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  • S10E9 - GES 508 Project – Herding Cats: Responsible Innovation for Sterilizing Cats in New Zealand
    2024/12/03
    Herding Cats: Responsible Innovation for Sterilizing Cats in New Zealand

    Hybrid | GES 508 students apply the Responsible Research and Innovation framework to a hypothetical gene therapy project for cat sterilization supporting New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 goal. Final GES Colloquium of the semester!

    Abstract

    Join us for a student-led presentation exploring the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework developed by Stilgoe et al. in a hypothetical scenario. New Zealand has been working towards becoming predator-free to protect its native ecosystem, establishing the ambitious Predator Free 2050 project. At the same time, a team of biologists has been developing a shot that can sterilize cats without the need for costly and time-consuming surgeries, through the usage of a gene therapy that increases Anti-Müllerian hormone levels. Students will explore a hypothetical scenario where this shot is used to help New Zealand work towards its goal of eliminating predators by controlling cat populations. They will frame this scenario through the lens of Responsible Research and Innovation and discuss how this project could be carried out with Anticipation, Reflexivity, Inclusion, and Responsiveness in mind. Using this lens, they will look at the science behind the project, the potential of a sterilization mandate, unexpected ecological side effects, and the logistics needed for such a project. They will conclude on both how this theoretical project should proceed and if the Responsible Research and Innovation framework was a good guiding principle for this project.

    GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom.

    Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

    Genetic Engineering and Society Center

    Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter

    GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

    Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

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    1 時間
  • S10E8 - Joeva Rock – GE and the Politics of Development in Ghana
    2024/11/12
    Genetic Engineering and the Politics of Development in Ghana Joeva Sean Rock, PhD Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Stony Brook University | Profile Dr. Joeva Sean Rock is an assistant professor of anthropology at Stony Brook University. Her research utilizes ethnographic methods and interdisciplinary collaborations to examine agricultural biotechnologies, the politics of development, and food sovereignty on the African continent. Dr. Rock’s research has been supported by Fulbright, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, and the British Academy. She is the author of We Are Not Starving: The Struggle for Food Sovereignty in Ghana (Michigan State University Press, 2022), and was the recipient of the 2019 Boahen-Wilks Outstanding Scholarly Article in Ghana Studies Prize. Abstract In this talk, I will present findings from my book, We Are Not Starving: The Struggle for Food Sovereignty in Ghana (Michigan State Press 2022). In the early 2000s, Ghana was one of the first countries targeted by a group of US donors and agribusiness corporations with an ambitious plan to develop genetically engineered (GE) crops for African farmers. The collective believed that GE crops would serve to sustainably increase yields and spark a “new” Green Revolution on the continent. Soon after the project began in Ghana, a nationwide food sovereignty movement emerged in opposition. Today, despite impressive efforts and investments by proponents, the domestic development of GE crops has mostly stalled, with one exception. Why, after years of preparation, millions of dollars of funding, and multiple policy reforms, did these megaprojects effectively come to a halt? One of the first ethnographies to take on the question of GE crops in the African context, We Are Not Starving, blends archival analysis, interviews, and participant observation with Ghanaian scientists, farmers, activists, and officials. The book argues that at its core, disagreement over GE crops in Ghana has little to do with agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, and much more to do with debates over political and food sovereignty. By approaching food as a (contested) cultural object rather than a simple item for production and consumption, the book provides broad insight into the social realities of development and climate change, genetic engineering, and US foreign aid. Related links: We Are Not Starving: The Struggle for Food Sovereignty in GhanaBridging the gap? Public-private partnerships and genetically modified crop development for smallholder farmers in AfricaBeyond the Genome: Genetically modified crops in Africa and the implications for Genome EditingThe Complex Choreography of Agricultural Biotechnology in AfricaThe scientific narrative around new food technologies needs to changeDownload seminar poster GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co
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    36 分
  • S10E7 - Alice Cheng - AI for Crisis Communication
    2024/11/05
    AI for crisis communication: Challenges and opportunities

    An exploration of AI’s role in managing organization-public relationships during crises, highlighting innovative applications and the challenges of implementation.

    Yang (Alice) Cheng, PhD

    Associate Professor and University Faculty Scholar in Communications, NC State University | Profile | ResearchGate | LinkedIn | Google Scholar Dr. Cheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and an Adjunct Professor at the Poole College of Management, NCSU. She has taught various courses, including strategic management, research methods, introduction to public relations, and crisis communication. Dr. Cheng has demonstrated a long-term commitment to research involving global public relations management, social media and artificial intelligence, and crisis communication. She has published more than 150 journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, which have been widely cited over 3,800 times. Her work has appeared in leading journals such as New Media & Society, American Behavioral Scientist, Social Science Computer Review, Computers in Human Behavior, Journal of Public Relations Research, Journal of Product & Brand Management, Telematics and Informatics, Mass Communication & Society, International Journal of Communication, Public Relations Review, and Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. Recently, Dr. Cheng co-edited a book on AI and strategic communication, and she has extensively served as a guest speaker or keynote speaker at international institutions such as MIT, the University of Technology Sydney, Peking University, Zhejiang University, and Fudan University.

