The work of the Biology and Biotechnology Department at WPI goes far beyond the theoretical. Our faculty members and students are creative problem solvers who are passionate about using biological concepts in innovative, applicable ways. Ranging from cancer biology and infectious disease research to studies of brain plasticity and the health effects of environmental contaminants, student-driven research at WPI is making an impact.
Our state-of-the-art research facilities, housed at the Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, support collaborations among students, faculty, and company researchers from across disciplines, enabling free exchanges of ideas that lead to important advances in healthcare, therapeutics, regenerative biology, the environment, and more.
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Assistant professor Amity Manning is leading a three-year research projected funded by the National Institutes of Health to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with the genetic mutations and chromosome instability observed in all cancer cells.
The goal is to turn the genetic tables against cancer by learning more about the molecular basis of cancer cells' uncontrolled growth.
International student Sakshi loves to share her culture with others and leans on the support of the community to help her thrive.
As a PhD student, Sabine enjoys discovering the large range of opportunities a STEM education and a career provides.
Joshua’s work on his IQP in Australia and ecological research he has completed––especially projects involving songbirds with Professor Marja Bakermans––has led to a valuable undergraduate experience and, hopefully, grad school in the future.
Salvatore’s time at WPI has given him the opportunity to discover his true passions, both personally and academically.
Congrats to the WPI Biology Grad student Elizabeth Diloreto for being selected to the Genetics Society of America Early Career Leadership Program. Liz is a graduate student working in the Srinivasan Lab on elucidating how neuropeptides govern innate behavior.
The Telegram & Gazette noted work by Reeta Rao, professor in the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, in their article. Rao is working with researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, on a one-year project to screen analogs of a plant-derived compound as a potential prophylactic or therapeutic against Candida auris (C. auris) and soil-transmitted parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, and ascarids.
The Worcester Business Journal reported on Assistant Professor of Biology and Biotechnology Amity Manning’s grant from the American Cancer Society to support research that could possibly lead to future cancer therapies.
