s primary role was to lead outreach and training efforts for the Integrated Genome Browser (IGB) project. Nowlan helped expand the IGB user base by leading workshops and on-line webinars introducing IGB to the wider community. In 2015, Nowlan was awarded a three year NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology, sponsored by the Plant Genome Research Program. His research investigated the relationship between DNA methylation and alternative splicing.

In 2018, Nowlan transitioned to the position of Research Associate at UNC Charlotte where he led a team of masters students to complete the BioViz Connect project. Nowlan is now a Research Assistant Professor focused on expanding the Integrated Genome Browser.

I made some final edits to the abstract and title. I can't think of any more improvements at this point. So if you want to go ahead and upload it, please do!

I hope it will be accepted and that you will get to give a talk Nowlan Freese!

Before closing this ticket, please make a new folder for this event in:

Dropbox / IGB / Outreach / Conferences

and save the abstract and bio in the folder.

Thank you, Ann Loraine!

I've submitted the abstract and have added the abstract and bio to the following folder:
Dropbox / IGB / Outreach / Conferences / 2024-BiomedicalSciencesSymposium

Per the submission form, "Selected abstracts will be notified by email."

Moving this ticket to done.

I have emailed to accept.

Nowlan,

We are pleased to inform you that your presentation proposal for the Biomedical Symposium has been selected. I know the community will be excited to hear about your research.

Your presentation is tentatively scheduled to take place at 2:45 PM on September 9th at the Dubois Center during our research collaboration breakout sessions. Due to the overwhelming response for proposals we had to shorten each presentation slot from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.

Please confirm with me ASAP that you accept our invitation and I will send you details on the room location, format, etc.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Congratulations!