From learning Python to doing biology
The 2026 capstone brought program completers together to analyze fungal protein sequences using variables, loops, conditionals, and functions developed during the virtual program.
Schedule
Light breakfast and arrival
Check in, settle at your workstation, and make sure your computing device is ready.
Biological introduction and day overview
Meet fungal adhesins and the biological question that will guide the day.
Examine proteins and use prediction servers
Compare example proteins and interpret SignalP and NetGPI results.
Python refresher and Challenge 1A
Use loops and functions to calculate whole-protein S/T frequency.
Coffee break
Group picture
Gather for a workshop photo before the final coding session.
Sliding windows and a real protein dataset
Measure local S/T-rich regions and apply the calculation to fungal proteins.
Pizza lunch
Logistics
Location
B20 (basement), Biology Building
129 E. Jefferson Street
Iowa City, IA 52242
Open the Biology Building in Google Maps ↗
Parking and arrival
Parking was available at Tower Place Parking Ramp, a short walk from the Biology Building.
Open Tower Place Parking Ramp in Google Maps ↗
What students brought
A computing device with an attached physical keyboard and a mouse or trackpad.
Food and breaks
- Light breakfast: 9:00–9:25 a.m.
- Coffee break: 11:30–11:45 a.m.
- Pizza lunch: 12:45–1:30 p.m.
Organizers
- Bin He — bin-he@uiowa.edu
- Hubert Kicinski — hubert-kicinski@uiowa.edu
Notebook
Python in Biology
The 2026 workshop used one student notebook for its in-person activities. It runs in Google Colab, so no local Python installation is required.
Open the 2026 student notebook in Colab ↗
Students saved a copy to their own Google Drive before editing so their work would be retained.