    Abstract

    In our discussion on “AI and Crisis Communication,” we will explore the intersection of AI with contingent organization-public relationships (COPR), a concept introduced by Dr. Cheng. We’ll delve into her latest research on AI modeling and its impact on relationship management during crises. Additionally, we’ll examine AI’s applications in crisis communication, highlighting both the innovative ways it can be employed and the challenges organizations face in its implementation. Join us to gain insights into how AI can enhance crisis communication strategies while navigating the complexities it presents.

    GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom.

    Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

    Genetic Engineering and Society Center

    Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter

    GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

    Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

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    1 時間
  • S10E6 - Sara Fitzsimmons - Counting GE Chestnuts Before They Ripen
    2024/11/01
    Fall Seminar Series GE American Chestnut: Counting Chestnuts Before They Ripen Hybrid | Explore the scientific, ethical, and environmental issues which have impacted research, release, and deregulation of a transgenic American chestnut. Sara Fern Fitzsimmons, MS Chief Conservation Officer at The American Chestnut Foundation / Penn State University | Profile Sara Fern Fitzsimmons has worked at Penn State University with The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) since 2003, assisting chestnut growers and researchers throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Born and raised in southern West Virginia (Hinton), Sara studied Biology at Drew University in Madison, NJ. She then received a Master’s degree in forest ecology and resource management from Duke University’s Nicholas School, enriched by statistics and tree improvement courses at NCSU. After a short stint as an editorial assistant at All About Beer Magazine, Sara returned to the forestry field, where she has been ever since. Sara hopes her research and professional work will facilitate long-term conservation and restoration of native tree species at risk from exotic pests and diseases. Abstract The Darling 58 (D58) transgenic American chestnut was poised to be a transformational product for forest health, one that could hold the key to a suite of forest health issues. For conservationists, landowners, and tree enthusiasts across the US, the excitement was palpable as the project seemingly neared deregulation with government agencies. But in the short span of a few months across 2023, a suite of scientific, ecological, and ethical concerns unraveled much of that promise, as everything that was “known” about D58 was called into question. Early reports about field performance started surfacing in early 2023, with variability in blight tolerance, growth deficiencies, and increased mortality rates casting doubts on D58’s competence for long-term restoration. That performance was further compromised when scientists visited a field trial showcasing “canker blowouts” in Indiana, suggesting that D58 trees may “silence” the transgene when challenged too long with disease. Shortly after that, a “switched at birth” scenario was verified, revealing that Darling 58 (D58) was, in fact, Darling 54 (D54), and uncovered the potential for negative ecological consequences. Finally, the involvement of a for-profit entity raised financial and ethical dilemmas, sparking suspicions of conflicts of interest and prioritizing profit over ecological integrity. Questions about transparency and accountability were brought to the forefront, as public trust in the use of genetically modified organisms for forest health could hang in the balance with the next steps taken on the transgenic American chestnut project. Related links: What happened to Darling 58?Chestnut Restoration and Tribal SovereigntyWhen Biotechnology Goes “Wild”: GE Chestnut TreesThe politics of genetic technoscience for conservation: The case of blight-resistant American chestnutBiotechnology, the American Chestnut, and Public Engagement GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co
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    1 時間 4 分
  • S10E5 - Erika Szymanski - Crossing Kingdoms: An Experiment in (Ir)responsible Research?
    2024/10/22
    Crossing Kingdoms: An Experiment in (Ir)responsible Research? Zoom Only | An artist-led interdisciplinary experiment with risky science led to boundary-challenging conclusions about what responsibility looks like in responsible research. Erika Szymanski, PhD Associate Professor of Rhetoric of Science at Colorado State University | Profile Dr. Erika Szymanski is an associate professor of rhetoric of science in the English department and the microbiome cluster, and an affiliate faculty member in the Cell and Molecular Biology program, at Colorado State University. Her research concerns words as scientific construction tools, human-microbe working relations, and multispecies questions raised by contemporary microbial biotechnologies. Her teaching interests include disciplinary and popular science writing, posthumanist theory, and humanities scholars' roles in interdisciplinary teams. Dr. Szymanski currently leads an NSF CAREER project called “microbiomish”, about how metaphors shape experimental approaches in microbiome science and possibilities for microbe-human coworking. She is also the US PI on a collaborative UKRI-NSF project called Future Organisms with colleagues in Edinburgh and Tokyo, about responsible research and innovation (RRI), synthetic genomics, and reimagining what "responsible research" means in more-than-human terms. Her other ongoing research involves rethinking genetic code metaphors to account for the interdependence of structural and textual information in engineering biology, the roles of microorganisms in emerging bioeconomies, and more-than-human science policy. Abstract Crossing Kingdoms was an experiment in (ir)responsible research. Responsible research and innovation—often abbreviated RRI—is a common framework for science governance across Europe, the UK, and elsewhere. While RRI can be expansive, it’s routinely implemented as a checklist of actions—often delegated to an early-career social scientist, who may effectively be tasked with responsibilizing a scientific project that they didn’t design and in which they have little influence. Crossing Kingdoms was about pushing back on the notion that social scientists know how to be responsible or to make others responsible, and about questioning the responsibility of defining responsible research in such narrow terms. This artist-led research began with dangerous science—a protein from a snake virus that fuses cell membranes—and a curiosity-driven question: what place do “kingdom-crossing” yeast-mammalian fusion cells have in the world beyond the lab? The ensuing collaboration raised questions that challenged the conservativeness of how RRI is implemented: is art a good reason to do risky science? What is a good reason? How can art-science-social science research be organized for the benefit and mutual learning of all participants? What counts as an outcome? (How) do scientists and artists encourage social scientists to be responsible? Are we really crossing kingdoms, or just juxtaposing them, and why does that matter? Since its end, the experiment has led to further projects that wouldn’t have happened otherwise: synthetic biology applications of viral protein-driven fusion in synthetic biology, artistic research into the moral value of hybrid cells, and social scientific approaches to responsibility in terms of spaces for counter-normative research trajectories. Our conclusions suggest the value of response-able research, and of doing STS with scientists rather than on or for them. Related links: Szymanski, E. et al. (2020). Crossing Kingdoms: How Can Art Open Up New Ways of Thinking About Science? FBOEThe Tissue Culture & Art Project: Crossing KingdomsThe Edinburgh Hub for Responsible Innovation: Building alternative practices for RRI in Japan and the UKThe Edinburgh Hub for Responsible Innovation: Future OrganismsDownload seminar poster GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co
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    1 時間
  • S10E4 - Nathan Crook - Engineering bacteria to remediate PET plastics
    2024/10/08
    Engineering Vibrio natriegens for remediation of PET plastics

