معرفی
Carolyn W.T. Lee-Parsons is an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Chemistry & Chemical Biology Department at Northeastern University's College of Engineering, with additional affiliation in the Bioengineering program. She joined the Chemical Engineering Department in Fall 1999 and leads the Lee-Parsons Lab, which focuses on innovative approaches to pharmaceutical production using plant cell cultures.
Education:
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Cornell University (1995), Advisor: Prof. Michael L. Shuler
- BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas, Summa cum laude
Dr. Lee-Parsons' research primarily focuses on the production of valuable pharmaceutical compounds from plant cell cultures, specifically targeting the production of important anti-cancer drug molecules like vinblastine and vincristine from Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle). Her work bridges chemical engineering, molecular biology, and plant science to develop economically viable processes for producing these complex plant-derived pharmaceuticals. The Lee-Parsons Lab seeks to understand how plant cells regulate the biosynthesis of these critical molecules and then reprograms this regulatory network to increase production using synthetic biology tools like CRISPR technology.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on transcription factor regulation of alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus, with particular emphasis on ZCT and GLK transcription factors. Her research increasingly incorporates advanced genome editing techniques to manipulate metabolic pathways, demonstrating a clear progression toward developing practical transformation protocols like EASI for more efficient genetic manipulation of plant systems. This work directly addresses chemotherapy drug shortages by engineering enhanced production of critical plant-derived pharmaceuticals.
Scientific Awards:
- Excellence in Mentoring Award, 2023
- College of Engineering Faculty Fellow, 2022
- University Excellence in Teaching Award, 2019
- Martin W. Essigmann Outstanding Teaching Award, 2013, 2018
- Northeastern Research Leadership Development Initiative (ReDI) Program, 2016-2017
- National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2002-2007
- Acorn Innovation Grant from MassVentures, 2025
Dr. Lee-Parsons has secured significant research funding from the National Science Foundation, Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center, and GapFund360 to support her work. She actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, with several mentees receiving PEAK Experiences Awards. Her commitment to education is evident through her teaching awards and development of innovative course modules connecting classroom learning to real-world research, including experiential learning through green chemistry labs and biofuel production analysis.
The Lee-Parsons Lab brings together chemical engineers, bioengineers, biochemists, molecular biologists, and plant biologists in a collaborative effort to understand and engineer plant metabolic pathways. The lab's research vision extends beyond cancer drugs to include potential applications in biofuel production using plant or microalgae cultures, demonstrating a broad approach to addressing critical bioproduction challenges through integrated engineering and biological strategies.
