Ben

Raphael

Graduate Class of 1991 Professor

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Research interests: Developing and applying computational and mathematical methods to address biological questions at the molecular and cellular level. Human and cancer genomics, including algorithmic approaches to identify and interpret genomic alterations in genomes, reconstruct tumor evolution, and discover novel therapeutic interventions. Comparative genomics, particularly analysis of genome rearrangements in evolution. Algorithms for analysis of data from high-throughput genomics and proteomics technologies.

image of breast tissue showing different colored cells — Microscopy image of a tumor in breast tissue. Tumor cells are marked in red, immune cells are marked in yellow and green. Image courtesy of Erik Storrs, Washington University in St. Louis.

Tracking cell mutations, a new tool reveals how tumors evolve

Microscope image of the brain's cerebellum, showing multiple folds and layers labeled in green and blue. — Ben Raphael and his research team are developing computational methods to interpret data about when and where genes are active in tissue samples. Their studies have explored tissues such as the accordion-like layers of the cerebellum, the brain’s locomotion control center. Image by Thomas Deerinck, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California-San Diego

Spatial data adds ‘great new dimension’ to studies on cancer and development

Foam board with a pinned grasshopper specimen, with wings extended, and four rows with different colors and shapes of synthetic wings under investigation for flying robots. — A team led by Pierre-Thomas Brun and Aimy Wissa is studying the structures and capabilities of grasshopper wings and flying fish fins. An innovation grant will allow the researchers to test different types of foldable wings and model their performance. Photos by Tori Repp/Fotobuddy

Innovation funds support research in robotics, machine learning, climate resilience and more

Graphic with text "Commendation for Outstanding Teaching".

Faculty commended for outstanding teaching

Microscope image of skin cancer cells — A new method developed by Princeton researchers integrates gene expression information from multiple slices taken from the same tissue sample, providing a three-dimensional view of cell activities in health and disease, including the common skin cancer squamous cell carcinoma. Image by Markus Schober and Elaine Fuchs, The Rockefeller University

New method melds data to make a 3-D map of cells’ activities

Colorful image of brain cancer chromosomes — Princeton computer scientists developed new methods that allow researchers to more accurately identify losses or duplications in chromosomes in cancerous tissue. Brain cancer chromosome image by Thomas Ried, NCI Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Algorithms uncover cancers’ hidden genetic losses and gains

Computer Science

Computer Science

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