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ASGCT Podcast Network

05 - Jennifer Doudna, PhD - Giants of Gene Therapy

Mar 21, 2023
Jennifer Doudna, a renowned scientist and co-inventor of CRISPR-Cas9, shares her inspiring journey from rural Hawaii to winning the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. She discusses the groundbreaking evolution of CRISPR technology and its revolutionary potential in health and agriculture. Doudna emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in gene editing and advocates for accessibility in scientific advancements. Additionally, she highlights the need for mentorship and diversity in STEM, all while balancing her professional pursuits with personal passions like hiking.
28:32

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Jennifer Doudna's journey from rural Hawaii to co-inventing CRISPR-Cas9 showcases the impact of early encouragement and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific innovation.
  • The podcast highlights the urgent need for ethical discussions surrounding gene editing technologies, particularly germline editing and ensuring accessibility for diverse populations.

Deep dives

Dr. Jennifer Doudna's Background and Early Influences

Dr. Jennifer Doudna shares her unique upbringing in rural Hilo, Hawaii, where her connection to the natural world sparked her interest in science. Despite having no immediate family members in scientific fields, encouragement from her father and supportive high school teachers fostered her curiosity. Her decision to pursue a liberal arts education at Pomona College was influenced by family friends and the strong emphasis on science in their programs. Doudna's early exposure to biological concepts solidified her passion for understanding DNA and its role in evolution.

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