Genetic Engineering: Problems & Solutions

When entering Capstone, I was already aware I wanted to do something with genetics. This interest stemmed from my family's history with Turner’s Syndrome and wanting to see if a permanent cure was available. Eventually, the twists and turns of the research I did led to a more ethically grounded project, as I noticed that all the books I read on genetic engineering had a section dedicated to the ethical issues of editing someone’s genes.  

 

By the end of my first year, I had a relatively solid understanding of what I was going to do for my project: a series of essays about genetic engineering, CRISPR specifically, that consolidated and streamlined the information I had read about in different books and online articles. I read five books and many articles and took notes on the issues that repeated, or that stood out to me. I created a layout for them in an outline with the subjects and concepts to include. 

 

Over the next year and during the summer, essays were written and underwent a strict editing process. By reaching out to Dr. Michie, I was able to include modern connections to what was happening in the field of genetic engineering ethics as I was writing. Additionally, during the summer in between my first and second years I participated in the Congress for Future Medical Leaders, a conference with presentations by several notable people in the field of medicine (most noticeably the co-discoverer of CRISPR, Jennifer Doudna). This conference provided me with further understanding of genetic engineering, as well as other subjects in the field of medicine. I created my blog as a way to share information with others. I wrote over 14,000 words comprising 50 pages, and an up-and-running blog.

 

Overall, Capstone taught me more about my field of interest, informational writing skills, and the importance of reaching out to others. I look forward to continuing to publish on my blog, as well as continuing my understanding of the ethics of genetic engineering.