In memoriam: Joel S. Bennett
Joel S. Bennett, 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.

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 an obituary 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 monthly and the digital edition weekly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in People
People highlights or most popular articles

Exploring marine science at the cellular level
Karlie Tischendorf, a senior at Purdue University, is scheduled to present her research on stingray venom at Discover BMB.

In memoriam: Christine Guthrie
She was a pioneer in RNA biology, a leader in the pre-mRNA splicing field and member of the ASBMB for almost 40 years.

How the ASBMB shaped my career
The society helped me on my path from Ph.D. student to science policy professional.

JBC Tabor award winners to speak at Discover BMB
These awards recognize early-career scientists for their standout first-author papers published in the past year.

Translating the glycosylation code
JBC Herbert Tabor Early Career Investigator Award winner Anabel Gonzalez-Gil will present her research on the immune cell receptors known as Siglecs at Discover BMB.

A family history of Alzheimer’s sparks interest in basic research
JBC Herbert Tabor Early Career Investigator Award winner Jenna Lentini will share her findings on an enzyme that modifies mitochondrial tRNA, at Discover BMB.