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Dickson D. Despommier (born June 5, 1940 ) is an emeritus professor of microbiology and Public Health at Columbia University. From 1971-2009, he conducted research on intracellular parasitism and taught courses on parasitic diseases, medical ecology and ecology. In recent years, Despommier has received considerable media coverage for his ideas on vertical farming. He developed his concept of vertical farming over a 10-year period with graduate students in a medical ecology class beginning in 1999, with work continued by designer Chris Jacobs and Ontarian eco-architects like Gordon Graff from the University of Waterloo's School of Architecture.

Despommier is also co-host of three popular podcasts along with Vincent Racaniello, namely TWIV (This Week in Virology), TWIP (This Week in Parasitism) and Urban Agriculture.

Research
Despommier has research interest in the ecotone, a transition area between two biomes, as a zone of high disease transmission and also in the spread of schistosomiasis, malaria, and a variety of helminths (ascaris, hookworm, trichuris) in agricultural areas. Despommier has studied the ecology of West Nile virus with a focus on related patterns of weather.

Research and findings on Trichinella spiralis, the causative agent of trichinosis, have resulted in a large body of literature. Despommier is especially known for his research findings in this area which led to numerous advances in the understanding of the "muscle stage" of the organism, and how it maintains itself in the host for long periods of time in the Nurse cell/parasite complex (weeks to years in some cases).

Trichinella spiralis research publications






































































Vertical farming
Despommier is concerned about protecting food crops from severe weather events such as floods and droughts. He has explored the feasibility of raising crops indoors in multistory buildings within the urban landscape.

In June, 2008 Despommier appeared on the "Colbert Report", where he described the concept of vertical farming to Stephen Colbert.

Concepts of medical ecology, a course taught by Despommier, is summarized in 18 presentations.

Parasites Without Borders
Dickson D. Despommier is one of the five co-directors of Parasites Without Borders, a global nonprofit organization founded in New York City, New York with a focus on helping those suffering from parasitic diseases in subtropical environments. The organization endeavors to reach its goal by “bringing the latest medical and basic biological information pertaining to diseases caused by eukaryotic parasites to every practicing physician and medical student within the United States."

In an effort to provide education for all those in a position to apply medical knowledge directly to populations most in need of solutions, Parasites Without Borders continues to make available, free of charge, the PDF version of Parasitic Diseases in both English and Spanish editions. Originally published in 1982, the book is a conglomeration of medical knowledge on the broad topic of parasitology and disease mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, treatments, and preventive measures.

Philip J. Rosenthal, writing for the official scientific journal of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, lauded Parasites Without Borders for its efforts to “disseminate the book widely at no cost” and recommended the Parasitic Diseases as an appropriate text for students, senior parasitologists and other professionals that are seriously interested in the study of parasitology.

In addition to Dickson D. Despommier, four other co-directors of Parasites Without Borders include Peter Hotez, Daniel Griffin, Charles A. Knirsch and Vincent Racaniello, all of whom are scientists with a lifetime of experience in studying parasitic diseases.

Books
Despommier has authored or co-authored ten books:

Photography
Despommier is also a photographer. He received the following photography awards:
 * "First place in photography", Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, Fall 2004 – "Portals"
 * "Highest award in show", Salmagundi Club, Fall 2006. – "Mocha Latte Water buffalo"