Nashville, TN ~ Los Angeles, CA - January 5, 2023
CRISPR Classroom and Tennessee State University (TSU) announced today that they have received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a CRISPR curriculum for undergraduate students. This project, which is a collaboration between faculty at the College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University and CRISPR Classroom, aims to provide students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of CRISPR gene editing technology and its applications in agriculture and plant engineering.
CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary gene editing technology that has transformed the field of molecular biology. It allows scientists to precisely edit the genome of organisms. This has led to many breakthroughs in areas such as disease treatment, plant breeding, and gene therapy.
Dr. Tatiossian, who is an expert in CRISPR education, and founder of CRISPR Classroom, said: "CRISPR is a game-changing technology that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. We are thrilled to partner with TSU to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to learn about CRISPR and its applications. Our goal is to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to become the next generation of CRISPR scientists and innovators."
Dr. Roy, who is the lead PI on the project and Assistant Professor at TSU, added: "TSU is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for careers in the rapidly-changing field of biotechnology. This project aligns perfectly with our land-grant mission, and we are excited to work with CRISPR Classroom to develop a cutting-edge curriculum that will give our students a competitive edge in the job market."
The NSF-funded project will involve the development of a series of CRISPR units that will be integrated into the undergraduate biotechnology curriculum at TSU.
The courses will cover topics such as the basics of CRISPR, the mechanisms of gene editing, and the ethical and social implications of CRISPR technology. The curriculum will also include hands-on experiments and projects that will allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
In addition to the development of the CRISPR curriculum for students, the project will also support the training of faculty members at HBCUs across the nation.
All teaching materials developed in this project will be shared with educators over a two-day session, during which participants will be given CRISPR kits to use in teaching their students. This will ensure that the courses are delivered by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who can provide students with the best possible education.
The CRISPR curriculum is expected to be implemented at the College of Agriculture, TSU in the fall of 2023, and it will be available to advanced undergraduate students enrolled in B.S Agricultural Sciences or Biological Sciences who are interested in learning about CRISPR and its applications.
The project is part of the NSF's broader efforts to support the development of STEM education programs at HBCUs that broaden participation in the biotechnology industry and advance the frontiers of science and technology.
CRISPR Classroom and TSU will continue to work together to evaluate the effectiveness of the CRISPR curriculum and make any necessary improvements to ensure that it meets the needs of students. The project will also seek to expand the CRISPR curriculum to other institutions and organizations in the future, with the aim of increasing the number of CRISPR-educated professionals and advancing the field of biotechnology.
About CRISPR Classroom:
CRISPR Classroom is a leading provider of CRISPR education and training. Our organization offers online courses, workshops, and resources that help scientists, researchers, and students learn about CRISPR gene editing technology and its applications in biotechnology and medicine. We are dedicated to advancing the field of CRISPR education and fostering the next generation of CRISPR scientists and innovators. Our team of experts has extensive experience in CRISPR research and education, and we are committed to providing high-quality, engaging, and accessible learning experiences to our students.
About Tennessee State University:
TSU is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational 1890 land-grant university located in Nashville, Tennessee. The premier HBCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a diverse set of fields, including Agriculture, engineering, and health sciences. TSU is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers and leadership roles in the global economy.
About the National Science Foundation:
The NSF is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education in all fields of science and engineering. The NSF's mission is to advance the progress of science, to stimulate the national economy, and to enhance the national welfare. The NSF funds research and education programs at universities, colleges, and other institutions across the United States.
For more information about the CRISPR curriculum project at TSU, please contact Dr. Kris Tatiossian at kris@crisprclassroom.org or Dr. Sonali Roy at sroy3@tnstate.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kristina Tatiossian, PhD
ABOUT CRISPR CLASSROOM
CRISPR Classroom is disrupting STEM education and bringing learners closer to frontier scientific knowledge than previously possible. CRISPR Classroom, a new education technology start-up company, is the first-of-its-kind to use engaging storytelling to teach revolutionary innovations and make it digestible to the masses. Thanks to their high-impact content created in collaboration between scientists and veteran educators, CRISPR Classroom's courses are among the fastest growing online biology courses with rapid global adoption from learners from over 50 different countries. CRISPR Classroom is the merging of STEM innovation and education to create a well-oiled science education company that brings its users closer to frontier knowledge than ever before.