The Promise and Power of Genome Engineering
Explore how science is rewriting the blueprint of life.
A three-part Mini Medical School series that dives into the transformative world of genome engineering—a fast-moving field with the potential to reshape medicine, agriculture, and the future of health.
Learn from leading University of Minnesota experts who are helping shape the future of this science. You'll hear from researchers using genome engineering to fight inherited disorders, improve cancer therapies, and develop novel approaches that impact everything from patient care to sustainable food production. Whether you're new to the topic or want a deeper understanding of DNA editing, this series offers a front-row seat to tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Launched in 1999, Mini Medical School was developed to connect Minnesotans with University of Minnesota experts who answer questions and share the latest advancements in health and research. Mini Medical School has empowered countless individuals with invaluable knowledge about health and wellness, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and engagement.
Watch sessions 1, 2 and 3
Moderator:
Steph Kennelly, MEd
Program Manager, Center for Genome Engineering
Speakers:
David Largaespada, PhD
Co-director, Center for Genome Engineering
R. Scott McIvor, PhD
Professor, Medical School
Michael Smanski, PhD
Professor, College of Biological Sciences
Q&A
- What can and can’t be addressed by genome engineering?
- How do doctors safely decide what cells to target?
- How does Dr. Michael Smanski decide what gets researched in his lab?
- How to maintain ethics in genome engineering?
- How does the bio tech industry impact the University of Minnesota?
- Will engineered microbes change the way people farm?
- Has Ai or other new technologies changed genome engineering?
- Has genome engineering been successful at treating inherited neurological disorders?
- What are the ethics around using genome engineering to modify the larger environment?
- What are you excited about that the field has potential to impact?
Moderator:
Steph Kennelly, MEd
Program Manager, Center for Genome Engineering
Speakers:
Erica Barnes, MA, SLP
Executive Director, Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council
Dan Born
Co-founder, Helen’s Pink Sky Foundation
Paul Orchard, MD
Professor, Medical School
Joseph Skeate, PhD
Assistant Professor, Medical School
Q&A
- How are micropharmacies different from other gene therapies?
- How was Dan kept informed by Helen’s medical team?
- How does Dr. Paul Orchard’s team decides which rare diseases to focus on?
- Are there any tasks that the public can do to support the work of the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council?
- Has supercomputing had an impact on Dr. Skeate’s research?
- Are there any resources or recommendations for families with rare diseases to find support?
- What does a partnership between the university and the bio tech industry look like?
- Are there any exciting legislative prospects in other states related to rare disease?
- Do you have to change DNA in every single cell for successful treatment?
- What does screening newborns for rare disease look like right now and in the future?
Moderator:
Steph Kennelly, MEd
Program Manager, Center for Genome Engineering
Speakers:
Sara Crane, RN, BSN, PHN
Clinical Trial Recruitment Coordinator, Developmental Therapeutics Initiative and Masonic Cancer Center
Branden Moriarity, PhD
Co-director, Center for Genome Engineering
Eric Rahrmann, PhD
Assistant Professor, The Hormel Institute
- What causes stress?
- What role does the government play in getting research funding?
- How do labs get funding outside government grants?
- Do pharmaceutical companies or industry sponsors help fund Dr. Moriarity’s research?
- How can people advocate to get their loved ones into clinical trials?
- How are participants selected for clinical trials?
- Are some cancer cells more likely to spread or metastasize?
- How does intellectual property transfer from the medical school to Pharma?
- How has providing care as a nurse changed over the last 15 years as treatments have evolved?
