Splash Biography



RUSHNA RAZA, UCLA senior studying Society and Genetics



Major: Molecular Cell Developmental Bio

College/Employer: UCLA

Year of Graduation: 2019

Picture of Rushna Raza

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am a Senior transfer student finishing my degree in Molecular Biology with a minor in Society and Genetics. I consider myself a student for life, and love that my interdisciplinary fields of study offer far-reaching social applications for hard sciences. During my time at UCLA, I've participated in clinical volunteering, peer counseling, and research, and I taught a course on Designer Babies at last year's SPLASH. After UCLA, I look forward to a career in genetic counseling, where I can continue to work with people from all different backgrounds in educating, empowering, and advocating for their health.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

H107: Citizens and Science in Splash Spring 2019 (Apr. 20, 2019)
What does science have to do with politics? These days, a whole lot. In this class, we’ll explore how science and policy interact within our government today, considering the logic and rhetoric behind different parties’ views on controversial topics like climate change and reproductive rights. From the air we breathe to the medicines we take, being an informed citizen can make a difference in advocating for the science that touches us every day.


S66: Debate: Designer Babies in Splash Winter 2018 (Feb. 10, 2018)
The age of genetically-engineered superhumans is among us, and the technology to create disease-free babies with Einsteinian IQ is on the rise. What does this mean for the future of medicine, evolution, and politics? This unique course takes an interdisciplinary approach in addressing the biological and social consequences of gene editing. We will explore this controversial topic by asking, “Is there a moral obligation to cure disease?”, “Will this create a competitive society?” and “Where do we draw the line?”. Following discussion, students will formulate pro/con opinions on ethics and advancement, then defend ideas in a group debate.