Ben received a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry from Indiana University (2016). "My interest in toxicology developed from my undergraduate research experience where I participated in studies investigating mechanisms of hepatotoxicity and chemically-induced carcinogenesis. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms by which chemicals alter biochemical processes and hopes to use the experience I gain from the program to work as a toxicologist in the pharmaceutical industry."

I became interested in the University of Iowa’s Human Toxicology program after reading about the collaborative work being done through the Superfund Program. The interdisciplinary nature of the Human Toxicology program appealed to me as a means to better understand the broad field of toxicology.

Thesis Title: Mechanisms of Pyrethriod-Induced Disruption of Fetal Growth and Neurodevelopment

Advisor: Hanna Stevens, M.D., Ph.D.

Year of Graduation: 2021

Program: PhD

Current Position: Scientist, Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology

Current Employer: Bristol Myers Squibb

Publications from Human Toxicology Program Research

Jonathan Dowell  1 , Benjamin A Elser  2 , Rachel E Schroeder  3 , Hanna E Stevens, Cellular stress mechanisms of prenatal maternal stress: Heat shock factors and oxidative stress, Neurosci Lett. 2019 Sep 14;709:134368

Gadupudi GS, Elser BA, Sandgruber FA, Li X, Gibson-Corley KN, Robertson LW.,PCB126 Inhibits the Activation of AMPK-CREB Signal Transduction Required for Energy Sensing in Liver, Toxicol Sci. 2018 Jun 1;163(2):440-453

Elser BA, Kayali K, Dhakal R, O'Hare B, Wang K, Lehmler HJ, Stevens HE., Combined Maternal Exposure to Cypermethrin and Stress Affect Embryonic Brain and Placental Outcomes in Mice, xicol Sci. 2020 Jun 1;175(2):182-196

LinkedIn page