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NonaWorks 2023

Software X Biology

Hackathon

When

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September 11th - 15th

Where

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Rajen Kilichand Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering

Boston University, Boston MA, 02215

Connecting Dots
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What is NonaWorks?

Get ready for an exciting four-day hackathon event as part of Biodesign Week! This event is designed to bring together a diverse group of individuals passionate about innovation and problem-solving in the field of bio software development. You'll have the opportunity to meet researchers working on cutting-edge algorithms, industry professionals in the biotechnology space, and other like-minded participants. Throughout the hackathon, expert office hours will provide valuable guidance, and workshops will equip you with essential skills for developing bio software. Volunteers will be available to offer support as you engage in project development. This event will culminate in a Demo Day where you can showcase your innovative projects to an eager audience. Don't miss this chance to collaborate, network, and make a lasting impact at the hackathon during Biodesign Week!

Agenda

View the NonaWorks 2023 Schedule Below

Day 1

Kick-off and Ideation

Introduction to the event: The hackathon will begin with an introduction to Nona Works, highlighting the objectives and goals of the event. 

 

Challenge Problem Introduction & Mixer: Participants will be introduced to the challenge problems they will be working on throughout the hackathon. A mixer session will provide an opportunity for participants to connect and form teams. 

 

Team Matching: To encourage diverse skill sets and expertise, team matching will be facilitated to ensure well-rounded teams.

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Location: Boston University

CDS

8:30 - 9:00

9:00 - 9:10

9:10 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:00

11:00 - 12:00

12:30 - 1:30

1:30 - 3:00

3:00 - 3:30

3:30 - 4:00

4:00 - 4:30

4:30 - 5:00

Registration / Light Breakfast

Welcome and Kickoff of BDW

SBOL Data Model

Coffee Break

SBOL Visual

Lunch

Programming Genetic Design Automation using LOICA

Coffee Break

NonaWorks Team Building and Mixer

Why you should particiate

Participating in NonaWorks presents an incredible opportunity for budding enthusiasts in the emerging field of open-source app synthetic biology. Here's why you, as a pioneer of this nascent community, should strongly consider being part of this groundbreaking event:

FORGE CONNECTIONS IN AN EMERGING COMMUNITY

NonaWorks is your chance to connect with other trailblazers who are just as intrigued by the possibilities of open-source app synthetic biology. As pioneers, you'll build the foundation of a community that shares your pioneering spirit.

ACCESS PRECIOUS RESOURCES

Gain access to valuable resources and materials that will guide your exploration. These references can serve as a compass as you navigate the exciting landscape of open-source synthetic biology.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

As a pioneer, your perspective is invaluable. NonaWorks empowers you to share your nascent ideas, contribute your insights, and play a role in shaping the narrative of this emerging field.

Embark on an Inspiring Odyssey

Above all, NonaWorks promises an inspiring journey for pioneers like you. It's a chance to revel in curiosity, embrace the unknown, and take your first steps into a pioneering realm with boundless potential.

In essence, NonaWorks is your call to join a gathering of pioneers, a unique opportunity to connect, learn, share, and carve out the path for open-source app synthetic biology. As a pioneer, you'll be at the forefront of a movement that promises to reshape the future, armed with knowledge, creativity, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories.

Tracks:

 1. Biosecurity (Challenge Problem, Open)

2. Machine Learning and Biology (Challenge Problem, Open)

3. Data Systems (Challenge Problem, Open)

This first installment of the NonaWorks Hackathon has three main tracks to select from, each tackling different problems surrounding computational challenges within Biology.

Judges: Coming Soon!

FAQ:

  • WHO MAINTAINS MY CODE?
    The Nona online community helps to maintain and extend your software. In addition, Nona has hired staff members to assist in making sure the code is listed appropriately.
  • WHO "OWNS" MY CODE?
    Nona does not own your code. The code is governed by whatever open source license you have chosen.
  • CAN I TAKE MY CODE BACK?
    Well, you could if you really wanted to… But then you wouldn’t have the huge benefit of having a friendly online community help you make it into something bigger and better.
  • HOW DO I KNOW MY CODE IS SECURE?
    Nona uses Amazon Web Services for its infrastructure, with all the security that implies
  • I DON'T WANT COMAPANIES PROFITING OFF MY HARD WORK! HOW CAN NONA ENSURE THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN?
    The software terms are governed by the license you have chosen. Certain open source licenses restrict such commercialization. Check out the site opensource.org – they have an extensive list of almost all the open source licenses currently in use. We’re sure you can find one that suits your needs.
  • WHY MAKE MY CODE OPEN SOURCE?
    Companies like Google and Apple have released their newest software as open source. The open source movement has become the de facto standard. Some even say we live in a “post-open-source” world, that “open source software” has just become “software.” Managing open source has become a bigger issue as a result. But at the end of the day, one thing is still true: We are greater than Me.

Team:

The NonaWorks23 Hackathon was organized by an interdisciplinary team between Nona and several close collaborators:

Douglas Desmore

Nona / Asimov / IWBDA

Traci Haddock

Asimov / IWBDA

Radhakrishna Sanak

Nona

Prashant Vaidyanathan

Nona / IWBDA

Sai Samineni

Nona / IWBDA

Alex Barutis

Nona

We'd also like to thank the NonaWorks volunteers for dedicating their time to help run the event:

George Cicero

Aya Kassem

Josh Kome

Maya Rice

Woo Zhan

Code Of Conduct: 

All attendees, sponsors, partners, volunteers and and staff at our hackathon are required to agree with the following code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to ensure a safe environment for everybody. 

Click to view our Code of Conduct

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