Winning for Patients
Tackling Louisiana’s Most Critical Challenges
Mike Benton never expected to find his research “forever home” at LSU when he first arrived from Wisconsin, but 17 years later, he’s as invested as ever in the future of Louisiana. Benton, who holds both the Bernard S. Pressburg Memorial Professorship and the Paul M. Horton Professorship in Chemical Engineering, has dedicated his work to addressing some of the state’s most pressing issues – healthcare and energy.
“When I came here, I was drawn to the people of Louisiana and the support for LSU statewide,” he said. “It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere else.” With Louisiana’s strong industrial base, Benton found a unique opportunity to pursue groundbreaking research that has the potential to benefit both the state and the world.
At the heart of his research is a desire to make Louisiana more sustainable and resilient. “We’re exploring ways to make products and resources from oil in a more sustainable way, using photosynthetic microorganisms to produce plastics and fuels.”
These microorganisms, grown right here in Louisiana – including in the University Lakes – rely on sunlight and CO2 and offer a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Benton said, “We have sunlight and CO2 in abundance. If we can convert CO2 into biofuels using these organisms, we can reduce our dependence on oil and create a more sustainable future.” This type of innovative thinking is what drives his research team, which includes both undergraduate and graduate students.
“I love working with students,” Benton said with enthusiasm. “They’re passionate about sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment. It’s exciting to see their values evolve and to help them bring their ideas to life in the lab.”
Energy isn’t the only field Benton is working to innovate. He’s also leading research that could revolutionize healthcare in Louisiana, particularly in the field of cancer diagnostics. “Louisiana has one of the highest cancer rates in the U.S.,” he shared. “We’re looking at DNA sequencing to predict cancer susceptibility. I believe we’ll soon live in a world where you go to the doctor for an annual DNA checkup, and your doctor can see how your DNA is changing over time.”
This cutting-edge research, which blends the fields of biomedicine and engineering, has the potential to save lives by catching cancer early. “It’s exciting to think that our work here at LSU could make such a big difference,” Benton said.
Much of this progress is made possible by philanthropic support, which allows Benton’s lab to explore bold, new ideas. He said, “Donor support gives us the flexibility to pursue projects that may seem risky or unconventional. It allows us to test theories, buy equipment, and do proof-of-concept work that can later be parlayed into larger grants from federal agencies.”
He cites one such example: the acquisition of a DNA sequencer, made possible through his professorships. “Thanks to this equipment, we’re launching a new class next spring where undergraduates can sequence their own DNA and analyze it for traits that we study in the lab. Imagine being a student and learning about cancer research while looking at your own DNA. That’s a hands-on learning experience you won’t find just anywhere.”
For Benton, the ability to inspire students and foster innovative research is closely tied to the generosity of LSU’s donors. “Philanthropy plays a huge role in keeping LSU competitive. It allows us to hire world-class faculty, offer students real-world research experiences, and pursue projects that align with the needs of Louisiana’s economy and environment.”
As he looks toward the future, Benton has high hopes for both LSU and Louisiana. “We have the resources and the people to be world leaders in energy and healthcare. We’ve made so much progress since I arrived 17 years ago, and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon. I’m proud to be part of a university that’s making such a big impact.”