WPI Professors Bring In $1.3M In Grants

Over the last few weeks, researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park have received $1.3 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund ongoing research.

Jose Argüello, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, received a $439,943 award over two years to assist his work in finding a new class of antibiotics to replace ineffective medications for M. tuberculosis.

Marsha Rolle, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, received a two-year $215,962 NIH grant for her work engineering replacement blood vessels.

Kristen Billiar, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, received a two-year $215,661 NIH grant to study heart valve tissues in the hopes of combating heart disease and developing engineered heart valve replacements.

Terri Camesano, an associate professor of chemical engineering, will receive $198,870 from the NSF to purchase an atomic force microscope. The microscope will help her research the initial stages of infection and will also be available for use by other WPI faculty and students.

Glenn Gaudette, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, will receive a two-year NIH grant of $197,601 to assist his work using stem cells to restore damaged hearts.

Tanja Dominko, an associate professor of biology and biotechnology will receive a one-year NIH grant worth $104,000 for her continued study of cell manipulation for wound healing and tissue regeneration.

"These NIH and NSF programs are awarded only to scientists working at the leading edge of their respective fields," said Congressman James McGovern (D-Massachusetts) in a statement. "This research not only impacts people's health, but also helps us sustain and grow the life sciences sector in Central Massachusetts."