UC Berkeley Biochemist Dr. Jennifer Dounda Wins 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

UC Berkeley Biochemist Dr. Jennifer Doudna won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing the prize with Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, with whom she co-developed the breakthrough CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique.

In an effort to educate the public about Dounda & Charpentier’s incredible work, The Lawrence collaborated with the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) to create a hands-on high school learning kit, The Power of CRISPR. The experience features an opportunity for students to alter the genes of bacteria to permanently confer a new color trait on the microbes and their offspring. The incredible power of the CRISPR gene editing technology further increases the need for scientifically literate citizens who can engage in the new and complex decisions–and the associated ethical dilemmas–that face them. For this reason, the learning experience features opportunities for students to learn about and argue over when and how this new technology should be used. The Power of CRISPR has been tested by teachers in the field and is currently undergoing revisions for an anticipated Spring 2021 commercial release.

The Lawrence Hall of Science would like to extend its sincere congratulations to Dr. Douda, who in winning became UC Berkeley’s first woman Nobel laureate.