Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue

Can genetic technology be used to rescue the Hawaiian honeycreeper birds? Genetic tools offer ways to change the world around us to improve health, crops, & the environment. However, some worry about the unintended consequences of their use. This mini-lesson explores multiple viewpoints via the story of the honeycreeper birds in Hawaii. -> https://pged.org/resources/saving-the-hawaiian-honeycreeper-birds/

All athletes on NCAA-governed college sports teams are required to confirm their Sickle Cell Trait status by taking a blood test or providing prior test results. Explore the history, successes, & limitations of this mandatory screening program -> https://pged.org/resources/after-10-years-of-testing-all-college-athletes-for-sickle-cell-trait-what-have-we-learned/

Monica Colaiacovo studies the health impacts of chemical exposures in our environment. She also believes that early inspiration and engagement are key to a future in the field for today’s science-curious students. Read her story! -> https://pged.org/2026/03/03/monica-colaiacovo/

We updated our Precision Medicine lesson! Formerly known as “Personalized Medicine”, the lesson now includes changes based on feedback from high school biology and biotech teachers. Our team is incredibly grateful for the feedback teachers shared to improve this lesson! -> https://pged.org/resources/precision-medicine/

Victoria Gray was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at 3 months old. At age 33, she became the first person in the world to receive a CRISPR-based gene editing treatment for SCD. Since then, she has dedicated herself to her family & to advocating for other sickle cell warriors. Read her story --> https://pged.org/2026/02/02/victoria-gray/

Have you read our Spotlight article featuring science trailblazer Dorothy Semenow? We recently added links to her newly launched educational activity, the CRISPR Whisperer Picture Series! https://pged.org/2026/01/06/dorothy-semenow/ https://crisprwhisperer.org/

Home - The CRISPR Whisperer “The CRISPR Whisperer Picture Series” is a free-to-download series of 15 episodes that marry art and science in a humorous, hands-on romp designed to spark creativity in an easy-to-understand introduction to the exciting new DNA editing tool called CRISPR.

PGED's on remarkable people ~ Dorothy Semenow, a 95-year-old chemist, psychologist, edutainer, & women’s rights activist, tells all about her past, present, & the exciting possibilities for her future projects. https://pged.org/2026/01/06/dorothy-semenow/

As we wrap up 2025, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of PGED’s journey this year. With the challenges it has brought us and so many others, we are grateful to have had your support through it all. Our hearts are full of gratitude for our community and hopeful for what we can collectively accomplish in 2026!

We're excited to announce our SYS card deck winners from 'Meeting the Moment', hosted by the ASHG - American Society of Human Genetics on 11/12. Congratulations to Samantha Manna, Omar Ahmed, & TJ! To play SYS online for free, visit pged.org/sys

PGED's on remarkable people ~ Gill met with Diane Smith, the founder of Across the Board Education and special education teacher with a mission to empower students and parents through personalized strategies and advocacy. Read her story! -> https://pged.org/2025/11/13/diane-smith/