Expert Bio

Professor Weather's studies the production in planta (within the plant) of artemisinin and its other therapeutically active phytochemicals for their efficacy in treating malaria and other artemisinin-susceptible diseases. Her research has shown that delivery of artemisinin via powdered dried leaves of Artemisia annua (DLA), either as capsules or compressed into tablets, shows greater bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy against a number of diseases than does the pure drug artemisinin, so use of DLA could offer novel, more cost-effective therapies.

Research areas/Expertise
agriculture
Artemisia
botany
plants
tissue engineering
biomanufacturing
bioreactors
Africa
global health
public health

Media Coverage

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Telegram.com
WPI researchers work to rid local lakes of harmful cyanobacteria

Pamela Weathers, professor of biology and biotechnology, and Pratap Rao, associate professor of mechanical and materials engineering, were interviewed by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette about the impact of algal blooms on local bodies of water. Rao and a team of graduate and undergraduate students received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to create 3D-printed floating structures designed to mimic natural objects that serve as photocatalysts, which have been shown to break down cyanobacteria and associated toxins.

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