Episodes

  • S2E2 - PreMiEr Workshop Report on Responsible Microbiome Engineering

    S2E2 - PreMiEr Workshop Report on Responsible Microbiome Engineering
    Feb 13 2026
    PreMiEr SEI 2025 Workshop Report Overview

    Listen to a conversational deep dive into the PreMiEr SEI Workshop Report, exploring the shift from sterilization to precision microbiome engineering and the ethical, scientific, and governance questions that come with it. Generated using Google Gemini and based on the workshop report, the episode highlights key insights and takeaways for researchers and collaborators.

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    This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the article below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center.

    Citation

    Das, Z., Landreville, K.D., and Kuzma, J. (2025) PreMiEr SEI Workshop Report: Social and Ethical Dimensions of Microbiome Engineering in the Built Environment. Genetic Engineering and Society Center, NC State University. Online at https://go.ncsu.edu/premier-sei-workshop-report-2025

    Authors

    Zoya Das, Kristen D. Landreville, and Jennifer Kuzma

    Abstract

    The 2025 PreMiEr SEI Workshop brought together nearly 50 researchers, students, and practitioners to explore the social and ethical dimensions of microbiome engineering in the built environment. Over a half-day virtual program, participants heard invited talks on ethical futures of microbiome science, responsible governance, public attitudes and risk perceptions, virtue ethics for researchers, “ghost variables” in media and policy, community engagement in built environments, and household experiences with mold and environmental exposure. Breakout groups then worked with structured prompts to identify priority SEI questions, opportunities for collaboration, and concrete needs from the SEI Core.

    Across talks and discussions, participants emphasized that rigorous, responsible microbiome engineering requires attention to justice as a bioethical principle, community engagement, methodological rigor, and the socioeconomic conditions that shape both microbiomes and health. They called for governance frameworks grounded in Responsible Research and Innovation, and for engagement approaches that connect technical microbiome work to lived experiences of exposure, housing, water, and inequality. This report documents the workshop agenda, summarizes each session, synthesizes breakout themes, and outlines recommendations for the PreMiEr SEI Core.

    Genetic Engineering and Society Center

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    GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

    Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State

    Find out more at https://ges-publications.pinecast.co
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    18 mins
  • S2E1 - Fighting Biology with Biology: Engineering the Disaster Microbiome

    S2E1 - Fighting Biology with Biology: Engineering the Disaster Microbiome
    Jan 13 2026
    Fighting Biology with Biology: Engineering the Disaster Microbiome Public perceptions and support for microbiome engineering to combat mold growth in disaster relief efforts Download episode transcript This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the article below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center. Citation Cummings, C.L., Landreville, K.D. & Kuzma, J. (2026) Public perceptions and support for microbiome engineering to combat mold growth in disaster relief efforts. Environ Syst Decis 46, 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-025-10062-x. PDF. Graphic Authors Christopher Cummings, Kristen Landreville, and Jennifer Kuzma Abstract Mold contamination poses persistent challenges in disaster relief shelters, where moisture, limited ventilation, and dense occupancy create conditions favorable for rapid fungal growth. Traditional prevention measures, such as chemical treatments and mechanical drying, often face logistical and resource limitations. Microbiome engineering has been proposed as a novel intervention, yet little is known about public perceptions of such an approach. This study presents the first empirical analysis of attitudes toward introduced microbiomes (IM) in the context of emergency housing. Using a nationally representative survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, we examined demographic, informational, emotional, and risk-related predictors of support across three dimensions: willingness to adopt IM in shelters, support for rigorous evaluation and testing, and support for survivor education. Hierarchical regression models explained 55.7% of variance in adoption, 27.4% in testing, and 21.4% in education support. Findings reveal that adoption support was driven by efficacy beliefs, trust, and affective responses; testing support was shaped by demographic factors and secondary risk concerns; and education support reflected demographic variation and threat appraisals. Across all models, interest in learning more about microbiome engineering consistently predicted higher support, while prior information-seeking often predicted greater caution. These results underscore the importance of integrating public perspectives alongside technical assessments when evaluating microbiome engineering for disaster relief. Significance This article, part of the NSF-funded PreMiEr project, examines U.S. public perceptions of introduced microbiomes as a potential intervention to mitigate mold in disaster relief shelters. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults, it shows that support varies across adoption, rigorous testing, and survivor education, and is shaped by factors such as efficacy beliefs, trust, emotions, demographics, and risk concerns. Its findings highlight how applying principles of responsible research and innovation (RRI)—including transparent evaluation, safeguards, and responsive engagement—can help align microbiome-based shelter interventions with diverse public values in high-stakes disaster contexts. Keywords Disaster relief shelters, Mold prevention, Introduced microbiomes, Microbiome engineering, Public perceptions, Risk perception, Responsible research and innovation (RRI) Genetic Engineering and Society Center Explore More Browse the full GES publication library: go.ncsu.edu/ges-pubs Learn about the GES Center: go.ncsu.edu/ges For live recordings from our Colloquium series, subscribe to our companion podcast, GES Center Lectures: go.ncsu.edu/ges-podcast GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State Find out more at https://ges-publications.pinecast.co
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    14 mins
  • S1E6 - Fighter Jet Wings: Bt Seed Blends and the Rise of Super-Migrator Pests

