On Friday, March 12th @ 11:00AM EST, we welcome Foyt Family Professor and Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University, Gang Bao, as he presents, "Genome editing based approaches for treating human diseases." ABOUT THE WEBINAR Genome editing using engineered nucleases such as CRISPR/Cas9 systems is revolutionizing life sciences and medicine. It provides unprecedented opportunities for treating many genetic disorders.  However, significant challenges exist in order to treat a disease with high efficacy and safety using genome editing.  In this talk I will first focus on the development of a CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing approach to treat sickle cell disease (SCD), which is a monogenic disorder that affects millions worldwide. We have systematically optimized the CRISPR gRNA and ssODN donor template designs, and achieved high gene editing rates in CD34+ HSPCs from patients with SCD. We have also performed extensive off-target analysis of gene-edited HSPCs and demonstrated the clinically relevant levels of engraftment in immunodeficient mice. I will then illustrate the importance of analyzing gene editing outcomes at the on-target Cas9 cut-site and their biological implications. Finally, I will describe a unique delivery vehicle for in vivo genome editing by combining magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) with baculoviral (BV) vector, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of in vivo genome editing. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dr. Gang Bao is the Foyt Family Professor and Chair of the Department of Bioengineering, Rice University. Dr. Bao received his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Shandong University in China, and his PhD from Lehigh University in the US. Dr. Bao is a Fellow of the American Association of Advancement in Science (AAAS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Physical Society (APS), American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). Dr. Bao’s current research is focused on the development of nanotechnology and biomolecular engineering tools for biological and disease studies, including CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing for  treating single-gene disorders.  ABOUT THE 2020-2021 BME WEBINAR SERIES The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University is proud to host an annual weekly webinar series on the latest developments and research in Biomedical Engineering. The weekly series takes place on Friday mornings at 11:00AM Eastern and includes a variety of renowned academics invited from top universities to talk about their specific research and experience.

Do you ever feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? In what ways can we ensure that black women feel supported, empowered and uplifted? Join us for a panel discussion, guided meditation, and open forum unpacking the Black Superwoman Syndrome and its impact on mind, body, and soul. This discussion aims to provide participants with the opportunity to dissect a complex intersectional issue and provide resources for ways to improve one's overall wellness.  Panelists: Zelon Crawford, Senior Associate Dean, Student Affairs Dr. Keoshia Worthy, Licensed Psychologist CUMC Jenny Fernandez, VP of Marketing, Loacker, Exec Coach, Professor Columbia SPS  Mydashia Hough, Academic Advisor Nadea Mina, Vice President of Public Relations at Rubenstein and owner of Nadea Mina PR   Moderator: Kenya Cummins, SPS Office of Student Life Intern and Candidate for Masters in Strategic Communications   We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, non-binary people, and all people who are would like to be a part of this conversation.      Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend this event, including but not limited to closed captioning please contact us at sps-studentlife@columbia.edu or the Office of Disability Services at 212-854-2388 or disability@columbia.edu

  CUIMC Women in Science Lecture Series- "Perfectly Imperfect Pathways to Success: The New Norm"   Moderators: Mimi Shirasu-Hiza, PhD Associate Professor of Genetics and Development Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Population and Family Health  Chief, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics  Panelists: Angela M. Christiano, PhD   Richard and Mildred Rhodebeck Professor of Dermatology and Professor of Genetics and Development  Vice Chair for Research, Department of Dermatology  Faculty Advisory Dean for Basic Scientist Faculty  Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA University Professor Dr. Mathilde Krim-amfAR Professor of Global Health (in Epidemiology) Director, ICAP Director, Columbia World Projects Jennifer J. Manly, PhD Professor of Neuropsychology (in Neurology, the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain) Register Here

Join a panel of Columbia University Irving Medical Center pediatric specialists for a discussion on genetics, innovative research tools, and recent advances in the treatment of rare pediatric diseases. The panel will explore the phenomenon of rare diseases and how we define them; clinical approaches to evaluating and caring for rare disease patients; genomic sequencing; and advances in related technology. Panelists include pediatric physician-scientists Wendy Chung, MD, PhD; Jordan Orange, MD, PhD; and Josh Milner. Moderated by award-winning CBS medical correspondent Dr. Max Gomez, the webinar will feature a Q&A for questions from participants. Please join us for a discussion of this important topic! Register for the webinar here.