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Embark on an enlightening journey exploring the intricacies of DNA structure, learn about DNA sequencing techniques and gain hands-on experience using Python and other Bioinformatics frameworks to understand how genomic data captures the mysteries of life.
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of genetics and explore how different species evolve and defend against viruses. In this project, we'll focus on bacteria and archaea, studying their amazing defense system called CRISPR-Cas. By analyzing genetic data, you'll learn how to uncover the secrets of evolution. Through hands-on activities, you'll gain practical skills in genetics, data analysis, and bioinformatics, which are essential for entry-level roles in genetics research and data analysis. These skills are in high demand in today's competitive job market, supporting crucial advancements in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology in the United States.
Get to know the Project Leader and other students, ask questions about the project requirements, prepare your workspace.
Understand DNA and RNA structures and functions through interactive discussions and basic exercises in Jupyter notebooks.
Learn the fundamentals of DNA sequencing with hands-on activities, including data organization and analysis using Excel.
Investigate different sequencing methods and their applications through group discussions and collaborative research using Google spreadsheets.
Learn about CRISPR-Cas systems' role in genetic research through discussions and explore relevant case studies in Jupyter notebooks.
Work with raw sequencing datasets, perform basic checks, and analyze data using Jupyter notebooks.
Utilize tools like FastQC and Biopython for analysis and documentation, integrating findings into Jupyter notebooks.
Polish your project deliverables and present them to the Project Leader and other students in the final group session.
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Shikhar Gupta is a Bioinformatics Build Fellow at Open Avenues Foundation, where he works with students leading projects in the field of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology.
Shikhar is a Systems Integration and R&D Engineer at Volta Labs Inc. where he works on integrating genomic applications on the Volta Labs fluidics platform and develops new automated biochemical workflows.
Before Volta Labs and Open Avenues, he spent 5 years working as a Scientific Researcher at Institute for Soft Matter Physics in Leipzig, Germany understanding the mechanism of bacterial immunity. He holds a degree in Biophysics.
A fun fact about Shikhar: I like to train for long-distance runs, enjoy reading about enlightenment philosophy and innovation and love dancing to Bollywood beats 🙂