On Saturday, November 16, 2024, I attended the online webinar titled “The Blueprint of Life: Where Biology Meets Technology,” organized by Group 10 BSCS students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) and held via Microsoft Teams. The event focused on the intersection of biology and technology, specifically in agriculture and healthcare. The first speaker, Mr. Demboy Gumboc, a microbiology and molecular biology lab technician at WVSU, discussed the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to enhance rice genetics. His presentation highlighted how data analysis can identify useful traits in crops, demonstrating how technology is transforming agriculture.
The second speaker, Prof. Julie Ann Salido, Vice President of Research and Extensions at Aklan State University, explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in the early detection of skin diseases. She explained the use of Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks (RCNNs) in medical diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of AI in healthcare. Between talks, the event included interactive segments such as a “4 Pics 1 Word” game, which added an element of fun to the session. The webinar concluded with a feedback form and digital certificates for attendees.
The webinar deepened my appreciation for the role of technology in solving biological and medical challenges. Mr. Gumboc’s presentation on data-driven farming and food security highlighted how computer science is essential in fields like genetics and agriculture, especially in the face of climate change. Prof. Salido’s session on AI in healthcare made a strong impression, particularly the application of machine learning in the early detection of skin cancer. This reinforced the significant impact of AI in healthcare, especially in life-saving diagnostics.
The webinar also inspired me to explore interdisciplinary areas where computer science can be applied in fields like biology, agriculture, and healthcare. As a computer science student, I can contribute to these fields by developing software interfaces, managing data, or supporting machine learning models. The session highlighted the value of collaboration between disciplines to create impactful solutions, motivating me to explore tools like Python, NumPy, TensorFlow, and image processing libraries to better understand how systems like RCNNs are developed.
The event was well-organized, with informative sessions and an engaging atmosphere. The speakers presented complex topics in an accessible way, and the interactive mini-game kept the energy up. The feedback process was efficient, and the balance between learning and interaction made the event enjoyable. The organizers managed time effectively, and the topics discussed reflected current trends in science and technology.
For future webinars, I suggest including live demos or tool walkthroughs to help participants visualize complex concepts like AI or genetic analysis. Additionally, providing follow-up emails with links to learning resources, such as tutorials and machine learning guides, would help attendees continue their exploration of the topic. Extending the Q&A session would also allow participants to engage more deeply with the speakers.