    S1E6 - Fighter Jet Wings: Bt Seed Blends and the Rise of Super-Migrator Pests
    Nov 19 2025
    Fighter Jet Wings: Bt Seed Blends and the Rise of Super-Migrator Pests This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the article below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center. Download episode transcript Citation Mikac, K. M., Dominguez Davila, J. H., Powley, M. J., Barclay, S., Pezzini, D., & Reisig, D. D. Helicoverpa zea selected on Bt corn have wing shapes better suited to long distance flight. Environmental Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaf117. PDF. Graphic. https://ges.research.ncsu.edu/publications/ Authors Katarina M. Mikac, Jose H. Dominguez Davila, Meagan J. Powley, Sarah Barclay, Daniela Pezzini, and Dominic D. Reisig Abstract Evolution of resistance within insects to pest control has resulted in changes to the organism’s morphotype, including changes in wing shape. Both geometric morphometric and finite element method (FEM) were used to examine wing changes in Helicoverpa zea sampled from 4 different Bt corn treatments in North and South Carolina, United States. The 4 treatments were pure-stand non-Bt corn (treatment 1); pure-stand Bt corn with 2 toxins (Cry1Ab and Cry1F; treatment 2); pure-stand Bt corn with 3 toxins (Cry1Ab, Cry1F, and Vip3A; treatment 3); and seed blended Bt corn with 80% containing 3 toxins (Cry1AB, Cry1F, and Vip3A) and 20% having no toxins (treatment 5). Geometric morphometric analyses revealed significant wing shape differences in both female and male moths were driven by moderately selected moths (treatments 2 and 5). Male and female moths, especially from treatment 5, had longer and more slender forewing shape conducive for longer distance flight. FEM modeling of the flight potential in both male and female H. zea revealed that the highest wing elastic deformation values for wind speed, indicating the most impact on wing structure, occurred for treatment 2> treatment 1> treatment 3> treatment 5. Wing elastic deformation was significantly more pronounced in female than male moths. In conclusion, we found that one generation of selection on Bt corn in the field could induce H. zea wing phenotypes more conducive for potential long-distance dispersal and should be further investigated by directly testing the impact on migratory flight. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence that selection of H. zea on Bt crops may influence adult dispersal behavior. Significance This study shows that seed-blend refuges—designed to simplify refuge compliance—can rapidly select for Helicoverpa zea with longer, narrower, and more aerodynamic wings. These wing shapes resist deformation under wind stress, suggesting greater potential for long-distance flight and dispersal of resistance alleles. By revealing how seed blends may inadvertently favor more adaptable and Bt-resistant moths, this work highlights the need to integrate movement ecology and biomechanics into resistance monitoring and management. Keywords geometric morphometrics, finite element method, forewing shape, flight, Vip3A Genetic Engineering and Society Center Explore More Browse the full GES publication library: go.ncsu.edu/ges-pubs Learn about the GES Center: go.ncsu.edu/ges For live recordings from our Colloquium series, subscribe to our companion podcast, GES Center Lectures : go.ncsu.edu/ges-podcast GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State Find out more at https://ges-publications.pinecast.co
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    15 mins
  • S1E5 - Lessons from Phosphorus: Stakeholders, Sustainability & Wicked Problems

