Benjamin Bechand | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Benjamin Bechand | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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
  • Authors: Eric Block, Benjamin Bechand, Sivaji Gundala, Abith Vattekkatte, Kai Wang

  • Journal: Molecules

  • Year :  2025

Zhicheng Hu | Biomolecules | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhicheng Hu | Biomolecules | Best Researcher Award

First Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, China

Author Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Educational Background

Prof. Hu earned his Ph.D. in Burns Surgery from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (2011–2014), under the supervision of Prof. Jiayuan Zhu. He also completed his M.S. in Burns Surgery at the same institution (2009–2011) under Prof. Bing Tang. His medical journey began with a Bachelor of Medical Science from the Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University (2004–2009). This robust academic foundation has empowered his extensive contributions in both clinical and research domains.

🩺 Professional Experience

Prof. Zhicheng Hu currently serves as a Chief Physician and Doctoral Supervisor at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University since January 2024. Prior to this, he was appointed as an Associate Chief Physician and Master’s Supervisor at the same institution from January 2019 to December 2023. His earlier roles include serving as an Attending Physician from 2017 to 2018, and as a Resident Physician from 2014 to 2016. All of these clinical roles were carried out at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen Medical University, reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to the institution and the field of burn surgery.

🌐 Academic and Professional Affiliations

Prof. Hu is a committed member of various professional organizations. He is affiliated with the International Society of Burn Injury, serves as a Committee Member of the Chinese Burn Care and Rehabilitation Association, and is also part of the Wound Healing Branch of the Chinese Medical Equipment Association. Moreover, he contributes as a Committee Member of the Youth Committee in the Plastic Surgery Branch of the China Association for the Promotion of International Medical and Health Care, actively engaging in academic growth and policy shaping.

🏆 Key Highlights

Prof. Zhicheng Hu’s career demonstrates a strong blend of clinical excellence, academic dedication, and innovative research. His work focuses on advancing treatments in burn care, wound healing, and keloid management, leveraging both cellular therapy and molecular pathway analysis. His consistent academic contributions and leadership in multiple national and provincial research projects affirm his role as a pioneering figure in burn and wound healing research in China.

Notable Publications📝


📄 Multifunctional hydrogel targeting senescence to accelerate diabetic wound healing through promoting angiogenesis

Authors: H. Yang, Y. Chen, Y. Rong, … B. Tang, Z. Hu Zhicheng

Journal: Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Year: 2025


📄 Tailored Metal-Phenolic Network with Hypoglycemic Polyphenol for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

Authors: Y. Rong, Z. Zhao, D. Lv, … X. Cao, B. Tang

Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Year: 2025


📄 Association and mediation between circulating inflammatory proteins and skin fibrosis

Authors: Z. Zhao, D. Lv, R. Zeng, … X. Cao, B. Tang

Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology

Year: 2025


📄 NIR-II light based combinatorial management of hypertrophic scar by inducing autophagy in fibroblasts

Authors: Y. Dong, H. Wang, Y. Zhang, … B. Tang, S. Luo

Journal: Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Year: 2024


📄 A ROS-Responsive Lipid Nanoparticles Release Multifunctional Hydrogel Based on Microenvironment Regulation Promotes Infected Diabetic Wound Healing

Authors: H. Yang, D. Lv, S. Qu, … B. Tang, Z. Hu Zhicheng

Journal: Advanced Science

Year: 2024