On Tuesday April 3, 2018, the Student Advisory Board for Science (SABS) and the Office of the Dean of Science will host the Neekeyfar Lecture on Science and Math for Undergraduates. This series brings leading scientists and mathematicians to campus to interact with undergraduates to discuss the latest developments in science and mathematics research through an evening lecture, geared toward an undergraduate audience, on the speaker's individual research.

This year we are honored to welcome Jennifer Doudna, Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Californnia, Berkeley, and HHMI Investigator, as the 2018 Neekeyfar speaker. Her talk, to be delivered at 7pm in the Fong Auditorium in Boylston Hall, is entitled, "Re-writing the Code of Life: CRISPR Systems and Applications of Gene Editing".

Abstract:

Gene editing with CRISPR technology is transforming biology.  Understanding the underlying chemical mechanisms of RNA-guided DNA and RNA cleavage provides a foundation for both conceptual advances and technology development. I will discuss how bacterial CRISPR adaptive immune systems inspire creation of powerful genome engineering tools, enabling advances in both fundamental biology and applications in medicine. I will also discuss the ethical challenges of some of these applications.