Genetic Engineering and Society
Recent scientific developments are rapidly outpacing the regulatory infrastructure currently in place to handle them. These new technologies demand a new kind of academician to properly contextualize not only their scientific implications, but also their social and ethical impacts. This new video explores how the NC State IGERT program and the case of transgenic pests are uniquely geared toward offering potential graduate students the opportunity to be among the first of these newly integrated PhD professionals.
Why Examine Genetic Pest Management?
Genetic Pest Management (GPM) offers the potential to alter and control mosquitoes, mice, fish, and other species that pose risks to human health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Its goal is to manipulate genomes of pest populations to decrease their density or render them harmless. The scientific and social dimensions of this emerging technology must be explored together to evaluate its feasibility, appropriateness, and potential contributions.
Our Vision and Approach
Focusing on the case of Genetic Pest Management (GPM), students will learn to apply interdisciplinary perspectives to a range of emerging technologies.
Our program addresses emerging issues related to Genetic Engineering and Society. Our approach aims to foster effective collaboration among ecologists, social scientists, humanists, policy analysts, molecular biologists, and communities that may be affected by these technologies.
The case of transgenic pests
In the first year we will focus on mosquitoes that transmit human diseases. In future years we may focus on fish or mice. Our NSF-IGERT in Genetic Pest Management encompasses of a number of research efforts by North Carolina State University faculty and students. We have identified many target or potential target systems for student research. They can be explored in more depth by visiting the Research page.
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IGERT
Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
Our NSF-IGERT in Genetic Pest Management encompasses of a number of research efforts by North Carolina State University faculty and students. We have identified many target or potential target systems for student research.
Read more about IGERT
