Bridging Biology and Computational Science: Hana Babic’s Experience at the EMBL Software Carpentry Course
Our 2024 Vera Šnajder Award winner, Hana Babic, shares her experience at the EMBL Software Carpentry Course, where she used her grant to attend and further develop her computational biology skills.
In today's rapidly evolving world, technology is transforming biology at an unprecedented pace. To thrive Hana’s academic career, she knew that she needed to strengthen her programming skills. And what better way to do that than by learning from experts at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg—home to one of the largest gene databases in Europe?
As a final-year biology student, Hana recognize that at some point, she will likely work in a lab where computational skills will be a major advantage. The ability to analyze large datasets is often overlooked in traditional biology training, yet it is becoming increasingly essential in research.
She had already taken courses in R independently, but her curiosity pushed Hana to explore further. This course offered not only a solid foundation in Python but also introduced crucial tools like Git and Nextflow. Beyond expanding her own skill set, she was excited about the opportunity to bring this knowledge back to her community, making computational biology more accessible.
Hana seen it as the equivalent of introducing a phone to someone who has never used one before—suddenly, their workflow becomes exponentially more efficient.
What were the biggest takeaways from the course in terms of skills and personal growth?
“When I arrived in Heidelberg, I expected to be one of the younger participants, but I didn’t anticipate being the only bachelor’s student among PhD candidates, postdocs, and even principal investigators. This alone was a valuable learning experience—it pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to engage in discussions with researchers who were further along in their careers”.
Technically, Hana gained a solid foundation in Python, Git, and Nextflow, but more importantly, she learned how to structure code for reproducibility. The course emphasized the importance of collaborative coding and version control, which will be crucial in her future research.
Additionally, this was one of the few EMBL courses offered in both online and in-person formats, and Hana saw firsthand the dedication of participants from across the world—some waking up in the middle of the night to follow the sessions! The schedule was intense—7 to 8 hours of learning per day for five days—but the enthusiasm of my group made it an incredibly positive experience.
“I was so absorbed in the course that I hardly noticed I had a fever. Yes, I caught the flu just before arriving, but I didn’t let that stop me from seizing the opportunity”!
Beyond technical skills, Hana’s biggest takeaway was the perspective I gained by interacting with experienced scientists from diverse backgrounds. “Hearing their insights gave me a clearer picture of what to expect in academia, what challenges to prepare for, and what skills would set me apart”.
“Most importantly, it made me realize that I belong in this space, even as an early-stage researcher”.
You highlighted learning Git and Nextflow for reproducible research—how do you see these skills benefiting your future work?
“On the first day, we introduced ourselves, and I noticed that everyone was already deeply involved in their own projects, knowing exactly how they would apply these tools in their work. For me, it was different—I didn’t come in with a specific application in mind, but I knew that learning Git and Nextflow would be beneficial in the long run”.
One of the key focuses of the course wasn’t just about mastering the software’s functions but also understanding how to use them efficiently in a collaborative environment—such as when different lab members are working on the same project.
This was particularly important because science is inherently a collective effort, and knowing how to navigate these tools in a team setting is just as vital as mastering their technical aspects.
The course was uniquely structured, with experts rotating through their specialized topics, offering practical tips that even an AI like ChatGPT couldn’t teach. “These insights are something I’m eager to apply in the future, allowing me to highlight this side of my skill set when the right opportunity arises”.
What message would you share with future applicants or young women in STEM about applying for opportunities like this?
“Growing up, there was often a perception that men dominated the IT sector, a view reinforced by many aspects of society. However, I’m proud to see a significant shift towards greater gender equality in this field. In our cohort, we had an equal number of females and males, which is an encouraging sign for the future. For young girls, this representation is crucial—it shows them that they belong in this exciting, ever-changing field and that their contributions are not only welcome but valued”.
Hana hopes that her experience can serve as an example, encouraging others—especially young women—to challenge societal expectations and push beyond their own personal boundaries. She mentions that it’s not always easy, “every time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, I’ve learned something invaluable about both the field and myself”.
The courage to pursue opportunities, even when they seem daunting, can open doors to growth—both professionally and personally.
Hana’s advice to any future applicants or young women in STEM:
Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.
Embrace the challenges, be bold, and take every opportunity.
Remember that every step you take toward your goals helps pave the way for others to follow.
What’s next for you—how do you plan to build on this experience moving forward?
“As I work toward completing my final year of my bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Science, I’m looking ahead to an exciting next step before starting my master’s program. This summer, I’ll be moving to the USA for June and July to immerse myself in the field of developmental biology. This opportunity will push me once again to step outside my comfort zone and engage with innovative research in a dynamic setting”.
Hana see this internship as a key opportunity to apply the skills she has recently developed at EMBL Heidelberg in a real-world research environment.
Hana shares with us that she is very enthusiastic about the direction of her career and look forward to continuing to grow as a scientist, building on everything I’ve learned and experienced so far.
Hana Babic’s experience at EMBL Heidelberg is a powerful testament to how technology and biology intersect, and how young scientists can shape their own paths in an ever-evolving field. Her journey is an inspiration for students, researchers, and young women in STEM—showing that bold steps, curiosity, and perseverance can open doors to endless opportunities.
We can’t wait to see where her career takes her next! Good luck Hana!