Public opinion polls show widespread approval for stem cell research, which supporters say could lead to treatment of diseases as diverse as Alzheimer’s and juvenile diabetes. Critics say that stem cell research may facilitate the creation of cloned human embryos for research purposes. Whatever your stance is on the issue of stem cell research, this much is clear: a better understanding of what stem cells are, what they can do now, and what they may be able to do in the future, is a good thing. Come and hear Dr. Jill Helms give an overview of the state of the science.

Dr. Helms is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Stanford University. She joined the Stanford faculty after 8 years at the University of California at San Francisco, where she was the Director of the Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Helms received her dental degree from the University of Minnesota, and her residency certificate and Ph.D from the University Of Connecticut Health Sciences Center. Her research interests center around the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating craniofacial morphogenesis, and the etiological basis for genetic and teratogen-induced craniofacial defects. Dr. Helms has been an active and enthusiastic mentor of dental and medical students, residents, and fellows and has been an advisor for Master’s and Ph.D candidates. Dr. Helms reviews manuscripts for leading journals such as Nature, Science, and Development; she is a member of the Research Advisory Boards for the Shriner’s and for the Orthopeadic Research and Education Foundation. Dr. Helms reviews grants for the NIH, NASA, March of Dimes, and a number of other non-profit organizations. She divides her time between research, teaching, learning, and mentoring students in the medical and dental sciences related to craniofacial biology.