The Ben Lab

Welcome to the homepage of the Ben Lab!

Our laboratory offers both undergraduate and graduate students an in-depth interdisciplinary environment to conduct their research.  All research projects have a strong synthetic organic chemistry component in the areas of carbohydrate, peptide and glycoconjugate chemistry.  In addition, our students in our laboratory can become proficient in cell and tissue culture using immortalized cells as well as primary cells that have therapeutic importance (HSC, MSCs, T-cells, iPSCs).  All biological testing and cell culture work is performed in our own laboratory and offers students the option to learn these techniques and assays as part of their training. 

If you have any questions about our work, feel free to contact us or check out our Twitter.

Why the Program is Notable

· The integration of synthetic organic chemistry and biological/biophysical application is somewhat distinctive — students in the group are exposed to synthesis of complex molecules and to biological/cell culture testing.

· The antifreeze glycoprotein/ice‑recrystallization inhibitor component is a niche but strategically interesting intersection of chemistry, materials/biomolecular science, and application (cryopreservation in research, commercial and clinical sectors) which gives the group a distinctive identity.

· The program offers training opportunities: undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, cell culture work, synthetic chemistry — offering breadth in methodologies and practical skills of academic and industrial utility.

· The lab has a track record of student successes (theses defended, student placements in academia, government and industrial sectors).  See Alumni page.