CRISPR and the Future of Biotech

Gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 are rapidly advancing the potential of technology to change living organisms, including humans. We dive into the forefront of the debates on the ethical limits of these technologies. Students learn about the rich history and modern context of innovation in healthcare and technology within the greater Boston metropolitan area.

Learning Objectives

Build a shared working knowledge and vocabulary around the development of CRISPR processes and the mechanisms by which this tool works.

Understand the ways that the benefits of economic development in the greater Boston area have been divided amongst the community members.

Understand how the recent advent of innovation hubs is changing the landscape for private enterprise.

Lenses of Inquiry

Technology and the City

Where are we now? How far has the research advanced?

A CRISPR Future?

How will CRISPR evolve and/or change in the future?

The Disrupted: Urbanization and Technology

What are the concerns over safety as the tech develops?

Places and Activities

This program is flexible and can be offered in 5, or 7-day itineraries.

Day 1: America’s College Town

Exploring the 2 of the world’s ‘giants’ of research universities: Harvard and MIT, touring the campuses and meeting with current graduate students working on a range of scientific pursuits.

Days 2-4: Lab Immersion

Rotating between the university and for-profit research centers engaged with biological and genomic research, engaging directly with researchers about their current projects, the day-to-day of their jobs, and what they see as the potential applications of CRISPR and other technologies

Days 5-6: The Disrupted

Engaging in a data-collection activity, moving through the city to see how access to transportation can serve as a social justice issue.

Day 7: Walden Pond

Closing the time spent with a reflection, thinking about the issues grappled with, and what the future may hold.

Let’s work together

“The Envoys staff were very open about sharing their first-hand experiences, which was a game-changer in terms of learning about post-apartheid South Africa. Also, having everything planned to the T made me feel very safe. I knew that I was in good hands.”

— Gio H. , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016

“Envoys carefully constructed an educational trip for students that purposefully engaged them to think, reflect, act, and enjoy. The travel logistics were always well-planned, and I had peace of mind knowing that my teen-aged daughter was in safe, responsible, and caring hands.”

— Alice T. , Parent, Deerfield South Korea 2015

“The individuals we worked with, without exception, were all professional, courteous, patient, and greatly attentive to detail. As stated above, Envoys is flexible and works hard to make sure that if you have custom aspects to a trip that you want to add, they will work hard to make it happen for you.”

— Adam H. , Faculty, Belmont Hill Japan 2016