Ben Liebman, M.S.
Master of Science in Pharmacology Program

Ben Liebman received his B.A. in molecular biology and biochemistry from Hampshire College prior to coming to UVM in 2018 to pursue a M.S. in Pharmacology. For his graduate studies, Ben worked with Dr. Jeffrey Spees in the Larner College of Medicine. In his research work for his thesis, Ben developed unique growth factor:immunoglobulin (GF:IgG) complexes that were designed to treat ischemic tissue injury (e.g., heart attack).

In collaboration with the Spees Lab Team, Ben assessed the protective capacity of GF:IgG complexes with the use of a clinically-relevant large animal (pig) model of myocardial ischemia. Much to the team's excitement, treatment with GF:IgG complexes preserved jeopardized myocardial tissue and electrical conduction across zones with infarction.

The preliminary data collected during Ben’s thesis work contributed to a recently awarded NIH phase I STTR grant that will be used to optimize and further test GF:IgG complexes (a.k.a. VasaPlex) with the goal of paving the way for a human pilot trial. Multiple patent applications to cover various forms of GF:IgG complexes resulted from the work of Ben and Dr. Spees.

Ben is currently working as Director of Innovation and Drug Development at Samba BioLogics, Inc., a biotech start-up founded in Vermont by Dr. Spees. Ben continues his work developing novel cardioprotective compounds to treat ischemic tissue injury. He is also applying to M.D./Ph.D. programs with the hope of continuing his pursuit of translational science and applications that may one day be used to treat patients.

The Outstanding Master's Thesis Award recognizes exceptional work on behalf of a Master’s student, as demonstrated by their thesis, including significant contributions to their field of study.