Benjamin Cooper received his B.S. from Brandeis University, where he majored in chemistry and biology and conducted research in the group of Prof. Christine Thomas, synthesizing and characterizing heterobimetallic inorganic complexes for applications in small molecule activation catalysis. At Boston University, his research interests in the group of Prof. Mark Grinstaff (Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering and Division of Materials Science & Engineering) include synthesis, characterization, and ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of biomaterials for applications in repairing and preserving articular cartilage. Co-advised by Dr. Brian Snyder, Department of Biomedical Engineering (BU) and Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston).

Benjamin's current research includes: 1) pursuing fundamental understanding of articular cartilage friction, lubrication, and wear, 2) designing and implementing new biomaterials that improve cartilage mechanical properties by treating/preventing wear, and 3) working with interdisciplinary collaborators to pursue translation of newly developed materials and techniques.

Keywords: cartilage repair, viscosupplementation, orthopedic biomaterials, polymer chemistry