ALLENTOWN — A new club at Allentown High School took flight in April after a small group of students became interested in exploring the use of stem cells in the medical world.
Chrissie Testa, the adviser to the group that calls itself the Regenerative Club, said the students have started conducting fundraising activities as they seek to collect money that will be donated to the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR).
“As part of the fundraising, the students hope to lift the stigma against the idea of stem cell research,” Testa said. “They want to let others know about the many different ways in which stem cells can be harvested. Not many people realize stem cells can be reprogrammed. This moves us away from the sensitive issue of abortion and the embryonic stem cells associated.”
The club members will also focus on raising awareness about stem cell research, namely the impact it may have on health in the future, and explaining this to other students.
“As soon as we say stem cells, students either become really interested or instantly back away,” Testa said. “However, once we explain that stem cells can be found within our own bodies — like in the bone marrow or even within a certain layer of skin, the students are fascinated.”
Stem cells are any kind of cell that has not taken on a full identity, or specialized in which type of muscle or nerve cell it will become yet. The research focuses on taking adult stem cells, which are limited to their location in the body, and treating them as embryonic stem cells, which have unlimited ability to regenerate and transform into whatever the body needs.
“In this way, it is consenting adults who participate in this kind of stem cell donation,” Testa said, adding that as of now, the students are not participating in stem cell research.
Navignah Nathi, a junior, is the club’s founder and president. She requested that Testa become their adviser. Ten students are active in the club.
Members of the Regeneration Club stay informed about stem cell research by reviewing and discussing videos and news articles. In the future, Nathi hopes to invite speakers who are experts in the field of stem cell research.
“I have already contacted a few doctors from [universities], and they are intrigued by the club’s idea and morals,” Nathi said. “They wish to join us and further inspire us to do well in this field.”
Throughout her life, Nathi has been surrounded by doctors, and naturally became interested in medicine. While listening to National Public Radio, she heard about stem cells for the first time. It spurred her to research the subject, and she became fascinated by how one’s health may be impacted in the future by stem cell research.
“I am a proud advocate for stem cell research,” Nathi said.
The Regeneration Club is the perfect place for Nathi to share her enthusiasm with other science enthusiasts. They get together every Wednesday to talk about issues pertaining to stem cell research in society.
“Our club is interesting because of the fact that we are speaking to make people aware of the pros and cons regarding stem cells,” Nathi said.
Aleesha Gurukar, a junior, serves as vice president of the club. She helped start the club with Nathi because she wanted to help make a plan to spread the word to attract members and organize fundraisers.
“I think this is a very unique club, one that is not seen at other schools,” Gurukar said. “It may be a controversial topic, but it helps those who feel strongly about this issue come out for the discussion.”