Message from the Department Head
Welcome
An exciting new era is dawning in the life sciences. With our ever-expanding understanding of living systems—from the most fundamental molecular machinery of the cell to the most complex and expansive ecosystems—life scientists are seeking answers to a host of compelling and vital questions, including how to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases and conditions and to how to solve the environmental problems that threaten our planet.
The diversity of cutting-edge challenges that life scientists are tackling is reflected in WPI's Department of Biology and Biotechnology, where our faculty are focusing their expertise on how stem cells develop and support tissue regeneration—a prelude to re-growing human digits and limbs; finding ways to enhance the production and recovery of valuable chemical and protein products made by plants—including an effective anti-malarial agent; and exploring the genetics and behavior of fungi to create the first truly effective treatments for fungal infections. These are just a few among many examples of exciting, ongoing research programs.
Among the department's cutting-edge facilities is the Bioprocess Center, which supports education, research, and contract work in the manufacturing techniques used to produce pharmaceutical agents and other valuable biochemicals using living organisms and cells. The department's Pre-Health Center provides guidance, support, educational programs, and opportunities for real-world experience for students interested in going on to dental, medical, and veterinary school after graduating from WPI.
The new WPI Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park (opening in spring 2007) offers an exciting, state-of-the-art venue for conducing research in the life sciences alongside researchers in related technology and engineering disciplines. The facilities and opportunities available in this modern research facility, coupled with our ongoing efforts to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to WPI's classroom and laboratory teaching in biology and related fields, are positioning our academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
I invite you to explore our Web site to learn more about the department, including our faculty, our research efforts, our students, and our educational programs leading to the bachelor of science (BS), master of science (MS), and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees.
These are indeed exciting times in the life sciences, and the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at WPI continues to forge its leadership position in life science education, research, and scholarship.
Eric W. Overström
Professor and Department Head
Last modified: October 24, 2008 11:36:50