GES Center Lectures, NC State University

Genetic Engineering and Society Center, NC State
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The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center at NC State University hosts a weekly speakers colloquium, plus periodic public lectures. Topics include agricultural biotechnology, synthetic biology (SynBio), DIYbio, gene editing, gene drives, governance & responsible innovation, public engagement, sci-art, and integrated pest management, to name a few. Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/ges and sign up for our newsletter at http://eepurl.com/c-PD_T.

  1. APR 23

    Anastasia Bodnar – NSCEB Report: Charting the Future of Biotechnology

    NSCEB Report: Charting the Future of Biotechnology Zoom Only | Final Colloquium of the semester! Dr. Anastasia Bodnar will present an overview of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s recently published report, outlining key recommendations to accelerate biotechnology in the United States. Download seminar flyer Charting the Future of Biotechnology, NSCEB Final Report, 2025. Anastasia Bodnar, PhD Senior Policy Advisor for the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) | LinkedIn Dr. Anastasia Bodnar has over 20 years of U.S. military and federal government experience in science policy and science communication, including in regulatory policy, risk management, and public health. She currently leads policy development on agriculture and biotechnology product regulation as a Senior Policy Advisor for the NSCEB. Previously, she held several roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including as the Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Coordinator for the Department. Anastasia began her career in the U.S. Army, focusing on public health and integrated pest management, and entered civilian service as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. She has a PhD in plant genetics with a minor in sustainable agriculture from Iowa State University and a BS in biology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Abstract While the United States is the home of modern biotechnology, our lead in research and development, innovation, and production of the most cutting-edge biotechnology breakthroughs is slipping. China is pulling ahead, and falling behind in this critical sector puts our economic, food, energy, infrastructure, and national security at risk. In its comprehensive report to Congress, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology assesses that time is running out to retain and cement our global leadership in biotechnology. We are falling behind fast, and catching back up won’t be an option. This report outlines an action plan to maintain our advantage in this critical domain, but only if we act now. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    59 min

  2. APR 16

    Todd Kuiken – AI in the Biological Sciences: Uses, Safety, Security, and Oversight

    Artificial Intelligence in the Biological Sciences: Uses, Safety, Security, and Oversight Withers 331 + Zoom | Former GES Sr. Research Scholar Todd Kuiken returns from Washington, DC to explore the convergence of artificial intelligence with the biological sciences and the public policy issues addressing potential benefits and associated biosafety and biosecurity concerns. Download seminar flyer Recommended reading: Biosecurity in the Age of AI, NASEM Todd Kuiken, PhD Science & Technology Policy Analyst in the U.S. Congressional Research Service | Profile | LinkedIn Dr. Todd Kuiken has spent more than a decade analyzing and designing new research and governance strategies to proactively address the opportunities, risks and policy options associated with emerging science and disruptive technologies. He has advised, negotiated, and communicated with key federal, state, industry, academic, and nongovernmental stakeholders to help identify disruption points and policy gaps across a variety of emerging technologies enabling decision makers and broader publics to anticipate and govern emerging technologies. His current role as an analyst with the U.S. Congressional Research Service is to provide independent, non-partisan, comprehensive research and analysis for Congress on all legislative and oversight issues related to biotechnologies, artificial intelligence, fusion, biosafety, biosecurity, and the broader debates around public policy as it relates to science and technology. Prior to joining CRS, he spent five years as a senior research scholar at North Carolina State University’s Genetic Engineering & Society Center and eight years prior to that working as a senior research associate with the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program. Abstract Artificial intelligence technologies, methodologies, and applications can, and have been, used throughout the biological sciences, including in engineering biology. This has enabled research and development (R&D) advances across multiple application areas and industries. For example, AI can be used to analyze genomic data (e.g., DNA sequences) to determine the genetic basis of a particular trait and potentially uncover genetic markers linked with those traits. It has also been used in combination with biological design tools to aid in characterizing proteins and for designing new chemical structures, including for drug discovery. AI can also be used across the scientific R&D process, including the design of laboratory experiments, protocols to run certain laboratory equipment, and other “de-skilling” aspects of scientific research. The convergence of AI and other technologies associated with biology can lower technical and knowledge barriers and increase the number of actors with certain capabilities. These capabilities have potential for beneficial uses while at the same time raising certain biosafety and biosecurity concerns. This talk will explore these capabilities and governance options to address both the potential benefits and risks; including recent U.S. Congressional and Executive Branch activities. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    59 min

  3. APR 8

    Michelle L. Johnson – Altering Traits and Fates of Wild Populations with Allele Sails