    Hybrid | This talk covers our recent efforts to engineer the saltwater microbe Vibrio natriegens to break down PET plastics and eat the breakdown products.

    Nathan Crook, PhD

    Assistant Professor at NC State University | Profile Dr. Crook received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2009, and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, developing new ways to engineer yeast. He pursued postdoctoral studies in Pathology and Immunology at Washington University in Saint Louis School Medicine from 2014-2017, studying approaches to engineer probiotic microbes. Dr. Crook joined the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NCSU in January 2018, and one focus of his group is to engineer bacteria to remediate plastic waste. In 2023, his graduate student, Tianyu Li, published a report demonstrating that the seawater microbe Vibrio natriegens could be engineered to break down PET plastics. This work was highlighted by WUNC and CBS 17, and has served as a catalyst for several follow-on projects.

    Abstract

    Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a highly recyclable plastic material that has been extensively used and manufactured. Like other plastics, PET resists natural degradation and, therefore accumulates in the natural environment. Several recycling strategies have been applied to manage waste PET, but these tend to result in downcycled products that eventually end up in landfills. This accumulation of landfilled PET waste contributes to the formation of microplastics by being broken down into small pieces that pose a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems, and potentially to human health. To address this issue, our project leverages synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to develop a whole-cell biocatalyst capable of degrading and assimilating waste PET in seawater environments. Specifically, we focus on using the fast-growing, nonpathogenic, moderate halophile Vibrio natriegens to construct this biocatalyst. Our talk will highlight two main processes we implemented in our bacterium: PET depolymerization and metabolism of PET breakdown products. We hope that these efforts will inspire bio-based processes for capture and upcycling of plastic waste, thereby preventing its accumulation in the environment.

    Related links:

    • Tiny Organisms, Transformative Outcomes
    • LinkedIn
    • Google Scholar
    • Crook Lab
    • Download seminar poster

    GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom.

    Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

    Genetic Engineering and Society Center

    Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter

    GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

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    59 分
  • S10E3 - Sarah Hartley - Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control in Uganda
    2024/10/01
    Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control: The Governance Challenges

    Zoom Only | Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control is a short documentary film beautifully shot in Uganda, exploring Ugandan stakeholders’ hopes for gene drive mosquitoes – a radical new tool potentially offering a way to eliminate or change the mosquitoes that cause malaria.

