By Tommy Boutin, PhD student at McGill University
Attending the Microbial Genomics and Metagenomics Workshop in Berkeley, California, was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience. As my first major scientific meeting, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect—but it ended up exceeding all of my hopes. Over the course of five days, I had the opportunity to both expand my technical knowledge and connect with a global community of passionate scientists working in genomics and phage biology.
The first half of the week focused heavily on theory and foundational knowledge. Through a series of engaging lectures and hands-on sessions led by scientists from the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI), I deepened my understanding of genomics concepts that I had previously only encountered superficially. One of the most valuable aspects of this portion was learning the proper terminology to refer to various levels of genome assembly—terms like reads, contigs, scaffolds, bins, and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). These distinctions are essential when interpreting and comparing genomic datasets, and gaining clarity on them helped me better understand the datasets we work with in my own research.
Another highlight was learning how to use IMG (Integrated Microbial Genomes), a powerful web-based interface developed by the JGI. IMG allows researchers to analyze their own metagenomic datasets and mine the extensive JGI database for comparative data. Getting hands-on training from the creators of this platform was extremely useful, especially because my lab relies heavily on such tools to study phages in complex microbial communities. The interface includes built-in features for statistical analysis and data clustering, which make it incredibly versatile for various types of genomic inquiries.
The second half of the week was dedicated to group projects, where we applied what we’d learned using the IMG system. Working in teams of 3–4, each group developed a mini research question to investigate, with the goal of presenting our findings on the final day. My group chose a topic directly relevant to my research interests: is CrAssphage a universal marker of human feces? CrAssphage is a well-known bacteriophage commonly found in the human gut, and we were curious to see how universally it appears across different samples and datasets. We tackled 3 core questions using the IMG database: exploring prevalence, host associations, and geographic variation.
The analysis process was rewarding. Using the statistical and clustering tools within IMG, we were able to uncover interesting data, ultimately ending in our presentation coming in second place out of twelve! For me, this moment really reinforced how collaborative science can lead to strong outcomes, even in a short timeframe.
Beyond the academic aspects, one of the most inspiring parts of the workshop was the chance to talk with other students who are also working in microbial genomics and viromics. It was eye-opening to learn about the diverse approaches and projects people are undertaking—everything from studying phages in marine ecosystems to exploring microbial diversity in extreme environments. These conversations sparked ideas and made me feel connected to a broader scientific community.
Equally exciting was the opportunity to meet some of the researchers who have developed the very tools we use in our lab. Being able to thank them in person and discuss our applications of their work was incredibly meaningful. It made me appreciate just how interconnected the scientific process is, and how every tool or method created can massively affect other projects.
To top it all off, I took the afternoon of the last day to visit San Francisco. Riding the city’s vintage tramways, I got to see iconic sites like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. I was struck by how beautiful and unique the city was—it was the perfect way to end an amazing week.
I’m extremely thankful to the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS) for funding this trip. Without their support, I would not have been able to attend, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. This experience will stay with me for a long time.
About the author:
Tommy is a PhD student at McGill University in the lab of Dr. Corinne Maurice. His research focuses on the human gut microbiome, specifically on how bacteriophages shape bacterial communities during early life and influence childhood health and malnutrition.
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