Staff Spotlight – Research Assistant Professor, Aaron Bender
The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University consists of a remarkable community dedicated to advancing the translation of basic science to novel therapeutics to treat serious brain disorders. In addition to our outstanding faculty, postdocs, and trainees who are at the forefront of our cutting-edge research, a large part of our center’s success is attributed to our staff.
We sat down with Aaron Bender, Research Assistant Professor, who told us a little about himself.
What do you do for the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University?
I lead a variety of chemistry projects here at the WCNDD, ranging from drug discovery programs for G protein-coupled receptors to organic methodology.
How long have you been working with the WCNDD?
I’ve been at the WCNDD for almost 9 years, which is hard to believe. I started here as a postdoc and was fortunate enough to have that turn into a long-term position.
What is unique about working for WCNDD?
The WCNDD is an unprecedented blend of academia and industry. We pride ourselves on our basic science, but also have access to infrastructure and drug discovery capabilities that you usually only find in an industrial setting.
What is your favorite memory or project you completed during your time at WCNDD so far, and why?
Quite a few again, but I’m very proud of our M4 antagonist program. From a more basic science standpoint, we recently published a synthesis of some unusual natural products in Organic Letters that was a lot of fun to see through.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
I’m not sure that there’s anything specific. When I started my career after college, my goal was to work in medicinal chemistry, specifically for targets related to CNS disorders. To have spent every year since then doing exactly that is something I’m grateful for.
What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite (and objectively best) candy is peanut butter M&Ms. These are not to be confused with peanut M&Ms.
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
I love painting – great creativity outlet, and great stress reliever. I enjoy reading, writing and movies too.
What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a career in your field of work?
Read as much as you can and pick the brains of more experienced scientists. But it’s also important to think critically and form your own ideas (even if they don’t perfectly align with conventional wisdom).