Citing her research efforts of scientific and social importance, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has elected Wesleyan professor Laura Grabel an AAAS fellow. Grabel, professor of biology and women’s studies and Fisk Professor of Natural Sciences, has gained international recognition for her work, which has recently focused upon stem-cell research.
The AAAS is the largest society of scientists in the country, and though it is known primarily as the publisher of the journal Science, it also promotes international co-operation within the scientific community and aims to enhance education. The science and policy departments of AAAS have also explored laws governing scientific inquiry. Their recent report on federal research and development funding found a decline in proposed subsidies from the government that could threaten the advancement of projects like Grabel’s.
Grabel hopes that her own stem-cell research, along with that of her colleagues, could lead to transplant surgeries combating neurodegenerative disorders, with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s being prime targets. She hopes to expand her research from mouse embryonic stem cells to comparable human cells but said that recent U.S. laws restricting federal funding on certain lines of stem-cell research present a serious obstacle to such a move.
“Although it would be naïve to say that politics are the only obstacle [to stem-cell research] since there is still a lot to learn in the field, [government policies] make it harder to conduct research and many people grow discouraged,” she said.
Grabel said that while government officials agreed to fund 60 lines of stem cell research per laboratory, this actually amounts to only 12 lines once all of the red tape is cleared. She said that such legal hurdles have adversely affected both the pace and quality of stem-cell research within the U.S.
Grabel cited Great Britain and Israel as having model regulations on stem-cell research. Instead of policies based upon what she described as “presidential edicts”, Grabel said that Great Britain in particular has adopted a comprehensive system evaluating the possible ramifications and merits of research that she would like to see instituted in the U.S. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has spoken out in support of stem cell research, encouraging scientists to take cells from excess embryos created through in vitro fertilization. This practice is illegal in the U.S., and Grabel and many of her colleagues feel this limits the country’s stem cell research potential.
“These laws have made us not the leaders for stem-cell research, and the U.S. likes being the leader,” she said.
Evan Mills ’03, who graduated in May and is currently working toward his Masters degree, has worked with Laura Grabel for several years. He described Grabel as very accessible and rewarding to work with.
“I’d say for me getting involved in this lab has put a face on scientific terminology in a hands-on way,” Mills said. “[Dr. Grabel is] just a very cool person.”
First-year graduate student Kristi LaMonica has worked in Grabel’s lab since the beginning of the semester and has found the atmosphere stimulating yet relaxed. “I love being in this lab right now. It’s a great place to work,” LaMonica said.
Grabel will be presented with a certificate honoring her work at the annual AAAS meeting on Feb. 14, 2004.
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