Graduate Research

Using state-of-the-art approaches, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students in research labs in the WPI Biology and Biotechnology Department work side by side with faculty members and biotech companies to address critical problems that impact human and environmental health.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, and enabled by world-class research infrastructure at WPI's Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, our faculty explore diverse research interests that include topics ranging from cancer biology, neurobiology and microbiology research to studies of brain plasticity and pollinator decline. Student-driven research benefits from close mentorship by dynamic faculty who encourage creativity and inquisitiveness. Driven by interdisciplinary teams of WPI faculty and industry partners, research at WPI is making an impact.

CONTACT
Location: 60 Prescott Street (Gateway Park I)
Phone: 508-831-5543
Fax: 508-831-5936
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Molecular & Cellular Biology

Areas of focus: Cytoskeletal dynamics, epigenetics/gene regulation, signal transduction mechanisms

Biological systems: C. elegans, Drosophila, M. musculus, Physcomitrella, and C. albicans, S. cerevisae, Cultured cells

Faculty: Joe Duffy, Natalie Farny, Amity Manning, Lauren Mathews, Shane McInally, Inna Nechipurenko, Reeta Rao, Scarlet Shell, Jagan Srinivasan, Luis Vidali, Karl-Frédéric Vieux, Pamela Weathers

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Development, Neurobiology, and Organismal Biology

Areas of focus: Cancer biology, regenerative medicine, neuronal migration, circuits, degeneration, pathogenic mechanisms and plant biology

Biological systems: C. elegans, Drosophila, M. musculus, Physcinitrella, C. albicans, and Cultured cells

Faculty: Joe Duffy, Amity Manning, Inna Nechipurenko, Reeta Rao, Scarlet Shell, Jagan Srinivasan, Luis Vidali, Karl-Frédéric Vieux, Pamela Weathers

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Behavioral and Environmental Biology

Areas of focus: Animal behavior, biological diversity, biosensing and bioremediation, brain plasticity, and plant biology

Biological systems: Danaus plexippus, Orconectes spp., and Drosophila

Faculty: Joe Duffy, Natalie Farny, Lauren Mathews, Jagan Srinivasan

Biology Meets Physics

Assistant professor Luis Vidali describes his collaboration with assistant professor Erkan Tuzel of the Department of Physics to investigate cell biology and help develop a more active biophysics program at WPI.

Cells to Rebuild the Body

Associate professor Tanja Dominko is investigating plasticity of cells—manipulating skin cells, for example, to help wound healing. She discusses her NIH-recognized research.

Cultivating a New Malaria Treatment

With malaria still raging as one of the most prevalent and deadly infectious diseases of the developing world, hope for a long-lasting and effective treatment moves ahead. Professor Pam Weathers found that whole plant therapy derived from the Artemisia annua plant was more effective than conventional malaria drugs.