偷拍偷窥

In Memoriam

In memoriam: Joel S. Bennett

Courtney Chandler
Jan. 17, 2022

, a blood researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, died June 21, of pancreatic cancer. He was 78.

Bennet was born in 1942 to Marvin and Rhoda Bennett and grew up in Southfield, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a premed bachelor’s degree in 1963 and a medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1967.

Family photo
Joel S. Bennett

After earning his M.D., Bennett went to University of Pennsylvania for a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology–oncology. Outside of briefly serving as a physician in the U.S. Air Force, Bennett remained a member of Penn’s medical and academic community for over 40 years.

Bennett’s research focused on understanding the biophysical and molecular interactions of tiny blood cells called platelets. He was the first to discover that a protein produced by the liver called fibrinogen binds platelets. This binding results in clumping and accumulation of platelets that is important for clotting and can play a role in heart attacks or strokes.

This discovery and Bennett’s other research into platelet biology contributed to the development of drugs that block platelet aggregation, commonly known as blood thinners. Today these drugs are critical to preventing blood clots in certain at-risk patients.

Bennett received various awards in recognition of his work, including the Ernest Beutler Prize from the American Society of Hematology, the society’s highest honor. He was also recognized by the Association of American Physicians and the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

According to in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Bennett is remembered by his colleagues for his scientific acumen, devotion to his patients and dedication as an educator.

Bennett is survived by his wife, Evelyn; three sons, Joe, David and Andrew Bennett; two daughters, Lisa Bennett and Lisa Dunn; a brother and sister; and nine grandchildren.

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.

Learn more
Courtney Chandler

Courtney Chandler is a biochemist and microbiologist in Baltimore, Md., and a careers columnist for ASBMB Today.

Related articles

In memoriam: Donald J. Graves
Jeyashree Alagarsamy
NAM names members
ASBMB Today Staff

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we鈥檒l send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in People

People highlights or most popular articles

AI can be an asset, ASBMB educators say
Advice

AI can be an asset, ASBMB educators say

July 9, 2025

Pedagogy experts share how they use artificial intelligence to save time, increase accessibility and prepare students for a changing world.

ASBMB undergraduate education programs foster tomorrow鈥檚 scientific minds
Feature

ASBMB undergraduate education programs foster tomorrow鈥檚 scientific minds

July 8, 2025

Learn how the society empowers educators and the next generation of scientists through community as well as accreditation and professional development programs that support evidence-based teaching and inclusive pedagogy.

Honors for Gagna and Sundquist
Member News

Honors for Gagna and Sundquist

July 7, 2025

Claude Gagna is being honored for the diagnostic tool he developed that uses AI to streamline diagnostics. Wesley Sundquist is being honored for his role in finding that HIV鈥檚 capsid was a target for treatment.

Gaze into the proteomics crystal ball
In-person Conference

Gaze into the proteomics crystal ball

July 1, 2025

The 15th International Symposium on Proteomics in the Life Sciences symposium will be held August 17鈥�21 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Bassler receives National Medal of Science
Member News

Bassler receives National Medal of Science

June 30, 2025

She was recognized for her research on the molecular mechanisms bacteria use for intercellular communication.

2025 ASBMB election results
Society News

2025 ASBMB election results

June 25, 2025

Learn about the new president, secretary, Council members and committee members.