Benjamin Bechand | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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

Prof Dr. bing han | Medicinal Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof Dr. bing han | Medicinal Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof Dr. bing han, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, China

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Professor Bing Han’s academic journey began at Peking University where he completed his Consecutive Degree Program (Bachelor and MD) at the School of Stomatology from 1997 to 2004. He then pursued a Ph.D. at the same institution, graduating in 2007. His education laid the foundation for a highly successful career in orthodontics and craniofacial research.

🏆 Professional Achievements

Professor Han’s dedication to advancing the field of orthodontics is evident through his prestigious roles and recognition. In 2021, he was named a Leading Talent of Science and Technology Innovation under the National Ten Thousand Talents Plan. His current role as Professor and Vice Director of the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has been ongoing since 2018. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor (2012-2018) and held the role of Lecturer and Doctor in Charge from 2007 to 2012.

🔬 Research Interests and Contributions

Professor Bing Han has conducted pioneering research in craniofacial growth and development, bone tissue engineering, stem cells, orthodontics, and biomaterials. His interdisciplinary approach blends clinical expertise with innovative research to address fundamental challenges in the field. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of bone regeneration and the application of biomaterials in orthodontics, shaping advancements in both medical and dental sciences.

🏅 Honors and Awards

Professor Bing Han has received numerous prestigious accolades in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to orthodontics, research, and education. He was honored under the National High-Level Talents Special Support Program as a Leading Talent of Technological Innovation, a testament to his influence in advancing dental sciences. Additionally, he was selected for the Innovation Leadership Program for Young and Middle-aged Scientists, showcasing his role as a visionary in scientific research and technology.

Among his notable achievements, Professor Han was awarded the Prize for Outstanding Doctor of Peking University, reflecting his excellence in both clinical practice and academia. His innovative work has also been recognized with the Second Prize of the Beijing Science and Technology Award and the Second Prize of the Chinese Stomatology Science and Technology Award, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field of orthodontics. These accolades underscore his exceptional dedication to advancing knowledge and improving clinical outcomes in stomatology.

Publications Top Noted📝

Recent Progress in the Auxiliary Phase Enhanced Flexible Piezocomposites

Authors: Gao, X., Zheng, M., Hou, B., Wang, K., Han, B.

Journal: Energy and Environmental Materials

Year: 2025

Dynamics of the Oral Microbiome During Orthodontic Treatment and Antimicrobial Advances for Orthodontic Appliances

Authors: Niu, Q., Chen, S., Bai, R., Han, B., Yu, T.

Journal: iScience

Year: 2024

Colon-Targeted Engineered Postbiotics Nanoparticles Alleviate Osteoporosis Through the Gut-Bone Axis

Authors: Yu, T., Bai, R., Wang, Z., Nie, G., Han, B.

Journal: Nature Communications

Year: 2024

Origin of Ultrahigh-Performance Barium Titanate-Based Piezoelectrics: Stannum-Induced Intrinsic and Extrinsic Contributions

Authors: Wu, B., Zheng, H., Wu, Y.-Q., Wang, K., Han, B.

Journal: Nature Communications

Year: 2024

Network Analysis of Three-Dimensional Hard-Soft Tissue Relationships in the Lower 1/3 of the Face: Skeletal Class I-Normodivergent Malocclusion Versus Class II-Hyperdivergent Malocclusion

Authors: Wang, T., Nie, K., Fan, Y., Song, G., Xu, T.

Journal: BMC Oral Health

Year: 2024

Dr. Cesira Giordano, Medicinal Chemistry, Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Cesira Giordano, Medicinal Chemistry, Women Researcher Award

Doctorate at Azienda Opedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Italy

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education and Academic Background

Cesira Giordano, born on January 28, 1987, holds a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, with a specialization in Microbiology and Virology. She furthered her expertise by completing a 2nd level Master’s in OMIC Data Analysis, reflecting her commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into her field.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Qualifications and Current Role

Since October 2019, Cesira has held a permanent position as a Biologist Manager at the Hospital Microbiology Department of Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (AOUP) in Pisa. As a Clinical Microbiologist, she is responsible for key microbiological analyses, including regional control measures in line with Tuscany’s Decree No. 16286 of 2017. Cesira’s work ensures public health laboratories maintain their high standards, particularly through her role as the Single EQA (External Quality Assessment) contact person for SD Hospital Microbiology at AOUP.

🏆 Leadership in Public Health and Tender Commissions

Cesira has been actively involved in public health laboratory management, serving as a Tender Commissioner for various public health tenders in 2023 and 2024. Her roles include:

  • June 2024: Tender Commissioner for AOUP ESTAR, overseeing consumables and accessories for public health laboratories.
  • September 2023: Tender Commissioner for AOUP, focusing on microbiological identifications and antibiotic testing (Antibiograms).
  • July 2023–Ongoing: AOUP Contact Person for the Tuscany Region regarding communications about Listeria monocytogenes.

🔬 Research Contributions and Innovations

Cesira’s research focuses on the development and application of innovative microbiological technologies. Between 2018 and 2019, she was awarded a research grant to develop Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology for identifying bacteria and yeast. This work, conducted in collaboration with the University of Pisa, has laid the groundwork for bacterial typing and investigating antibiotic resistance.

Her other research highlights include:

2018: Development of rapid antibiogram protocols for multi-organ donor samples, under the supervision of Dr. Simona Barnini.

2017: Analysis of the genomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. This project aimed at identifying new genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, carried out under the leadership of Dr. Simona Barnini.

🌍 International Research and Collaboration

In 2016, Cesira expanded her research experience internationally, spending time at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Netherlands. There, she worked on whole genome sequencing of multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, contributing to the understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Alexander Friedrich, Dr. Erik Bathoorn, and Dr. John Rossen.

🧪 Pioneering Work in Microbiological Diagnostics

Cesira has made significant strides in rapid diagnostic methodologies. In 2016, she played a crucial role in developing rapid molecular and phenotypic antibiograms aimed at diagnosing sepsis swiftly. The protocols she helped develop reduced diagnostic time to as little as 3-6 hours after blood culture positivity, using advanced techniques like MALDI TOF MS. These advancements have greatly improved clinical response times in critical cases, saving lives.

Publications Top Noted📚

Frequency of cefiderocol heteroresistance among patients treated with cefiderocol for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections

Authors: Shields, R.K., Dorazio, A.J., Tiseo, G., Doi, Y., Falcone, M.

Journal: JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance

Year: 2024

Glycine restores the sensitivity to antibiotics in multidrug-resistant bacteria

Authors: Giordano, C., Barnini, S.

Journal: Microbiology Spectrum

Year: 2024

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Infections Caused by Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales: A 3-Year Prospective Study from an Endemic Area

Authors: Falcone, M., Giordano, C., Leonildi, A., Barnini, S., Tiseo, G.

Journal: Clinical Infectious Diseases

Year: 2024

Real-world experience with meropenem/vaborbactam for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Authors: Tiseo, G., Galfo, V., Riccardi, N., Barnini, S., Falcone, M.

Journal: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Year: 2024

Activity of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations against serine carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Authors: Lee, S.Y., Gill, C.M., Nicolau, D.P., Fang, F., Thomson, G.

Journal: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

Year: 2023