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Dreams, Genes, & Machines:
Are We Living Science Fiction?

In conversation with Karen Kaplan, Science and Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times
Date: Thursday, Oct 10, 2019
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library
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The leaps and advances of science and technology to revolutionize human DNA have sparked fierce public debate about what the future of gene editing holds for humanity. Moving beyond some of the alarming sci-fi scenarios of gene editing, groundbreaking scientists are harnessing the power of these biological breakthroughs to save lives. At Dr. April Pyle’s laboratory at UCLA, she investigates human pluripotent stem cell biology and differentiation of these cells for use in regenerative medicine, including therapeutic approaches for patients with muscular dystrophy. Discussing with the Los Angeles Times’ science and medicine editor Karen Kaplan, Dr. Pyle takes the stage to shed light on the reality of stem cell research today.

Frequently asked questions

Dr. April Pyle

Dr. Pyle is currently a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at UCLA and a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Center, the Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA. Using multi-disciplinary approaches to study human pluripotent stem cell biology and differentiation of these cells for use in regenerative medicine, her lab researches therapeutic approaches for patients with muscular dystrophy.


Karen Kaplan

Karen Kaplan is science and medicine editor at the Los Angeles Times. Before joining the science group in 2005, she covered technology in the Business section for 10 years. In a parallel universe without journalism, she’d have a career in economics, genetics, biostatistics or some other field that describes the world in math.


Image Credit: dna. courtesy of Jen A. via Flickr

This program is generously supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation


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Stacy Lieberman

As President and CEO of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA), Stacy Lieberman is an innovative and inclusive leader whose career dwells at the intersection of arts and culture, lifelong learning, storytelling, and equitable access. Stacy guides the Foundation’s philanthropic and public-facing priorities to serve the Los Angeles Public Library, embracing the notion that libraries are beacons of democracy where everyone is welcome. She works intentionally with community leaders, donors, and internal and external strategic partners to raise awareness and resources for the Library and its life-changing initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, Stacy has left an indelible mark on iconic L.A. arts, non-profit, and educational institutions such as The Broad, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Skirball Cultural Center. Building on an early career in book publishing, she has dedicated her professional life to sharing stories and broadening the reach of public institutions to welcome visitors and students of all ages and backgrounds to experience educational, arts, and cultural opportunities.