Nicholas J
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Expertise
Molecular biology. Stem cell biology. Regenerative Medicine. Pharmacology & Drug Development. Cancer. Diabetes.
Bio
I am a molecular biology PhD candidate at UCLA, with a focus on cell and developmental biology and specializing in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. I am investigating the mechanisms that govern stem cell behavior and cell fate. When I am not in the lab you can find me spending time hiking and exploring new places. I grew up in Alaska and played college hockey, so watching and playing sports is also another hobby of mine. I enjoy listening to music and exploring old record stores for vintage vinyl albums.Project ideas
Scientific Review on the Ethical Implications of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells have given scientists the ability to study rare diseases that were previously difficult to study, while also having the potential to provide life saving therapies. The current technology that has been developed from stem cells is extremely promising and has already begun to produce positive results in the clinic. With the new and efficient gene editing tool CRISPR, scientists can manipulate genes, which has increased the potential of stem cells and our ability to use them for clinical purposes. There have always been concerns about stem cells and stem cell research. Recently there has been a lot of attention in regards to how/what type of research is being conducted with stem cells. Should there be a limit on what types of stem cell research? Who will have access to the new therapies being developed? Is all stem cell research equal? This project will take a deep dive into these questions. You will utilize the scientific literature to comprise a review of ethical concerns surrounding past and current stem cell research. We will also attempt to identify new ethical concerns and how we can continue to establish ethical boundaries moving forward.