Stem Cell Research: The Science, the Ethics, the Promise

Newswise — On Wednesday, March 25, from 4:30-6:30 pm, the Brooke Ellison Project and Stony Brook University will present a scientific symposium, Stem Cell Research: The Science, the Ethics, the Promise. Held in the Student Activities Center Auditorium, and open to community members, the symposium will provide an educational framework by which to better understand the basic science, ethical considerations, and legislative factors inherent in the issue of stem cell research.

The symposium will begin with a screening of the stem cell research documentary, "Hope Deferred," followed by a dynamic panel discussion and question-and-answer session. Panelists include stem cell policy specialist Brooke Ellison, Professor Michael Hadjiargyrou, Bioethicist Dr. Stephen Post, and the Director of Stony Brook Hillel, Rabbi Joseph Topek.

The Brooke Ellison Project (www.brookeellisonproject.org) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education and encourage involvement in stem cell research. The organization was founded in 2007 by Brooke Ellison, a national advocate for stem cell research and subject of Christopher Reeve's final directorial work, The Brooke Ellison Story. The Brooke Ellison Project collaborated with Jimmy Siegel of a-Political to create and produce Hope Deferred.

About the Panelists

Brooke EllisonAfter suffering a spinal cord injury in 1990, Brooke Ellison, a two-time Harvard graduate, has worked as an advocate for stem cell research. Brooke's autobiography, Miracles Happen, was made into a movie directed by Christopher Reeve. She was a candidate for New York State Senate, and now serves on the Ethics Committee of the Empire State Stem Cell Research Board. In July of 2007, she formed a non-profit organization, The Brooke Ellison Project, to educate people on behalf of stem cell research.

Stephen G. Post, Ph.D Stephen G. Post, Ph.D., is Professor of Preventive Medicine and Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University. His work over the years has focused on the care of persons with dementia and other cognitive disabilities, and on the science of compassionate care as essential to successful outcomes in healthcare both for those who receive and for those who give. Dr. Post arrived at Stony Brook in August of 2008 after two decades in the Department of Bioethics at Case Western Reserve University.

Michael Hadjiargyrou, Ph.D Michael Hadjiargyrou is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and the Associate Vice President for Research for Stony Brook University. His research interests are the understanding of the molecular basis of musculoskeletal development and regeneration as well as the use of novel biomaterials for tissue engineering.

Rabbi Joseph S. Topek Rabbi Joseph S. Topek is Director of the Hillel Foundation for Jewish Life at Stony Brook University and Jewish Chaplain to the University Interfaith Center, of which he is also the Chairman. He is also on the chaplaincy staff of the Department of Pastoral Services at the Long Island State Veterans Home in the Stony Brook University Medical Center. Rabbi Topek's area of academic interest is American Jewish history with a subspecialty in American Jewish military history. He has written and lectured widely on this subject. In addition he has lectured on topics in Jewish ethics and contemporary society and taught courses at Stony Brook University in leadership development and religion and society.