Should the government keep funding stem cell research?

1. Should the government keep funding stem cell research? Teaching the AP Biology and Anatomy & Physiology classes Akshit Patel

2. Why I chose this topic I have always been interested in biology and so for my senior project I decided to pick something that fit in. I chose to research about stem cells and the controversy related to them. The controversy has been a strong one for years and this further drove me to choose it.

3. Research • Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into many of the different types of cells in the body. • There are three different types of stem cells. • Each are classified on the bases of their ability to differentiate.

4. Research • Stem cells can be derived from several sources. • They can be derived from the very first divisions of the zygote. • They can be extracted later from the embryo. • Stem cells can also be found in bone marrow and different parts of the body.

5. Research • Stem cells have the potential to cure some of the deadliest diseases and disorders. • Some of these include the Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, Arthritis, and cancer.

6. Research • Embryonic stem cell research is where the main controversy lies. • Proponents argue that stem cells could be immensely helpful in the future and its legitimate to research them. • Opponents argue that since hESC research results in the destruction of the embryo, it is unethical to do so.

7. Obstacles I Overcame • Researching about this broad topic to having to make 150 note cards was quite a challenge. • One of the problems included me finding repetitive and outdated information on different sites. • Properly turning things in on time.

8. Successes I Had I was able to find a plethora of information about stem cell research and the controversy online. I was also able to easily find someone to interview for the research paper.

9. Link between Research and Product Learning about stem cell research and the controversy related with it made me want to teach others about the wonders stem cells can do and all the while learn more about it and how it applies in the real world. For these reasons I decided to teach classes and also volunteer at the oncologist’s clinic.

10. My Product Product involved me teaching 2 AP Biology classes and 1 Anatomy and Physiology class. Also involved me volunteering with an oncologist at the Johnston Medical Hospital.

11. Things I Learned This project was very much worthwhile. I learned about the immense potential of stem cells and how they can completely change the future. Their abilities could cure or treat some of the deadliest diseases and disorders in the future.

12. Things I Learned • From my teaching experience, I learned several things. • There were still quite a few students who were against embryonic stem cell research. • I used “umm…” too much as a filler. • I spoke a little too fast at times. • It was harder than expected to keep the students engaged.

13. Things I Learned Taught me how the medical field has great opportunities. Maybe going in the medical field may be the right choice for me. Possibly become a biomedical engineer.

14. Thank you for your time! Any questions?