Breaking News
Student Society for Stem Cell Research (SSSCR) Expands Coast to Coast
Jun 4 2007, 9:47 AM EST
Business Wire
The Student Society for Stem Cell Research (SSSCR) announced today its recognition of 9 new chapters.
"SSSCR is delighted to welcome to the Pro-Cures Movement chapters at University of Illinois, College of New Jersey, Wayne State University, Medical University of South Carolina, University of Minnesota, Texas A&M, Missouri State University, The Frisch School (Paramus, New Jersey), and New Technology High School (Napa Valley, California)," said Marion J. Riggs, SSSCR founder. "The rapid expansion of our grassroots organization illustrates the importance of stem cell research to students who endorse regenerative medicine and freedom of scientific research."
"SSSCR has established clubs at other universities and high schools and we expect continued robust growth of the student movement fighting for cures. In the past 12 months, we produced 57 community activities and more than 100 chapter meetings to promote stem cell research including programs with guest speakers, community service, for-credit college courses, Christopher Reeve memorial candlelight vigils, high school outreach, lab tours and social events," added Riggs.
Bernard Siegel, executive director of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) (www.genpol.org) said, "We are proud that the SSSCR is a special project of GPI. In less than 4 years, SSSCR grew from the vision of a single student to having a membership network spanning 15 countries, 35 states, 100 institutions and 23 established, campus-recognized chapters. SSSCR is educating campus communities about the science and policies impacting stem cell research."
The new chapters join existing chapters at University of California- Berkeley, Dartmouth College, Tufts University, University of Georgia, University of California- Irvine, Drury University, Rutgers University, University of Memphis, University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Florida, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Missouri- Kansas City and Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine.
"SSSCR is reminiscent of positive student activism in the days of the Civil Rights Movement. Students recognize that their generation is a vital stakeholder in the cause for cures," Siegel said.
Graduate student Marion J. Riggs founded SSSCR at the University of South Florida in 2003. He is currently a doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University in the Integrative Life Science Program studying embryonic stem cells. He also serves as the Director of Special Projects for the Genetics Policy Institute.
SSSCR includes students from diverse backgrounds and educational interests who share the commitment to making this world better by alleviating human suffering through regenerative medicine. See www.ssscr.org.