    Altering Traits and Fates of Wild Populations with Mendelian DNA Modifying Allele Sails: Possible Contexts and Modeling Considerations Zoom Only | How can we use genetics to manage wild populations, and how do the bioengineers working on these projects predict their impact? Download seminar flyer Johnson, M.L., Hay, B.A. & Maselko, M. Altering traits and fates of wild populations with Mendelian DNA sequence modifying Allele Sails. Nat Commun 15, 6665 (2024). Michelle Johnson Research Technician at Caltech | LinkedIn Michelle Johnson (he/him) is a research technician working with Dr. Bruce Hay at Caltech. The lab is interested in using genetic technologies to control the composition and fate of wild populations. Specifically, they work on designing and characterizing novel gene drive systems in different species. Michelle is a computational biologist and spends most of his time designing models, writing software, and describing the effect of novel gene drive systems on various populations. He is especially interested in how the inclusion and exclusion of certain model features can impact results. Michelle graduated from Harvey Mudd College with a BS in Mathematical & Computational Biology in 2023 and has worked with Bruce Hay since then. Abstract Population-scale genome modification can alter the composition or fate of wild populations. Synthetic gene drives provide one set of tools, but their use is complicated by scientific, regulatory, and social issues associated with transgene persistence and flow. We have proposed an alternative approach, called an Allele Sail. It consists of a genome editor (the Wind), which is inherited in a Mendelian fashion. This editor introduces DNA sequence edits (the Sail), which experiences an arithmetic, Super-Mendelian increase in frequency. Through modeling, we demonstrate this system’s ability to bring about both population modification and suppression. A relatively simple system, Allele Sails may prove useful since the spread and persistence of the transgenic component can be limited. We outline contexts where Allele Sails could be useful and briefly discuss the modeling field and perspectives on modeling for risk assessment. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    57 min

  4. APR 2

    Ritwick Ghosh - Questioning the Accounting Impulse in Environmental Policy

    Questioning the Accounting Impulse in Environmental Policy Withers 331 + Zoom | Using a practice-centered approach to analyze the rise and implications of environmental accounting. Download seminar flyer Ritwick Ghosh, PhD Assistant Professor of Environmental Governance at NC State University | Profile | LinkedIn Dr. Ritwick Ghosh is an Assistant Professor in Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University. Ritwick studies and teaches environmental governance, with expertise in the role of markets in advancing sustainable land practices. Ritwick is a deeply interdisciplinary scholar and contributes to the fields of political ecology and science and technology studies. Before joining NCSU, Ritwick held positions at the University of Denver, New York University, and Arizona State University. Ritwick received his Masters and PhD from Cornell University. Abstract Environmental accounting is increasingly a central theme in the sustainability discourse. Whether in the form of cost-benefit analysis, carbon disclosures, or economic valuation of nature, accounting is presented as a critical step toward improving policy processes and public accountability. Yet, this rise in environmental accounting has also sparked a critical debate within political ecology and science and technology studies (STS) on what is being counted and how accounting tools are reshaping environmental institutions. In this presentation, I draw on my past work on environmental market policies in the US and India to outline a practice-based approach to the study of environmental accounting. I hope to show that there is an important performative dimension to the accounting impulse. Measurement and quantification may enhance transparency, but at the same time, ever more elaborate forms of quantification also serve to delay, distract, and limit progressive environmental actions. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    53 min

  5. MAR 27

    Katie Barnhill – Is the Spirit of Asilomar Still Haunting Biotechnology?

    Is the Spirit of Asilomar Still Haunting Biotechnology? Withers 331 + Zoom | An overview and analysis of my experience at the 2025 The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology Summit Download seminar flyer Katie Barnhill, PhD Associate Director of Programs and Engagement, GES Center, NC State University | Profile | LinkedIn Dr. Katie Barnhill is the Associate Director of Programs and Engagement for the Genetic Engineering and Society Center. As an interdisciplinary social scientist, Katie integrates experience and training in environmental science, policy, and governance with the critical tools of science, technology, and society studies. She uses these tools to organize, facilitate, and empirically study stakeholder engagement activities such as workshops to create justice-oriented and inclusive decision-making spaces about the potential use of biotechnology tools that may be released into shared environments. Abstract Since the 1975 Asilomar Conference, where experts gathered to discuss what to do about then-new production of recombinant DNA molecules, much ink has been spilled about the successes, failures, and disruptions (or not) of the summit itself. 50 years after the now-famous Asilomar Conference, science historians organized a follow up summit, providing “an opportunity to reconvene and look towards the future, [but] the summit’s aim [was] to grapple with the past — aware of its accomplishments, limitations, and failures — so as to better engage with the issues of the present.” So, how did it go? For this presentation, I will reflect on my experience at the summit as a participant and fundamentally pose the question, is the Spirit of Asilomar still haunting biotechnology? Related links: The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology Summit The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. Colloquium meets weekly on Tuesdays from 12-1 pm via Zoom, with national/international guests joining us remotely, and local in-person guests every other week in Withers 331. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    1h 2m

