May 15: SpecL: Information Modeling from the Top Down

SYNOPSIS:

SpecL is a new declarative information modeling system developed at CSHL to create large complex software projects. The next gen sequencing LIMS for the CSHL Woodbury Genome Center was just completed using SpecL at its core. Traditional modeling techniques rooted in relational theory are simply not appropriate for capturing the full story of cancer research as it is emerges from laboratories across the United States and the globe. The coordination of new ideas, new processes, new workflows, new technologies, new experimental protocols, experimental designs, specific aims, intermediate results, partial results, negative results and final published positive results require a rethink of how data and information are modeled. Data complexity, volume and size have further exacerbated the disconnect between what current methods can deliver and what is actually needed to get the job done. SpecL was designed to capture rich data models that cross cut many concerns including access, compliance, presentation, storage and behavior.    

BIO:

Anthony Leotta earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, and a M.S. in Computer Science from NYU Poly, Brooklyn, New York.  He joined the Wigler Lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory(CSHL) in 2005 as an informatics data manager specialist. He develops databases, processing pipelines, and interactive visualization software and tools.  Prior to joining CSHL, Mr. Leotta was employed as a software developer for variety of industries including financial, telecommunications, and defense.