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

Mr. Matieta Yemene Valaire -Pharmacology- Best Researcher Award

Mr. Matieta Yemene Valaire –Pharmacology- Best Researcher Award

university of Dschang – Cameroon

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Educational Background

In 2021, Matieta Yemene Valaire obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry (Pharmacology) from the University of Dschang, Faculty of Science, DSST, Department of Biochemistry. They graduated with Distinction: Good. Their master’s thesis, titled “Evaluation of the antiklebsiella activity of methanol extracts of eight food plants from Cameroon and the effect of their combinations with usual antibiotics and PAβN,” focused on antimicrobial properties of natural extracts. This research was supervised by Pr. MBAVENG TSAFACK Armelle. In 2019, they earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry (Pharmacology) from the University of Dschang, Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry. They completed their undergraduate studies with Distinction: Good Enough, showcasing their dedication and academic excellence in pharmacological biochemistry.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Matieta Yemene Valaire has received multiple academic and research accolades throughout their career. In 2019, they were recognized as the valedictorian of their promotion in Biochemistry (Pharmacology) at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, Cameroon. Since 2020, they have contributed to academia as a schoolteacher in Jackson Group Repetition Class at the University of Dschang, mentoring students in biochemistry and pharmacology. In 2021, their hard work and commitment to academic excellence earned them the title of second-best student in Biochemistry (Pharmacology specialty) at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang. In 2023, they were honored with the prestigious TWAS-DBT 2023 Postgraduate Fellowship Programme Award, recognizing their outstanding research contributions in the field of biochemistry and microbiology.

🧪 Techniques and Skills

Matieta Yemene Valaire possesses a diverse set of laboratory skills and expertise in microbiology, pharmacology, and biochemical research. They have hands-on experience in bacteria culture techniques using different culture media, contributing to research on plant-derived anticancer substances. Their skills extend to plant extraction and phytochemical screening techniques, which are essential for identifying bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, they are proficient in antibiogram techniques and microdilution methods, which are critical for evaluating the antimicrobial activity of natural products. Matieta is also skilled in blood sample preparation and cell counting from laboratory animals, a fundamental technique in pharmacological and toxicological studies. They have expertise in serum preparation and biochemical parameter dosage, which are essential for analyzing the physiological effects of pharmacological agents. Furthermore, they have conducted research on cytotoxicity, acute and sub-chronic toxicities, and explored the mechanism of action of plant extracts on bacteria, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in natural antimicrobial compounds.

Notable Publication📄


📄Cytotoxicity, acute and subchronic toxicity of the methanol extract from the fruits of Psorospermun febrifugum Spach (Hypericaceae) in Wistar albino rats
  • Authors: J.F. Megaptche, R.D.T. Nago, S.B. Tankeo, T.H. Efferth, V. Kuete, et al.

  • Journal: South African Journal of Botany

  • Year: 2025