Harvard University, United States
Author Profile
Scopus
Educational Background
Dr. Bechand earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University (2017–2022), where his dissertation focused on the Preparation and Behavioral Evaluation of Novel Psychedelics. He also holds an M.S. in Chemistry from University at Albany (SUNY) (2015–2017), where he trained under Prof. Eric Block, and a B.A. in Biology and Asian Studies from Skidmore College (2010–2014).
Professional Roles in Industry & Academia
Beyond academia, Dr. Bechand worked as Senior Manager of Business Development in Pharmaceutics at Lipoid LLC (2022–2023), providing technical support for NDA filings and advising on phospholipid-based drug formulations. He also served as a Research Scientist I at Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI), where he gained hands-on experience in kilogram-scale synthesis, chemical safety, and CRO operations.
Research Expertise & Experience
Dr. Benjamin Bechand is a distinguished researcher in the fields of medicinal chemistry, psychedelic drug discovery, and chemical biology. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University’s Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) since July 2023, he is focused on discovering new small molecule ligands targeting ADAR1. His work includes DNA Encoded Library (DEL) screening, identification of lead compounds, and biophysical characterization using techniques such as SPR, DSF, DLS, TR-FRET, and Fluorescence Polarization (FP). Prior to this, during his Ph.D. research at Columbia University, Dr. Bechand synthesized and evaluated novel psychedelic compounds derived from amphetamines, tryptamines, and iboga alkaloids aimed at treating pain and mood disorders. His interdisciplinary research integrated synthetic chemistry and in vivo behavioral pharmacology, working closely with collaborators from Rutgers University, High Point University, Columbia Medical Campus, and CROs like Eurofins.
Teaching, Mentorship & Curriculum Innovation
Dr. Bechand has a robust background in teaching and mentorship, having taught courses like Organic Chemistry, Chemistry for the Brain, and developed custom curricula for outreach programs. Notably, he designed and delivered a full course in organic chemistry and neurobiology of addiction for the Native American High School Program (Harvard University, Summer 2024). He was also a Double Discovery Center Teaching Fellow (Fall 2020), creating an online organic chemistry curriculum for underrepresented high school students. Over the years, he has mentored multiple graduate and undergraduate researchers, with mentees progressing into graduate programs and professional science careers.
Technical Skills & Specializations
Dr. Bechand is highly skilled in organic chemistry, with expertise in NMR, IR, HPLC, LCMS, MALDI-TOF, and glovebox techniques. His behavioral pharmacology experience includes tailflick, forced swim test, sucrose preference, and motion sequencing. He also has proficiency in in vitro biochemistry (e.g., SPR, TR-FRET, DEL screening) and software such as Chemdraw, MOE, PyMOL, MestReNova, and Ethovision.
Awards & Recognition
His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including the ACS Graduate Student Recognition Award for Leadership in Mentoring (2022), Pegram Graduate Research Award, and Columbia University’s Presidential and Miller Teaching Awards. Earlier accolades include the Harry L. Frisch Memorial Fund in Chemistry, AMRI’s Commitment Award, and a Senior Leadership Award at Skidmore College.
Service, Leadership & DEI Initiatives
Dr. Bechand is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). He has served on Harvard’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (2023–present), and was part of the Institute for Diversity in Engineering and Science (2018–2020). As Social Chair of Columbia University’s Chemistry Department (2018–2022), he organized community-building and professional events. He became an Associate Member of Sigma Xi in 2025.
Notable Publication
Fluorinated Analogs of Organosulfur Compounds from Garlic (Allium sativum): Synthesis and Chemistry
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Authors: Eric Block, Benjamin Bechand, Sivaji Gundala, Abith Vattekkatte, Kai Wang
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Journal: Molecules
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Year : 2025