NERLSCD 2020

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Welcome – 9:00 am

• Stuart Levine – NERLSCD President

Plenary – 9:05

• Immunology for COVIDummies
  • Tim Mossman
    • Michael and Angela Pichichero Director’s Endowed Chair, Director, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester
  • Abstract: The current pandemic of COVID-19 disease, caused by infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has triggered an astonishing wave of research into the virus; the host response to infection; the epidemiology of infection and disease; and vaccine development. Experience with previous respiratory viruses has helped, but there are many aspects of SARS-CoV-2 that are surprising and need to be understood as we deal with the accelerating pandemic.

    Infection is often mild and even asymptomatic, particularly in younger people without underlying conditions such as obesity or heart disease. Unfortunately, an infected person can often transmit the virus before symptom onset, making contact tracing more difficult. Fortunately, SARS-CoV-2 is not as highly infectious as some viruses (e.g. measles) so PPE (when used!) is proving effective in limiting the spread.

    The virus replicates in the lungs, but is also found in other tissues, and can also damage the vasculature. The immune response involves both antibodies and T cells, and both are thought to be important for resolving infection. Early in the infection, a strong immune response may be beneficial to resolve the infection, but if the virus continues to replicate then the patient’s condition may suddenly worsen as the increasing immune response starts to damage host tissue in a ‘cytokine storm’ over-reaction. Thus immune inhibitors such as dexamethasone are paradoxically useful at later stages in severe infection.

• Host: Tim Bushnell
  • University of Rochester Medical Center

 Gold Sponsor Talk – 9:45

• Pacific Biosciences
  • Meredith Ashby:
    • Director, Market Strategy, Microbial and Cancer, PacBio
  • “PacBio HiFi Sequencing: From COVID-19 to Core Applications”

BREAKOUTS, 10:00-11:00

• Genomics Breakout Session
  • Speakers:
    • Fred Kolling
      • Co-Director, Genomics Shared Resource, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Director, Single Cell Genomics Core, Center for Quantitative Biology at Dartmouth
    • Yuriy Alekseyev
      • Director, Microarray and Sequencing Resource, Boston University, Director, Single Cell Sequencing Core, Boston University
  • Host: Fred Kolling
    • Co-Director, Genomics Shared Resource, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Director, Single Cell Genomics Core, Center for Quantitative Biology at Dartmouth
  • Sponsored by: Illumina – What’s New with Illumina, Technology Innovations in 2020
    • Fiona Nohilly:
      • Senior Product Marketing Manager
    • Abstract: Learn about new end to end solutions and upcoming product releases from Illumina 

• Flow Cytometry Breakout Session
  • Speakers:
    • Jonni Moore
      • Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Consultant, Flow Cytometry
      • Title: Making your cytometry shared resource lab a valuable asset
      • Abstract: The academic shared resource laboratory has evolved from a core/service facility to a valued scientific resource, central to the research effort. In the era of “Big Science” it is critical that basic, clinical, computational and technical scientists cooperate to address “Big Questions” in an efficient and effective way. Nowhere is this more relevant than in cytometry and in single cell analysis. We are living in a time where the cytometry lab is rapidly expanding its role and can be a critical player in the academic research environment beyond technical delivery of cytometric services. Enhancing the institutional role and emphasizing not only technical but educational and experimental design expertise, brings added value to the resource laboratory and provides a basis for seeking and obtaining support from a wide variety of sources. In a recent survey of shared resource laboratories at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers uniquely described the Penn Cytomic and Cell Sorting Resource Laboratory staff as valued collaborators versus service providers, a term used for other shared resources. Strategies will be presented for steps you can take to make your shared resource higher profile and more perceived value to the institution.
    • Joanne Lannigan:
      • CEO at Flow Cytometry Support Services, LLC
      • Title: “How a core facility can use such an OMIP to advance the science of their users”
      • Abstract: Advances in technology and the applications enabled by these advances are increasing at logarithmic rates. Shared Resource Labs (SRLs) need to be at the forefront of these advances in order to ensure their user base remains current and capable of remaining competitive in their scientific arena. Change for many users can be challenging and seemingly overwhelming, often leading to neophobia. Left unchallenged, science becomes stale, an institution loses funding, stature, and ability to recruit/retain top faculty, students, staff. Those who work in Flow Cytometry SRLs have a unique opportunity to make the transition to higher complexity flow cytometry studies simpler and achievable using the many tools available for simplifying a complex task. One of these tools is the use of Optimized Multicolor Immunophenotyping Panels (OMIPs) which are detailed, peer reviewed, published protocols for specific flow cytometry applications. We will discuss how SRLs can use these OMIPs to help their users achieve results in a more reasonable time frame than starting from scratch. Embedded in the idea of the OMIP are additional tools that SRL staff can utilize to better understand and implement these protocols. We will discuss how these tools can be leveraged for the benefit of the users.
    • El-ad David Amir:
      • CEO and Co-Founder at Astrolabe Diagnostics, Inc
      • Title: Challenges in the analysis of high-complexity cytometry experiments
      • Abstract: There has been a tremendous increase in the complexity of cytometry experiments over the past ten years. This trend can be attributed to two major developments: the advent of high-parameter instruments (such as the Cytek Aurora, Fluidigm CyTOF, and the BD Symphony) and the expanding incorporation of cytometry to large studies such as clinical trials. Core facilities are essential in enabling such experiments thanks to their deep experience and proficiency. Despite this technical support, analysis has become the greatest bottleneck for researchers who are using high-complexity cytometry. This is due to the time investment.
  • Host: Lydia Tesfa
    • Director, Flow Cytometry Facility, Cornell University

