Vice Dean for Basic Sciences (VDBS) Workshops

A four-part hands-on workshop series on practical applications of large language models in research image analysis will be led primarily by Fernando Santana, Ph.D., with Manual F. Navedo, Ph.D., leading session 4.

Dates: Fridays, July 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2026
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Format: Hybrid

• In-Person: GBSF Auditorium (Room 1005)
• Virtual: Zoom Webinar

Registration Links (single registration for all 4 sessions):

• Session 1 - Slides (PDF)
• Session 1 - Handout (PDF)
• Working with AI: Basic Image Analysis using LLMs
  In this first session, Fernando Santana, Ph.D., covers the foundational concepts for using large language models in scientific image analysis, including how to describe images in four dimensions (sample, imaging, structure, and question), key imaging vocabulary, execution versus discovery workflows, and how to evaluate and validate AI-generated results.
  VDBS AI Workshop Series Session 1 - The Foundation (July 10, 2026)

Handouts and Slide Deck

• Session 2 - Calcium Signals Handout (PDF)
• Session 2 - Handout (PDF)
• Session 2 - Calcium Line-Scan — ΔF/F₀ — Three Baseline Comparisons (PDF)

Homework Files

• Session 2 - Build Your Own Analysis Tool (PDF)
• Session 2 - Practice Line-Scan — Ground Truth Key (PDF)
• Session 2 - Rebuild the Detector — the nine prompts (PDF)
• Session 2 - Practice Calcium Line-Scan — Dataset Notes (PDF)

VDBS AI Workshop Series Session 2 - Calcium Signals (July 17, 2026)

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 1–2 p.m. Pacific Time
Format: Zoom Webinar
Audience: Faculty considering or planning to submit HHMI applications