    Sarah Hartley, PhD

    Professor of Technology Governance at the University of Exeter | Profile Sarah Hartley is a Professor of Technology Governance at the University of Exeter and a Co-Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Environmental Intelligence. She is a qualitative social scientist studying efforts to make technology governance more inclusive of a broader range of voices and values through case studies involving global health, sustainable agriculture, and conservation. Current research is focused on gene drive governance, and she has several projects funded by the British Academy and Wellcome exploring engagement, collaboration, and knowledge co-production in gene drive development and risk assessment in Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe. She has recently begun an innovative programme of film-making to stimulate debate on emerging gene drive and AI technologies. She has a PhD in Politics and Environmental Studies (University of Toronto).

    Abstract

    Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control is a beautifully shot documentary filmed in Uganda, exploring the hopes of Ugandan stakeholders for gene drive mosquitoes—a groundbreaking tool that could potentially eliminate or alter the mosquitoes responsible for spreading malaria. Uganda is among the first countries in the world to prepare for field trials of gene drive mosquitoes, with much at stake. Malaria remains one of the most serious public health challenges in Uganda, heavily impacting its people and healthcare system. It is a leading cause of illness and death, particularly affecting children under five and pregnant women. The film is grounded in social science research from the University of Exeter in the UK and Makerere University in Uganda, highlighting the complexities of governing gene drive technology. Related links:

    • Gene Drive Governance
    • Gene drive mosquitoes designed to eliminate malaria – but governance is complex, new film shows
    • Download seminar poster
    The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.

    GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom.

    Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

    Genetic Engineering and Society Center

    Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter

    GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

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    1 時間 1 分
  • S10E2 - Nourou Barry - Exploring Experts’ Uncertainties in Gene Drive Technology for Agricultural Pest Control in the U.S.
    2024/09/25
    Fall Seminar Series Exploring Experts’ Uncertainties in Gene Drive Technology for Agricultural Pest Control in the U.S.: A Qualitative Study Zoom Only | This qualitative study investigates the uncertainties and diverse perspectives of experts regarding the potential use of gene drive technology for agricultural pest control in the U.S., focusing on policy preferences and governance considerations to highlight the need for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Nourou Barry, PhD Anthropologist and Postdoctoral Scholar at the GES Center at NC State University | Profile Dr. Nourou Barry is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center, at NC State University. His prior work in Burkina Faso with the Target Malaria consortium focused on developing robust stakeholder engagement strategies in gene drive research. His extensive academic background, culminating in a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Nazi BONI University in Bobo-Dioulasso in 2020, reflects a commitment to exploring the intersection of science, stakeholder engagement, and the social and ethical dimensions of innovative technologies. At NC State, Dr. Barry’s research at the GES Center primarily focuses on understanding the factors that influence public and stakeholder attitudes toward the acceptance or rejection of genetically engineered technologies and organisms. Additionally, his work with the Sciences and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center involves the comprehensive organization of engagement activities. He is committed to empirically studying and analyzing these initiatives using a methodological approach that ensures academic rigor and precision. Prior to joining NC State, Dr. Barry held faculty positions at Nazi BONI University and worked as a research associate at the Institute of Health Sciences Research in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. His contributions continue to shape the discourse on the responsible development and application of innovative technologies. Abstract Genetic engineering technologies have created new possibilities for controlling agricultural pests, particularly through gene drives to suppress or replace pest populations. However, using these tools raises concerns about their effects on species, ecosystems, as well as broader socioeconomic and cultural risks. Currently, limited research delves into experts’ perspectives on the uncertainties and policy challenges associated with these advancing technologies. In this study, a qualitative approach was employed to conduct in-depth interviews with 25 experts across various disciplines involved in gene drive technologies. The aim was to gain insights into their perspectives on these technologies, particularly in relation to agricultural pest control. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using the NVivo 14 software. Experts have highlighted diverse uncertainties regarding Gene Drive technology across technical, ecological, regulatory, and social and governance dimensions. Despite these challenges, experts stress the need for ongoing research, emphasizing the importance of safeguards to guarantee effectiveness and a proactive approach to tackle uncertainties effectively. Understanding experts’ uncertainties about gene drive technologies for agricultural pest control is vital for mitigating risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, engaging stakeholders effectively, and fostering innovation. Addressing these uncertainties enables the development of responsible and sustainable pest control strategies that align with societal needs and values while promoting informed decision-making and ethical use of these technologies. Keywords: Gene drive, Uncertainties, Agricultural pest control, Experts, United States Related links: LinkedInDownload seminar poster GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Dawn Rodriguez-Ward and Katie Barnhill, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. The Podcast is produced by Patti Mulligan. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co
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    1 時間 1 分