Imagine a loved one or animal who has a specific illness that no medicine can help. There is hope for them with the use of Stem Cell treatments.

Should the Government Allow Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research? Janna Arnold

Background Information  Two Types: Adult, Embryonic  Adult stem cells produce the different kinds of cells that maintain the body’s tissues and organs.  Embryonic stem cells are derived from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro.

Interesting Facts  Currently viruses are used to induce Stem Cells for treatments  Most used Stem Cell therapy: Blood Stem Cell Transplantation  Embryonic Stem Cells are used in Cloning

Stem Cell Uses for Animals  Treatments are being used for animal injuries, illnesses.  Cells are extracted from the bone marrow, muscles, or tendons and then injected into the animal’s infected area.

Federal Funding  In 2009, President Obama issued an executive order  Legislation to protect this expansion has never been signed into law.

I wanted to learn more about the topic of stem cells and share what I learned with others, so for my product, I volunteered at Duke Raleigh Hospital Clinical Labs, Cleveland School Animal Hospital, Robinson Animal Hospital and North Carolina State University Veterinary School. I also taught a Biology Class here at CHS.

Volunteering at Duke Raleigh Hospital I analyzed cell and blood cultures. I placed blood samples in cell counting machines. I also analyzed spinal fluid samples and looked at cancerous cells in lung fluid through a telescope.

Volunteering at Animal Hospitals  At Cleveland School Animal Hospital I helped Dr. Basden tend to her patients. I listened to dog’s heart beats, lasered a skin tag off of a dog’s ear, and analyzed x-rays.  At Robinson Animal Hospital I helped Vet Techs Benjamin and Morgan with their examinations throughout the day.

NCSU Vet School I visited the Veterinary School at NC State University twice. I observed two surgeries and interviewed Dr. Matthews and Dr. Lascelles about Stem Cell research.

Teaching the Class  I taught Mrs. Maready’s 4 th block Biology class  I put together a short Quiz for the students to work on after I presented  I also showed them pictures of a surgery I witnessed at NC State Vet School

My mentor was Mr. Parker. He is an Honors Anatomy and Physiology, and AP Biology teacher here at CHS. He helped me understand the opposition side of Embryonic Stem Cell research. He was very encouraging.

My Challenges/Successes At first, I did not have any luck with finding places to volunteer at. However, I kept pursuing places to volunteer at and finally was able to get in touch with numerous animal hospitals and places to get my hours. I was successful with volunteering and teaching the class. If I could do anything differently, I would start finding places to volunteer at earlier than I did.

What I Learned This project was actually very fun for me. I met a lot of new people and had an awesome time at each place I volunteered at. I learned that if I keep persisting, then I will succeed.

Thank You for your time! Do you have any questions?