• The NEW Future of Microscopy, training in our current reality. Is that terrible?
  • Speakers:
    • Peter O’Toole
      • Director of the Bioscience Technology Facility, Head of Imaging and Cytometry, Bioscience Technology Facility, University of York
    • Wendy C Salmon, M.A.
      • Manager, W.M. Keck Facility for Biological Imaging, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
    • Jason Hill
      • Account Manager, Zeiss Microscopy
  • Abstract: This forum will be looking at the future of microscopy education in the context of the increased complexity of systems and their capabilities, including turn-key access to specialized technologies. As these advanced operations become even more “easy to use” how do we maintain training standards and high-level training programs. Looking through the lens of our recent experiences with altered safety practices and physical distancing requirement and the necessary adjustments to many training programs offers a unique opportunity to explore the future for microscopy training and education while identifying the complementary roles for core facilities, specialized courses and industry partners.

• • Host: Kay Thomas
    • Director, Center for Advanced Light Microscopy and Nanoscopy, University of Rochester

• COVID and the Administrative Circus
  • Speakers:
    • George S. Grills
      • Associate Director, Shared Resources, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami
    • Jeffrey Weiss
      • Director of Research Core Planning, Northwestern University
    • Janie Merkel,
      • Director of Research Cores, Yale University of School of Medicine
  • Abstract: In this COVID-19 environment, shared resources administrators have had to perform like the ring master of a three-ring circus. They have been called upon to do all kinds of new tasks on top of normal administrative duties to keep things running safely and smoothly. Core facility administration challenges now includes dealing with core labs that were or continue to be closed, cores that have limited personnel working, cores that have just opened or are in the middle of ramping up, and cores that were never closed. Challenges include administration of personnel working from home, personnel who could not work onsite but may or may not have been able to work from home, and personnel required to work onsite on campus. New safety protocols have needed to be devised, reviewed, approved, and implemented, and then may need to be revised. Challenges also include dealing with core facility ramp down and ramp up in different phases, with each phase associated with critical communication and monitoring challenges, including managing the expectations of investigators and ensuring compliance with infection control measures. Additional challenges include pay cuts, furloughs, and early retirements. To top it all, we are in an ongoing pandemic, which requires continual crisis planning. This session will discuss the many circus-like roles that core administrators now need to play in addition to ring master (i.e., being effective team leaders), including juggler (dealing with multiple critical issues at a time, none of which can be dropped), acrobat (implementing nimble responses to the crisis), strongman (ensuring core facility defensive measures against the pandemic), barker (doing effective communications and marketing during a crisis), and fortune teller (predicting and planning for the future).      The goal of this breakout session is to review key aspects of what we have been through, where we are now, and how we plan to move forward. We will discuss what has worked, what has not worked, and what we have learned. The discussion will include how we have managed the expectations of key stakeholders, including core staff, core users, and institutional leaders. Questions that will be addressed include: How has the work changed and what adjustments have been needed to facilitate these changes? Where is financial support for cores coming from during this crisis and how are dramatic impacts on budgets being handled? How do you plan future goals in the current environment? Are you ready for another shutdown if it comes? How do we manage with the ongoing uncertainty and help ensure that the show goes on? These and other topics are on the table for discussion by our highly experienced panel and you.

