Derek Zee

The Effect of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Stem Cell Engraftment.

Started Apr. 9, 2025

Abstract or project description

I'm writing a review paper on what factors can affect how a stem cell can change to replace a specific cell type. These changes can be affected by internal factors and external factors that we have control over. With this control, we can increase the ability of our body to heal, therefore improving the likelihood of better health and well-being.

Designing the Future of Healthcare: A deep dive into innovation and problem-solving

Started June 4, 2024

Abstract or project description

Innovating in healthcare is a complex endeavor that involves multiple stakeholder groups from the patient to the patient’s family or caregivers, to scientists and engineers, to clinicians, to payers, to business and finance, to designers, to government, and to industry. Human-centered design thinking is used in problem-solving to build and accelerate biomedical and healthcare innovations. We will cover the history and basis behind design thinking, its role for problem-solving in medicine and healthcare, and how it has contributed to the ideation, design, development, and scaling of new healthcare services, devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This is a highly interactive pod where students will have the opportunity to dive deep through case studies on novel healthcare technologies, services, startups, or therapeutics of their choosing. Students will learn how to identify relevant sources of information, perform literature reviews, identify the intellectual property and regulatory landscape, interview stakeholders engaged in the development of these technologies, and learn more about the latest cutting-edge healthcare innovations.

Molecular Evolution: Tracing Genetic Footprints Through Time

Started June 13, 2024

Abstract or project description

The field of evolution has come a long way since Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, in part, due to breakthrough advancements in genetics. With tools to study evolution on the molecular scale (e.g., DNA, genes, and allele frequencies), we are able to understand adaptive traits on a new level. This Pod will cover the basics of molecular evolution, as well as more advanced topics in population genetics and phylogenetics, and touch on how our understanding of genetics and evolution has implications in other fields, such as the social sciences.

Explore gene editing: Learn about genetics and its uses in healthcare

Started Sept. 20, 2023

Abstract or project description

The idea of gene editing might sound like something out of a science fiction movie… how would you even start to think about changing the DNA that gives the trillions of cells in your body instructions on how to function properly? In this pod, you’ll dive into the world of genetics and gene editing and explore the potential for gene editing use in human health and disease applications. Through this process, you’ll learn about conducting research, the cutting-edge technologies allowing for gene editing, and the ethics of manipulating the human genome.