Ben Stanger
►Where are you from originally, and where did you go to school?
I grew up in New York City, went to college at MIT, and earned an MD and PhD from Harvard Medical School.
►What is your current position?
Hanna Wise Professor of Cancer Research at the University of Pennsylvania.
►Why did you decide to become a researcher?
Because it’s the best job in the world! Seriously, it was because the opportunity to think about and solve scientific problems – particularly those that might have an impact on human health – is unbelievably satisfying.
►What is the “Big Picture” of what you study?
The laboratory has diverse interests, many of which don’t necessarily fit together in a single “big picture.” I would say that in general we try to identify gaps in knowledge that have clinical implications and do our best to fill those gaps.
►What is your favorite aspect of your research?
Seeing a result for the first time and inferring something new about how nature works from it.
► What do you hope to achieve with your research?
To keep discovering new things, and improve treatments for patients in the process.
►When not in the lab what are your favorite hobbies/activities?
Spending time with my family and, recently, attempting to learn how to sail. (So for any HIRN members who are avid sailors and own a boat – I am willing to crew!).
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