• Host: Christian Lytle
  • Administrative Coordinator of Shared Resources, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Plenary – 9:00

• COVID From the Trenches
  • Chris Mason
    • Weill Cornell
• Host: Susanna Perkins
  • Director, Research Cores & Operations, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Gold Sponsor Talk – 9:45

• Perkin Elmer
  • Robert Burden
    • NGS Specialist – Applied Genomics
  • Title: “Surviving Against SARS-CoV-2: Critical Considerations to Cope with the New Normal”
  • Abstract: Labs have been facing unprecedented challenges due to the increase in demand for COVID-19 testing. In this webinar, we will discuss the critical factors that labs should consider when choosing the tools for detection and diagnosis. We will share details on immediately deployable solutions that allow labs to efficiently process samples. We will also address the most frequently asked questions around lab set up and workflow.

BREAKOUTS, 10:00-11:00

• Testing for COVID at a University Scale
  • Abstract: Open Group Discussion
  • Host: Kelley Thomas
    • University of New Hampshire
  • Sponsored by: Takara
    • Liz Quinn:
      • Director, PCR Enzymes & Stem Cell Marketing, Takara
    • Title: Enabling on-campus COVID-19 testing with the high-throughput SmartChip™ Real-Time PCR System
    • Abstract: Large-scale, accurate, and affordable molecular testing is essential to rapidly identify and isolate individuals who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. In response to the pandemic, we developed a high-throughput, automated protocol that detects the novel coronavirus using our SmartChip real-time PCR instrument, chips, and reagents. Using this system, we can run 5,184 reactions per chip in less than 30 minutes of direct hands-on time, allowing more replicates/controls and reducing time to results. Each reaction is at nanoliter scale, which reduces variability via elimination of the standard preamplification step and lowers costs due to the decreased reagent volume. This system is already widely used for detection of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance around the world and is ideally suited to address the major need for rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 detection. In this presentation, we will share our proof-of-concept data from assays run on the SmartChip platform that indicates sensitive and reproducible detection of viral nucleocapsid and human RNase P genes. We will also introduce our latest extraction-less kit for direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 from saliva.
• Covid-19 Monitoring
  • Speakers:
    • Scott Tighe
      • University of Vermont
      • Title: Approaches for Detecting Sars-CoV-2 in Multiple Sample Types
    • Ceth Parker
      • NASA
      • Title: Evaluating Recovery Efficiencies for SARS-CoV2 Surface Sampling
    • Laurence Tisi
      • Lumora
      • Title: Understanding the Dynamics of False Positives and Negatives in LAMP-based Analysis
    • Jason Botten
      • University of Vermont
      • Title: Virology research during a pandemic: from diagnostics to therapeutics
  • Host: Scott Tighe
    • University of Vermont
  • Sponsored by: New England Biolabs

• Supporting COVID Research
  • Host: Stuart Levine
    • Director, MIT BioMicro Center, MIT
  • Abstract: Session type: Panel Discussion; The covid-19 pandemic has created many new challenges for core facilities supporting research. In response to the disease, many academic laboratories have shifted their studies to focus on understanding the coronavirus and its mechanisms of action. As core facilities, this has involved new questions – questions of sample safety and handling, questions of best practices, questions of prioritization of samples. The goal of this session is to discuss our experiences in handling these coronavirus related research projects and learn from each other, both from success and, equally important, from failures, so we can better serve our research communities and enable us to more effectively make a meaningful difference in the scientific research outcomes.
  • Sponsored by: Thermo Fisher
    • Morrise Jamison:
      • Gene Expression and Protein Analysis Technical Sales Specialist, ThermoFisher
    • Title: “Multiplex Immunoassays for Therapeutic Biomarker Discovery”
    • Abstract: Utilizing Luminex bead–based immunoassays for RNA and protein detection to support infectious disease research and vaccine development.

