WINGS hosted an exciting Explorer Talk in collaboration with 2022 Flag Carrier Dr. Cassandra Quave.
Dr. Quave, a leading ethnobotanist, shared stories of scientific innovation and discovery from her experiences leading international expeditions and discovering new medicines in her laboratory at Emory University School of Medicine. The Quave Research Group is composed of an interdisciplinary team of scientists who are passionate about translational science geared towards the improvement of human health. Their research group takes the ethnobotanical approach to drug discovery. Ethnobotany is the study of human interactions with plants. This can include anything from the use of plants for medicine, food, shelter, construction, art, crafts, and more. The focus of most ethnobotanical research is with traditional societies that incorporate wild plants into their daily life.
Dr. Quave also shared a behind-the-scenes look at her most recent expedition to the remote oases of Egypt’s western desert, which was supported by WINGS. The inspiring evening included a fun tea-blending experiment and a signing of her book “The Plant Hunter.”
