Benjamin Cummins

Built and improved laboratory informatics software, delivering backend services in Java and C#, front-end interfaces with React/JavaScript, and bespoke client integrations that enabled AI tool integration and streamlined sample entry workflows.

Led computational and experimental projects on 5HT2A receptor pharmacology, developing Python-based molecular docking pipelines and data libraries while contributing to molecular dynamics, in vitro signaling assays, and quantitative neuronal analysis.

Conducted behavioral pharmacology studies on serotonin receptor subtype agonists, designing and troubleshooting operant conditioning systems and performing behavioral assays to assess effects on learning and memory.

Managed QA data analysis and production line troubleshooting, improved software user interfaces and workflows, and collaborated on food chemistry for new product development to ensure consistent product quality.

Performed hit-to-lead evaluation of novel opioid receptor compounds, managed large assay datasets, and drafted a first-author review on G protein-biased kappa agonists for publication.

Managed the chemistry help desk, providing tutoring and problem-solving assistance to students across Chemistry department courses to improve academic outcomes.

Investigated kinase signaling and protein deregulation in disease models, performing protein engineering, enzymatic assays, and preparing compounds and gels from base materials for biochemical analysis.

Designed and executed a human visual perception study and developed software interfaces and deep learning tools to analyze artificial neuron models and behavioral data.

Contributed to drug discovery projects targeting leukemia and brain tumors via organic synthesis, compound characterization (HPLC, LCMS), and in vivo IR imaging for tumor absorption studies.

Developed automated service request forms with metric tracking to streamline interdepartmental collaboration and performed Sanger sequencing and routine lab maintenance tasks.

Activities and societies: Graduate research, computational modeling, molecular dynamics and docking, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, teaching/lecturing

PhD in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics with research on serotonergic receptor pharmacology and 5HT2A ligand functional selectivity, including computational and experimental methods.

Activities and societies: Undergraduate research, tutoring, publications and conference presentations

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Philosophy and undergraduate research involving medicinal chemistry, protein engineering, and behavioral/neuroscience studies.