• BSL3 Facilities
  • Speakers:
    • Martin S. Pavelka, Jr.
      • Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
        Chair, Institutional Biosafety Committee, Director, Biosafety Level 3 Facility, University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Host: Martin S. Pavelka, Jr.
    • Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
      Chair, Institutional Biosafety Committee, Director, Biosafety Level 3 Facility, University of Rochester Medical Center

• Communication Techniques Admin-Scientist
  • Speakers:
    • Susanna Perkins
      • Director, Research Cores & Operations, University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Abstract: We have all been thrown into a new reality where some, if not a majority, of us are working remotely or in some fashion of a hybrid model. This new ‘normal’ creates an entire new set of challenges on how we communicate and keep moving forward.    This new environment can provide the stage to show how strong teams are or can easily break a team down.   Not only are we now needing to engage fully remote administrative teams, but those administrative teams have to ensure top communication with researchers who may or may not be back in their Core Facilities.   This session will discuss the best structures and strategies to be on a winning team with a creative mindset to forge these new challenges.   It will be an open discussion with key individuals sharing their thoughts and experiences.    Please bring your challenges and successes to share with the group!

• • Host: Susanna Perkins
    • Director, Research Cores & Operations, University of Massachusetts Medical School

• The resilience and actions of the ABRF network in these unprecedented times
  • Speakers:
    • Rich Cole
      • ABRF President
    • Francis Weis-Garcia
      • Head, Antibody & Bioresource Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Abstract: We have been thrust into a great deal of uncertainty due to a global pandemic coupled with economic, political and civil unrest. From the core perspective, there are no history guideposts to help us navigate our way.  Fortunately, ABRFers have been able to rely on each other by sharing our experiences; our trials, our failures and our successes.  While we were not able to gather physically, but were able support, advise and encourage each other in our new virtual reality.  I am truly proud of how we, the ABRF membership, are weathering this storm together and I am sure this renewed sense of unity with carry us forward and make us a stronger network. Something else we should be proud of as a unit was spurred by the very justified state of civil unrest and peaceful protests. Our association has chosen to be actively be part of this the long overdue cultural shift to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community of scientists.  This session is intended to touch on both of these topics and discuss our collective path forward.
    • Host: Rich Cole
      • ABRF President

AFTER HOURS, 11:00-11:30

• ABRF 2021 Virtual Meeting
  • Information and Discussion Session

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Plenary – 9:00

• Maximizing Research Resources: FASEB & COVID Updates
  • Phil Hockberger
    • Associate Vice President for Research (Retired), Northwestern University
• Host: Andrew Vinard
  • Director, Core Facilities
    • University of Massachusetts, Amherst

 Gold Sponsor Talk – 9:45

• Qiagen
  • Brian Dugan:
    • Associate Director, Global Product Management, Genomics, QIAGEN
  • Title: Using Targeted whole viral genome sequencing to analyze and understand Covid19
  • Abstract: The seismic effects of the COVID19 pandemic have affected not only public health, but society in an unprecedented way. Beyond the continued need for rapid, accurate SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests, there is an increasing need for sequencing based solutions to support epidemiological research investigations into the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Studying genomic variants, what role they play in impactful amino acid changes and using phylogenetic analysis to investigate local regional or national differences is key to understanding its global progression.

BREAKOUTS, 10:00-11:00

• Management Tools: Selection, Implementation, and Key Developments in the Age of COVID-19
  • Speakers:
    • Joshua Z. Rappoport
      • Executive Director of Research Infrastructure, Boston College
    • Peter T. Marino
      • Director, Center for Centers, Boston College
    • Alison North
      • Research Associate Professor, Senior Director, Bio-Imaging Resource Center, The Rockefeller University
  • Abstract: Core facility users, staff, and administrators rely upon management tools for everything from instrument booking to annual reporting functions. There are numerous core management solutions available, and although they largely offer similar functionality, key differences exist in configuration and support.  This session will describe a few different core management tools, the selection and onboarding process one university recently undertook, and several important aspects of different systems which have become essential in handling research operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Host: Joshua Z. Rappoport
    • Executive Director of Research Infrastructure, Boston College
  • Sponsored by: Stratocore
    • Jeff Carter: 
    • Title: Research Management: Implementing Interoperability 
    • Abstract: Research Management Delivered. Globally. Stratocore implements and maintains an optimized, cost-effective core facility management solution tailored to the individual needs of our research organization clients. Our experienced team understands research management and the conduct and dynamics of research. We are leaders in understanding core research facilities and how core facilities fit within the strategic management of institutions’ overall research enterprises. We will present an overview of how the PPMS software platform can respond to all your scientific resource management needs, during the age of COVID-19 and far into the future.

