Mr. Nussenzweig returned to Dalton to share his ongoing work in gene editing with students from Dalton Faculty Member Ron Schollenberger's High School science classes. As a member of Weill Cornell / Rockefeller University / Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD program, Mr. Nussenzweig has spent a decade researching the medical effects and implications of CRISPR-cas9 bacterial immunity.

 

CRISPR is a fascinating, albeit controversial, biotechnology that allows scientists to rapidly address and manipulate genetic structures. In his presentation to two Advanced Biology classes, Mr. Nussenzweig focused mainly on the technical aspects of how CRISPR-cas9 is utilized by bacteria to provide an immune response to invading viruses. He explained that through this process, CRISPR-cas9 can be used to manipulate the DNA in other organisms in order to cure diseases, add or delete selected genes, and to create various “designer organisms.

 

When presenting to the Bioethics class, Phil engaged the students in a lively, thought-provoking, give-and-take about the many bioethical issues surrounding the current use of CRISPR in the laboratory and about the vast array of potential ethical concerns about its use in the future. The ability to easily manipulate the genes of any given animal, plant, bacterium and human being certainly comes with its rewards and its risks, both in terms of its scientific, practical uses and its possible unethical uses. 

When asked about the presentation, Sean Ryan '20 commented,  "Mr. Nussenzweig did an excellent job challenging us students to think deeply about the effects of genetic editing. He led a riveting discussion in which we argued the potential dangers of gene editing, and how these dangers weigh with the benefits. With gene editing becoming a reality, these intense discussions are extremely necessary."

 

"Phil's passion for his work was quite evident, and he certainly motivated my students to continue to question and thoughtfully analyze a number of the important considerations about the use of CRISPR once they left the classroom," commented Mr. Schollenberger. "My students were very grateful that Phil took the time to visit their classes, and we hope to see him again next year."

 

Dalton would like to thank Mr. Nussenzweig for his time and expertise as well as sharing his love of science with our community.