  6. MAR 18

    Jory Weintraub – Telling Your Science Story

    Telling Your Science Story: The Power of Narrative in Research Communication This short, interactive workshop will explore why and how to use storytelling to communicate your research and give you a chance to practice and receive feedback. Download seminar flyer Download presentation slides Jory Weintraub, PhD Director of Science Engagement in the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs at NC State University | Profile Jory Weintraub is the Director of Science Engagement in the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs (OUIP) and an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Communication. Previous positions have included co-PI and Director of Professional Development and Training for the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society, Science Communication Director and Senior Lecturing Fellow with Duke University’s Initiative for Science and Society, and Director of Education and Outreach at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. He serves on the advisory board of the Triangle Center for Evolutionary Medicine and previously served on the board of directors of Science Communicators of North Carolina. He has a BS in biochemistry/cell biology from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in immunology from UNC Chapel Hill, and received an NSF postdoctoral fellowship in STEM education/outreach. His professional interests include STEM outreach, science communication, societal impacts of research and diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. Abstract Once upon a time, in labs and lecture halls far, far away, scientists were trained to avoid stories, anecdotes, and “making it personal” when talking about their work. However empirical evidence demonstrates that these approaches can be the most effective ways to communicate research to non-experts. This short, interactive workshop will examine the elements of a compelling story, explore how our brains respond to storytelling, and introduce a simple, fun template for telling the story of your science in just three sentences. Participants will have the opportunity to practice science storytelling and give/receive feedback, and as a result they will improve their science communication skills and live happily ever after—the end. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. Colloquium meets weekly on Tuesdays from 12-1 pm via Zoom, with national/international guests joining us remotely, and local in-person guests every other week in Withers 331. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    56 min

  7. MAR 5

    Lirong Xiang - Integrating AI and Robotics for Precision Agriculture

    Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Precision Agriculture Withers 331 + Zoom | Download seminar flyer Lirong Xiang, PhD Assistant Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NC State University | Profile | XR Lab Dr. Xiang is the Principal Investigator of the Automation and Robotics Lab in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University and affiliated with N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. She received her Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University and her B.S. degree in Biosystems Engineering from Zhejiang University. Dr. Xiang works on agricultural robotics, 2D & 3D computer vision, and machine learning. During her Ph.D. program, she has developed robotic and automated systems for both indoor and in-field plant phenotyping applications. Abstract This presentation highlights the use of AI and robotics in precision agriculture, focusing on automated tomato disease phenotyping and downy mildew detection in cucurbits. By leveraging AI-driven image analysis and robotic systems, the approach enables early, accurate disease detection and targeted interventions, improving crop yield and sustainability. Related links: Zhang, Z., He, W., Wu, F., Quesada, L., & Xiang, L. (2024). Development of a bionic hexapod robot with adaptive gait and clearance for enhanced agricultural field scouting. Frontiers in Robotics and AI (2024) The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. Colloquium meets weekly on Tuesdays from 12-1 pm via Zoom, with national/international guests joining us remotely, and local in-person guests every other week in Withers 331. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co

    56 min

  8. FEB 26

    Mallory Choudoir - Microbiomes at the Roots of Environmental and Social Justice

    Microbiomes at the Roots of Environmental and Social Justice Withers 331 + Zoom | Dr. Choudoir explores the role of soil microbiomes in sustainable agriculture and why their conservation is essential for environmental and social justice. Download seminar flyer Mallory Choudoir, PhD Assistant Professor & Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist at NC State University | Profile | Lab Dr. Mallory Choudoir is an Assistant Professor & Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. She is a soil microbial ecologist and evolutionary biologist who explores the interaction between plants, microbes, and soil in agroecosystems. She completed her PhD work at Cornell University as well as postdoctoral positions at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also worked as an industry research scientist at a Boston-based biotech company. Her applied research program at NC State aims to evaluate, innovate, and expand microbial solutions for sustainable agriculture. She is an active member of the Microbes and Social Equity Working Group (MSE), and her research values align with social, environmental, and climate justice. Abstract Environmental microbial communities carry out ecosystem functions critical for maintaining and enhancing plant, animal, human, and planetary health. For example, vibrant and productive food systems are fundamentally rooted in soils and soil microbiomes. Climate change, intensive agriculture practices, and the increasing demands of food systems threaten soil microbiome biodiversity and their important ecosystem functions. We are increasingly aware that disruption and degradation of microbiomes amplifies social inequity. Therefore, social and environmental justice must be prioritized while innovating microbial solutions to support sustainability goals. The concept of microbiome stewardship recognizes the importance of microbes in sustaining human and ecosystem health and emphasizes the need to conserve and protect them collectively at the societal level. Dr. Choudoir will discuss their vision for centering soil microbes in sustainable agriculture and building a research and engagement program that aligns with environmental and climate justice. Related links: Choudoir MJ, Eggleston EM. 2022. Reciprocal Inclusion of Microbiomes and Environmental Justice Contributes Solutions to Global Environmental Health Challenges. mSystems 7:e01462-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.01462-21. The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates. Genetic Engineering and Society Center Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

    58 min
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The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center at NC State University hosts a weekly speakers colloquium, plus periodic public lectures. Topics include agricultural biotechnology, synthetic biology (SynBio), DIYbio, gene editing, gene drives, governance & responsible innovation, public engagement, sci-art, and integrated pest management, to name a few. Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/ges and sign up for our newsletter at http://eepurl.com/c-PD_T.

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