• New Institutional Policies & Effects on Operations
  • Speakers:
    • Marimar Lopez
      • Director Research Cores, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    • Lisa D’Angelo
      • Associate Provost for Research, Yale University
    • Peter Lopez
      • Director Cytometry and Cell Sorting Laboratory, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
    • Shahina Maqbool
      • Director, Department of Genetics Epigenetics Shared Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Abstract: In this session we will discuss the new plans institutions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, their implementation and effects on operations in core facilities, as well as mitigation strategies to account for the loss of revenue.
  • Host: Marimar Lopez
    • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Director Research Cores, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Sponsored by: Coris Life Science Monitoring
    • Aaron Bonk: “Automated Laboratory Monitoring to Maximize Limited Lab Resources”
      • Director, Coris Life Science Monitoring

• Making Excel/Googlesheets Great Again
  • Speakers:
    • Stuart Levine
      • Director, MIT BioMicro Center, MIT
  • Abstract: Learn valuable tools & tricks to maximize your effectiveness with Googlesheets/Excel
  • Host: Stuart Levine
    • Director, MIT BioMicro Center, MIT

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – A Necessary and Ongoing Conversation
  • Speakers:
    • Mary Winn
      • Manager, Core Technologies and Services, Van Andel Institute
  • Abstract: In this interactive session, we will explore concepts of intersectionality, representation, and the need for ongoing discussion and learning.

• Spatial Profiling Technologies
  • Speakers:
    • Alicia Alonso
      • Assistant Professor – Research, Epigenomics Core Director, Weill Cornell Medicine
    • Valeria Mezzano, MD, PhD
      • Research Scientist, Experimental Pathology, Division of Advanced Research Technologies New York Langone Medical Center
  • Abstract: Spatial profiling technologies enable gene and protein expression profiles to be viewed directly on tissue sections, at a resolution of ~10 cells per region examined. The positional information of expression provided is advancing the understanding of the contribution of tissue heterogeneity to development and cancer tumorigenesis, among others. The technology requires integration of histology, microscopy, genomics and bioinformatics. This session will discuss implementation of 10x Spatial Transcriptomics (10x Genomics) and GeoMx DSP (Nanostring), each in a different core laboratory setting.
  • Host: Alicia Alonso
    • Assistant Professor – Research, Epigenomics Core Director, Weill Cornell Medicine

AFTER HOURS, 11:00-11:30

• ABRF
  • Information and Discussion Session

Friday, October 16, 2020

Plenary – 9:00

• Preparing for the Second Wave
  • Chris Mason
    • Weill Cornell
  • Sharone Green
    • University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Sonia Chimienti
    • University of Massachusetts Medical School
  • Host: Sridar Chittur
    • SUNY Albany

Gold Sponsor Talk – 9:45

• Agilent
  • Rick Chrisos: “Implement Social Distancing with iLab Operations Software”
    • Manager, iLab Account
  • Abstract: How will we be able to enforce social distancing within our labs? How can we be sure that our onsite personnel capacity limitations are being followed? Do we have a system in place to schedule shared spaces (labs, offices, instruments, staff etc.) in a more collaborative and flexible manner than Outlook or Google Calendar? As social distancing regulations change, are we confident in our ability to virtually manage lab operations today and in a future saturated with such uncertainty?”     The Agilent CrossLab iLab team quickly responded to customer needs for social distancing in the lab by making functionality within their scheduling software easily accessible to those looking for a scalable solution on a short timeline. This software enables users to reserve specific resources and spaces, control access to sensitive or validated equipment, and track utilization.
  • The result is a simple, standardized iLab module that lab managers and operators in various industries can purchase to help them schedule shared spaces—laboratories, office spaces and individual instruments—but with greater flexibility and control than an Outlook or Google Calendar. Forgoing the months-long lead time typical of a complete iLab Operations Software customization and installation, this new offering enables Agilent to create simple, user-friendly calendars for hundreds of lab spaces and equipment in just a few weeks based on a standardized input template.

