Speakers
Dr Jennifer Kuzma
Research Presentations
This session will examine the complex relationship between the built environment and microbial exposures, with a focus on the ethical, societal, and governance considerations that accompany the integration of microbiome research into development projects. Dr. Kuzma and Dr. Landreville will explore the role of emerging microbial technologies in creating safer, more sustainable built environments while addressing potential societal risks. They will discuss how responsible engagement, policy frameworks, and ethical foresight can guide the use of microbiome-based approaches to benefit both human health and environmental well-being.
Jennifer Kuzma is the Goodnight-NCGSK Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at North Carolina State University. She is also Co-Director of the Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center and Associate Director of the NSF-funded Precision Microbiome Engineering Research Center (PreMiEr). Dr. Kuzma’s research focuses on responsible innovation in emerging biotechnologies, exploring how societal and ethical considerations can be integrated into their development and governance. She is a widely recognized leader in her field and has published extensively on risk assessment, science-policy interfaces, and public engagement around genetic engineering and microbiome science.
Dr. Kristen Landreville is a Senior Research Scholar in the Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) Core at the NSF-funded PreMiEr Engineering Research Center at North Carolina State University. With a focus on the intersections of microbiome science, bioethics, and public engagement, Dr. Landreville works to ensure that ethical, social, and equity considerations are incorporated into the center’s research and innovation processes. Her work emphasizes the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and public dialogue to address the complex challenges of microbiome engineering.