SSMV Juniors Challenged to Think About Science and Society

The fall Interdisciplinary Sciences III course at the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt included a learning module called "Science and Society" where students took an in-depth look at the responsibilities scientists have to ethically conduct research through a look at past and present practices. Elements of this module included a visit to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a visit to the Vanderbilt General Clinical Research Center, and reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

As a part of the book study, both Dr. Ellen W. Clayton, director of the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society and Dr. George Hill (pictured), assistant vice chancellor for Multicultural Affairs, led discussions that challenged the students to think critically and articulate well-formed opinions.