BREAKOUTS, 10:00-11:00

• “Core facility pandemic perspectives and preparations”
  • Speakers:
    • Ravi Ranjan: “Setting up a COVID-19 Testing Lab in Challenging Times”
      • Senior Research Fellow/ Director, Genomics Resource Laboratory, UMASS-Amherst
    • Kendra Maas: “COVID-19 Surveillance in Wastewater”
      • Facility Scientist, Microbial Analysis, Resources, and Services (MARS), UConn
    • Zach Herbert: “COVID-19 Positives: Lessons from Shutting Down and Re-opening”
      • Associate Director, Molecular Biology Core Facilities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Host: Zac Hebert
    • Associate Director, Molecular Biology Core Facilities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Abstract: This break-out session will explore how genomics facilities are adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion will focus on setting up new services, re-tooling existing capabilities, and preparing for the future.
  • Sponsored by: StemCell
    • Benjamin Arellano: “Automating Cell Isolation: Save time in the lab when lab time is limited”
      • Scientific Sales Representative, Cell Separation Products.
    • Abstract: With COVID still limiting the number of personnel in the lab, automation has offered a simple solution to help technicians during this time. STEMCELL’s line of cell separation reagents can be easily implemented to enrich cells for applications ranging from next-generation sequencing, to flow sorting, to Biobanking, and more. This talk will focus on easily integrated solutions to improve efficiencies in a core and reduce hands-on processing time.

• ” Supporting high parameter analysis in a Flow Cytometry SRL”
  • Speakers:
    • Samantha Kemp:  “CyTOF application for cancer biologists”
      • Technical Director, URMC Flow Cytometry, Shared Resource Laboratory
    • James J. Java: “Write What You Know + Flow Cytometry.”
      • University of Rochester Medical Center
    • Jonathan A. Rebhahn”How to Safely Remove Batch Effects”
      • University of Rochester
        • Abstract:  Batch effects occur when non-treatment related factors in an experiment change the data produced by the experiment.  These changes can lead to inaccurate conclusions, and contribute to an ongoing problem in science, in which it has been found that many studies are difficult or impossible to replicate or reproduce.  This presentation will give some examples of batch effects, discuss how some traditional modes of analysis are problematic, and offer some possible solutions.
    • Panelist:
      • • Nina Steele
          • University of Michigan
  • Abstract: This session will be a panel discussion revolving around high dimensional analysis in flow.  Bring your experiences and questions to add to the discussion.
  • Host: Matthew Cochran
    • Technical Director, URMC Flow Cytometry, Shared Resource Laboratory
•  

• “What will microscopy core facilities look like during a local surge in COVID cases as well as post-pandemic?”
  • Speakers:
    • Jim Chambers
      • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
    • Christina Baer
      • UMass Medical School
  • Abstract: With COVID case numbers threatening to increase, the speakers will discuss their thoughts and plans for the immediate and longer term future of their microscopy facilities. The speakers represent a cross-section of academic microscopy facilities including a small liberal arts college, a major undergraduate institution, and a medical school. There are many shared concerns at these three institutional types, but there are also varying expectations from administrators as well as client research groups. Topics that will be discussed include current operation status including infection precautions and limitations, technologies developed between April and present that have allowed facility usage, and plans that are in place for responding to singular cases of COVID-positivity in the facility as well as responses to large increases in cases in the broader local community. We will encourage questions, input, as well as discussion from the audience in the hopes of sharing best practices with all.
  • Host: Jim Chambers
    • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Sponsored by: Nikon
    • Joe DiPietro: “Deep Learning Tools in Nikon Imaging Software”
      • Senior Biosystems Applications Manager, Nikon Instruments Inc.
    • Abstract: A brief introduction to the new Deep Learning tools available for NIS-Elements, Nikon’s image acquisition and analysis software. These new tools include AI algorithms for removing noise from images, automatically segmenting structures of interest, and more.  With a straight forward and user friendly implementation, NIS.ai brings the power of artificial intelligence to everyone.

• “Strategies for Improving Remote Bioinformatics Training”
  • Speakers:
    • Duan Ma
      • The Barbara K. Ostrom Bioinformatics and Computing Core Facility of the Koch Institute @ MIT
    • Matt Settles
      • UC Davis Bioinformatics Core Facility
    • Hannah Lyman
      • UC Davis Bioinformatics Core Facility
  • Abstract: Pandemic-related lockdowns and social distancing protocols have dramatically altered training programs offered by bioinformatics core facilities by forcing a switch to entirely remote teaching. Our panel will present some of their experiences with remote teaching and discuss how it can be done most effectively.
  • Host: Charlie Whittaker
    • The Barbara K. Ostrom Bioinformatics and Computing Core Facility of the Koch Institute @ MIT

AFTER HOURS, 11:00-11:30

• NERLSCD
  • Information and Discussion Session