    S1E5 - Lessons from Phosphorus: Stakeholders, Sustainability & Wicked Problems
    Nov 5 2025
    Engaging stakeholders in phosphorus sustainability: Challenges, lessons learned, and implications for addressing other wicked problems This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the article below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center. DOWNLOAD EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Citation Grieger, K., Barry, N., Bourne, K., Deviney, A., Elser, J. J., Scholz, M., & Jones, J. L. (2025). Engaging stakeholders in phosphorus sustainability: Challenges, lessons learned, and implications for addressing other wicked problems. Elementa, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2024.00060. PDF. Graphic Authors Khara Grieger, Nourou Barry, Kim Bourne, Alison Deviney, James J. Elser, Matt Scholz, and Jacob L. Jones Abstract To address wicked problems, particularly in sustainability, interdisciplinary solutions that bridge science and society are essential. These solutions inevitably require the involvement of diverse stakeholders. However, the field of stakeholder engagement includes a wide range of approaches, and there is no universally agreed-upon set of standard practices for engagement, particularly in wicked problem contexts. This article addresses this gap by connecting scientific knowledge on stakeholder engagement with an exploration of its challenges, drawing from both the broader literature and the authors’ own experiences in sustainability contexts. In particular, this article first identifies and briefly reviews 6 key steps and best practices for stakeholder engagement, and then discusses challenges and lessons learned from engaging stakeholders in the context of phosphorus sustainability largely within U.S. contexts. Phosphorus sustainability is a valuable case study due to its vital role in supporting global agriculture and societal functioning, while also contributing to environmental challenges caused by excess runoff, among other issues. Reflecting on both best practices and our own experiences, we identify 3 key challenges to engaging stakeholders in phosphorus sustainability: (i) managing the inherent tensions between breadth and depth of engagement, (ii) difficulties in evaluating the collective impact of engagement, and (iii) building sufficient capacity in carrying out engagement. To address these limitations, we highlight lessons we have learned in our own engagement efforts and provide recommendations for future research on stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of wicked sustainability problems. Significance This article by Grieger et al. (2025) shows how structured stakeholder engagement can advance phosphorus sustainability and other complex environmental challenges. Drawing on the STEPS Center’s work, it highlights best practices across engagement stages and identifies persistent hurdles like balancing breadth and depth, measuring impact, and building institutional support. The piece offers a practical framework for aligning science, policy, and communities in tackling “wicked” sustainability problems. Keywords Stakeholder engagement, phosphorus, sustainability, wicked problems Genetic Engineering and Society Center Explore More Browse the full GES publication library: go.ncsu.edu/ges-pubsLearn about the GES Center: go.ncsu.edu/gesFor live recordings from our Colloquium series, subscribe to our companion podcast, GES Center Lectures: go.ncsu.edu/ges-podcast GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State Find out more at https://ges-publications.pinecast.co
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    19 mins
  • S1E4 - Environmental Assessment & Regulatory Oversight of GE Crops

