RESEARCH INTERESTS
Ben is interested in biomedical research after witnessing first-hand how groundbreaking medical research can safe lives. He seeks to apply novel biomaterials to enhance therapeutics delivery.
EDUCATION
PhD, Bioengineering, Stanford University - Expected 2024
BS, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University - May 2019
HONORS, AWARDS, and SCHOLARSHIPS
Graduate Research Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University, 2018
Elenora Streb Muli Award/Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University, 2018
Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award, Johns Hopkins University, 2017
Sarah K. Doshna Undergraduate Research Award, Johns Hopkins University, 2017
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins, Aug 2016 - Jan 2019
Research Advisor: Prof. Honggang Cui
At the Cui lab, Ben combined aspects of nanotechnology and biochemical engineering to conduct research focused on self-assembling nanomolecules.Ben designed and studied peptide “immunofibers” as well as magnetic nanoaparticles for high-affinity, high throughput binding of Immunoglobulin G. It is part of a greater goal to use supramolecular particles for drug delivery and anti-body and therapeutic protein purification.
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, May 2016 - July 2016
Research Advisor: Prof. Rizia Bardhan
Ben synthesized, functionalized, and characterized gold nanoparticles (AuNS) to target tumor immunomarkers for better in vivo Raman microscopy detection.
Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins, Jan 2016 - Jun 2016
Research Advisor: Prof. Denis Wirtz
Ben investigated the 3D cell motility and behavior of cancer cells and Toxoplasma gondi by performing swept field confocal microscopy.
ABOUT
Ben grew up in Taiwan before moving to the suburbs of Los Angeles during his early teens. He left California to pursue his BS and MSE in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Johns Hopkins University. After missing the stunning sunset and the authentic Asian food California has to offer, Ben returned to pursue his PhD in Bioengineering at Stanford. Outside of lab, Ben loves to hike and camp at one of the local parks if not somewhere in the Sierras. He has been running a lot lately and is planning on running his first half marathon by the end of his first year. Ben used to be an INTP but is now convinced that he is actually an ISFJ after retaking the test for this bio.