Benjamin L. Miller, Ph.D.

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Research in the Miller group focuses on the fundamental goal of understanding the structure, function, and molecular interactions of biomolecules through the design, synthesis, and structural analysis of novel small-molecule ligands. In particular, our efforts focus on binding (and mimicry) of cell-surface carbohydrates. Addressing this goal requires advances in our understanding of the factors underlying molecular recognition, our ability to synthesize complex molecules, and in analytical methods. We are also interested in applying combinatorial chemistry techniques (including a novel combinatorial method of small-molecule evolution called Dyanmic Combinatorial Chemistry) to the discovery of small molecules that can serve as probes of cell signaling pathways. In collaboration with the research groups of Lisa Delouise, Philippe Fauchet, Lewis Rothberg, and Todd Krauss in the Center for Future Health at the University of Rochester, our group is working toward the development of novel organic receptors that are specific for a variety of human pathogens (with a particular focus on skin), and the integration of such receptors into optical devices. We have recently successfully used this technology to demonstrate the first highly selective sensors for enteropathogenic E. coli, and for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Such novel sensors capable of detecting and identifying human pathogens have the promise of providing a significant positive impact on human health.

Current Appointments

• Associate Professor - Department of Dermatology (SMD)
• Associate Professor - Department of Biomedical Engineering (SMD)
• Associate Professor - Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SMD)