    S1E4 - Environmental Assessment & Regulatory Oversight of GE Crops
    Oct 27 2025
    Environmental assessment and regulatory oversight of genetically engineered crops in the United States This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the article below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center. DOWNLOAD FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Citation Loschin, N., Kuzma, J., Barrangou, R., & Grieger, K. (2025). Environmental assessment and regulatory oversight of genetically engineered crops in the United States. Environmental Science & Policy, 173, 104237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104237. PDF. Graphic Authors Nick Loschin, Jennifer Kuzma, Rodolphe Barrangou, Khara Grieger Abstract Biotechnology advancements are rapidly shaping the future of food and agriculture with genetic engineering tools utilizing both classical transgenic methods and cutting-edge genome editing techniques such as CRISPR. These advancements have expanded the development of crops with novel traits, with a wide range of applications. At the same time, the regulatory system and assessment processes have struggled to keep pace with these rapid innovations and techniques. Notably, this can be an issue when investigating the potential environmental impacts in the development and production of these crops due to the complexity and temporal nature of potential risks. This study explores how environmental assessments for genetically engineered crops have been and are currently being conducted in the United States. This was done by outlining the regulatory framework and environmental assessment processes across federal agencies and then examining five case studies that reflect both incumbent and rising genetic engineering techniques. The robustness of the environmental assessment was evaluated for each case based on the submitted information and the depth of analysis conducted. Conclusions from this study gleaned three major recommendations: (1) the need for governance systems keeping pace with novel innovations, (2) an overall strengthening of environmental oversight for genetically engineered crops, and (3) the need for transparency throughout the assessment processes. This research aims to foster improved environmental assessment and governance practices for novel applications of genetic engineering in food and agriculture systems. Significance This study aimed to clarify and evaluate the environmental oversight process for GE crops in the U.S. by analyzing publicly available information and literature on governance and regulatory responsibilities, particularly those of the EPA and USDA. We examined five case studies to assess the robustness of environmental evaluations as GE crops moved through the U.S. regulatory system. Our analysis revealed three key takeaways about the governance of GE crops that should be considered to strengthen environmental assessment and oversight practices. First, regulatory frameworks must keep pace with advances in biotechnology. Second, environmental oversight of GE crops should be strengthened by expanding assessment parameters beyond traditional evaluations and strengthening environmental monitoring. Third, transparency and engagement in the oversight process must be strengthened. As GE technologies and applications continue to evolve and expand (e.g., sprayable RNAi and spray-on genome editing), and regulators decide what is needed in their oversight, this study offers insights into improving environmental assessment procedures. By illustrating both strengths and limitations in the current system, this research aims to foster more effective and adaptive regulatory practices for GE crops in a globally integrated food and agriculture supply chain. It may also be applicable to a global geopolitical context as countries across the world continue to adapt their regulations and oversight with novel biotechnology innovations. Keywords Biotechnology Regulation, Genetic Engineering, Genome Editing, Environmental Assessment, Regulatory Oversight, Biotechnology Governance, Emerging Technologies Genetic Engineering and Society Center Explore More Browse the full GES publication library: go.ncsu.edu/ges-pubsLearn about the GES Center: go.ncsu.edu/gesFor live recordings from our Colloquium series, subscribe to our companion podcast, GES Center Lectures: go.ncsu.edu/ges-podcast GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology. Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State Find out more at https://ges-publications.pinecast.co
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    17 mins
  • S1E3 - Experts’ Uncertainties about Gene Drive for Agricultural Pests

    S1E3 - Experts’ Uncertainties about Gene Drive for Agricultural Pests
    Oct 22 2025
    Exploring experts’ uncertainties about gene drive technology for agricultural pest control in the U.S.: a qualitative study to inform innovation and decision-making

    This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the article below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center.

    DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE

    Citation

    Barry, N., Barnhill, S.K. & Johnson, B.B. Exploring experts’ uncertainties about gene drive technology for agricultural pest control in the U.S.: a qualitative study to inform innovation and decision-making. Environ Syst Decis 45, 59 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-025-10051-0. PDF. Graphic

    Authors

    Nourou Barry, Katie Barnhill, and Branden B. Johnson

    Abstract

    As experts consider what it might look like for gene drives to manage agricultural pests, there remain several uncertainties across a broad range of issues, including technical, ecological, regulatory, and social implications. Drawing on 25 expert interviews, we parse out these uncertainties and the potential for Adaptive Management to help guide development, deployment, and governance of gene drives for invasive agricultural pest management. Adaptive Management emerged specifically to attend to uncertainties in complex social-ecological systems, prescribing collective learning and responsiveness to stakeholder feedback to effectively reach management goals. Thus, Adaptive Management provides clear direction on how to account for and make decisions in the face of considerable uncertainties surrounding these gene drive tools. We also give some attention to the ways in which the uncertainties that are specific to agricultural applications are somewhat distinct from or consistent with global discourse around gene drive development across sectors.

    Significance

    There is a relative dearth of scholarship on potential gene drive applications in agricultural systems, and scholars and practitioners are still in the early stages of developing governance frameworks. This paper, funded by a USDA-NIFA grant, proposes Adaptive Management as a framework for addressing the considerable uncertainties associated with the potential environmental release of gene drive organisms for managing invasive agricultural pests.

