Faculty Advisor: Postdoctoral Researcher, the Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (LIRYC), University of Bordeaux

Program Start Time: TBD (meetings will take place for around one hour per week)

Research Practicum Introduction

Futuristic therapies to cure the incurable? Recent breakthroughs in basic research are rapidly translating into treatment options that are offering hope to people with genetic conditions.

Advances in stem cell technologies and organ production in a lab may someday replace the need for organ transplants, and genome editing can now cure what was once believed incurable. Can severe and rare genetic disorders be eliminated from the human genome, and what is considered an edit too far?

This program introduces students to the exciting world of current trends in medicine and biotechnology. This rapidly evolving field has many potential applications, but also has limitations, risks, and boundaries that should not be crossed. Weekly meetings will consist of discussions related to different technologies and their real-world applications in shaping the future of medicine. Through practical experience in scientific writing, teamwork, and presentation skills, students prepare for college and future careers in research or medicine, with the opportunity to publish their findings. This program fosters critical thinking about the future of medicine, exploring breakthroughs and ethical considerations shaping the field.

Standards of Assessment

To excel in this course, students must develop a good understanding of genetics and genetic disease. Students must show that they understand the differences between different therapy types and understand their advantages and limitations.

Possible Topics For Final Project

• What is CRISPR-Cas and how does it work?

• Are stem cells a suitable treatment option for all organ types?

• What are the major obstacles for stem cell therapies?

• How are gene therapies delivered to patients?

• What are the major challenges of gene therapies?

• What are off-target effects and how can they be overcome?

• What are the limitations of gene therapy?

• When should gene therapy be considered?

• Can gene therapy and stem cell based therapies be used in conjunction?

• Can gene therapy be used to treat polygenic disorders?

• Or other topics in this subject area that you are interested in, and that your professor approves after discussing it with you.

Program Detail

• Cohort Size: 3-5 students

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Workload: Around 4-5 hours per week (including class time and homework time)

• Target Students: 9-12th grade students who are interested in biology, genetics, research, medicine or related fields.