Team:Brown-Stanford/SynEthics/Videos/PeteWorden

Dr. Pete Worden is an astrophysicist, retired Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force, and current Director of NASA Ames Research Center. Dr. Worden has worked extensively to oversee and shape national space policy at the Air Force Space Command, as a Congressional Fellow, and as a head NASA administrator.

(0:06) How does synthetic biology relate to NASA?

Dr. Worden relates synthetic biology to NASA’s three core missions: science, helping life on earth, and settling the solar system.

(1:34) Why should NASA be settling the solar system?
Dr. Worden describes the imperative to expand life, as an insurance policy for humanity.

(2:50) What is your opinion on the ethical concerns of synthetic biology?
Dr. Worden articulates how the pros and cons any new technology have to be considered. With regards to synthetic biology, the ethical concerns will depend on what we discover; there are profound issues that will be informed by science.

(4:28) Any last words for iGEMers?
Dr. Worden believes that we are living in an exciting time for humanity, working in the most exciting area of research. He urges us to keep positive, think deeply, work hard, and wishes us godspeed!