Community Engagement and CRISPR Gene Editing for Ecological Intervention in a Shared Ecosystem to Combat Lyme Disease on Martha’s Vineyard

Abstract

Evaluative research on community engagement and the use of CRISPR genome editing for ecosystem engineering has been underappreciated and therefore lacking. This thesis fully describes and evaluates the innovative approach of “Responsive Science” from the community’s perspective. In this thesis I examine how this model of responsive science has affected the way the community views the research and the interactions with the researchers. Approaches for engaging the public when utilizing CRISPR-based genome editing for ecosystem engineering are currently being developed and so far, no gold-standard has been defined. An engagement process is as critical to the success of such projects as the science; and needs to be treated as such. My research focuses on the community engagement process of Responsive Science, evaluated from the community’s side: has the engagement process been responsive to the community and its needs? I will investigate whether community engagement claims by the researchers were fulfilled and if the community felt its input was truly included in the MAT program.