    Keywords

    Gene Drives, Expert Perceptions, Agricultural Pest Management, Adaptive Management

    Genetic Engineering and Society Center

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    • Browse the full GES publication library: go.ncsu.edu/ges-pubs
    • Learn about the GES Center: go.ncsu.edu/ges
    • For live recordings from our Colloquium series, subscribe to our companion podcast, GES Center Lectures: go.ncsu.edu/ges-podcast

    GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

    Produced by Patti Mulligan, Communications Director, GES Center, NC State

    Find out more at https://ges-publications.pinecast.co
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    Less than 1 minute
  • S1E2 - PreMiEr: Responsible Microbiome Engineering in Built Environments

    S1E2 - PreMiEr: Responsible Microbiome Engineering in Built Environments
    Oct 14 2025
    PreMiEr: Responsible Microbiome Engineering in Built Environments This episode of the GES Publications podcast provides an AI-generated overview of the three articles below, highlighting key findings and insights into the societal dimensions of biotechnology. Episodes are created using Google Gemini’s NotebookLM to summarize faculty and student publications from NC State University’s Genetic Engineering and Society Center. Learn more about the NSF-PreMiEr project here. Authors Christopher L. Cummings, Kristen D. Landreville, and Jennifer Kuzma Citation 1 Cummings C.L., Landreville K.D., and Kuzma J. (2024). Taking the temperature of the United States public regarding microbiome engineering. Front. Public Health. 12:1477377. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1477377. PDF. Graphic Abstract This paper presents the first representative survey of U.S. adults’ opinions on microbiome engineering within the built environment, revealing public awareness, perceived benefits and risks, and attitudes toward genetically engineered microbiomes. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 1,000 nationally representative U.S. residents over 18 years of age, we examined demographic and cultural factors influencing public sentiment. Results indicate that younger generations report higher knowledge levels, optimism, and perceived benefits of microbiome engineering, while older generations exhibit more caution and concern about risks. Political affiliation, education level, and trust in science also shape public attitudes, with Democrats, college-educated individuals, and those with higher trust in science more likely to view microbiome engineering positively. Notably, nearly half of respondents across demographic groups remain uncertain about the technology’s benefits and risks, and a majority of participants support government oversight to ensure ethical and responsible development. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers and researchers to foster informed public engagement and guide responsible innovation in microbiome engineering for built environments. Citation 2 Cummings, C. L., Landreville, K. D., & Kuzma, J. (2025). Natural vs. Genetically engineered microbiomes: Understanding public attitudes for indoor applications and pathways for future engagement. Frontiers in Genetics, 16, 1560601. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2025.1560601. PDF. Graphic Abstract This study examines public preferences for natural microbiomes and support for genetically engineered (GE) microbiomes in the built environment, focusing on the demographic, sociographic, and attitudinal factors that influence these preferences. Using data from a nationally representative survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, we employed hierarchical regression analyses to assess the relative contribution of these variables. While demographic and sociographic factors explained limited variance, topic-specific attitudes, including positive perceptions of microbiome engineering’s potential to improve quality of life, were the most significant predictors of support. Conversely, age, distrust in science, and perceived knowledge negatively influenced support for GE microbiomes, reflecting skepticism among some audiences. The findings highlight the potential of the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework to align the development of microbiome engineering with societal values and to address diverse public perspectives. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and communicators seeking to navigate the complexities of public engagement with emerging biotechnologies. Citation 3 Cummings, C. L., Landreville, K. D., & Kuzma, J. (2025). Public perceptions and support for introduced microbes to combat hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance. PLOS ONE, 20(10), e0332578. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332578. PDF. Graphic Abstract Hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remain major global health threats, prompting interest in microbiome-based interventions that introduce beneficial microbes or genetic interventions to control pathogens and reduce AMR genes in hospital environments. Microbiome engineering, which can use advanced biotechnology, genetics, and microbial ecology principles to restructure microbial communities, is a rapidly growing field with applications in infection control. As researchers explore deploying beneficial microbes and other genetic interventions in clinical settings like hospital sinks, public perception becomes critical to responsible implementation. This study addresses how U.S. adults perceive microbiome evaluation and education. Drawing on a nationally representative survey (N = 1,000), we conducted hierarchical ordinary least squares regression modeling to assess predictors of support across three domains: implementation of introduced microbiomes (IM), rigorous testing, and education for healthcare stakeholders. Results demonstrate that...
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    19 mins