[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Menu Bar” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F7F7F5″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” motion_trigger_start=”top” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” background__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” background_color__sticky=”#F3F3F1″ background_enable_color__sticky=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”1.25vw||1.25vw||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”155″ menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#cba052″ dropdown_menu_line_color=”#d7d2cb” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#313436″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#2f2f2f” menu_icon_color=”#25282a” mobile_menu_bg_color_tablet=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_phone=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” menu_text_color=”#313436″ menu_font_size=”1.3em” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” menu_font_size_tablet=”2vw” menu_font_size_phone=”3vw” menu_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” mobile_menu_bg_color__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” menu_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” menu_text_color__hover=”#711421″][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Article Title Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#25282A” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”1vw||||false|false” bottom_divider_height=”40px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ width=”100%” max_width=”1253px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”2vw|2vw|2vw|2vw|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”3vw|1vw|1vw|1vw|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”1vw|7vw||7vw|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”1.1em” link_font=”||||on|||#2f2f2f|” link_text_color=”#2f2f2f” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”0px||5px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#d7d2cb” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
College<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” header_text_color=”#CBA052″ header_font_size=”70px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#F3F3F1″ header_2_font_size=”49px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” custom_padding=”||15px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”7vw” header_font_size_phone=”9vw” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_2_font_size_tablet=”6vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”7vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” background_layout=”dark” custom_css_main_element=”display: inline-block;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By Mark Gregorio |\u00a0 Fall 2025<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][owl_social_share_button twitter=”off” pinterest=”off” email=”on” button_shape=”circle” show_label=”off” hover_animation=”rotate” alignment=”right” use_original_colors=”off” custom_color=”#F3F3F1″ custom_hover_color=”#D7D2CB” custom_text_color=”#862633″ custom_text_hover_color=”#711421″ spacing=”6px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-10px|15px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||-10px|15px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_main_element=”display: inline-block;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/owl_social_share_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”align-items: flex-end;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2025\/08\/TAS-dean-2025-b.png” alt=”Dr. Benny Chan” title_text=”TAS Dean Dr. Benny Chan” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” transform_translate=”0px|40px” transform_translate_linked=”off” z_index=”-245″ custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”500″ custom_padding=”63px||0px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When Dr. Benny Chan enters a room, he seldom goes unnoticed. With a mohawk, beard and an easy laugh, Ramapo College\u2019s new dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science doesn\u2019t look like the typical chemist or academic leader. And that\u2019s precisely the point.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been mistaken for the help before,\u201d Chan grinned. \u201cBut once people talk to me, they realize I\u2019m intentionally challenging the norms.\u201d<\/p>\n Chan, a first-generation college student from Lancaster, Pa., didn\u2019t initially plan to become a scientist or a dean. He originally aimed for medical school, and after working as a chemist at Merck and feeling unfulfilled, he switched to graduate studies in chemistry at Penn State. There, he developed his expertise in inorganic chemistry and nuclear energy, along with his passion for access and student-centered mentoring.<\/p>\n From his new office at Ramapo College, Chan combines scientific rigor, social justice and style, where he envisions a future in which the sciences are accessible, engaging and deeply human.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D7D2CB” divider_position=”bottom” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”62px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#25282A” header_4_font_size=”30px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”|800|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#862633″ header_5_font_size=”24px” header_5_line_height=”1.1em” header_6_font=”|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#25282A” header_6_font_size=”22px” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”48px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”” header_5_font_size_phone=”” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A core motto for Chan\u2014so much so that he jokes about embroidering it on his lab coat\u2014is \u201cFailure is the process.\u201d For him, science is more than a series of correct answers; it\u2019s an evolving journey. \u201cMany students think science is about knowing everything,\u201d he says. \u201cBut it\u2019s about not<\/em> knowing. Failing. Learning. Trying again. That\u2019s where the real breakthroughs happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Chan wants students, especially those from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds, to feel empowered to explore, make mistakes and grow. He focuses on creating opportunities for students from marginalized communities who might not have had the same science preparation as their peers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D7D2CB” divider_position=”bottom” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”62px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#25282A” header_4_font_size=”30px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”|800|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#862633″ header_5_font_size=”24px” header_5_line_height=”1.1em” header_6_font=”|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#25282A” header_6_font_size=”22px” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”48px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”” header_5_font_size_phone=”” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Pop culture has helped make science more mainstream\u2014think \u201cBill Nye the Science Guy,\u201d \u201cThe Big Bang Theory\u201d and even the classic 1980s film \u201cWeird Science.\u201d But Chan warns that accessibility often ends at entertainment. \u201cThose representations are fun, but actual access is still lacking,” he explains. \u201cInner-city and low-income students don\u2019t always have the lab time, exposure or support systems needed to succeed in college-level science.\u201d That is where he believes Ramapo is different.<\/p>\n With a new STEM Center, tutoring programs and a focus on faculty-student collaboration, Chan aims to reshape how science is taught and learned, creating an environment where identity is celebrated and intellectual curiosity is rewarded.<\/p>\n He believes personality belongs in the lab just as much as precision. \u201cScience is creative. It\u2019s problem-solving. It\u2019s even like video games. There\u2019s that satisfaction when something clicks, the code runs or the experiment works.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Full-Width quote section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F1″ width=”100%” max_width=”2560px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2025\/08\/RamapoBennyChan-146_gaming.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”13vw||13vw||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”27vw||27vw||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald||||||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”43px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_font_size=”21px” header_6_font=”Oswald||||||||” header_6_font_size=”15px” custom_padding=”2vw|3vw|2vw|6vw|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”4vw|6vw|2vw||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|10vw||10vw|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”43px” text_font_size_phone=”32px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cScience is creative. It\u2019s problem-solving. It\u2019s even like video games. There\u2019s that satisfaction when something clicks, the code runs or the experiment works.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||63px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”62px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#25282A” header_4_font_size=”30px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”|800|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#862633″ header_5_font_size=”24px” header_5_line_height=”1.1em” header_6_font=”|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#25282A” header_6_font_size=”22px” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”48px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”” header_5_font_size_phone=”” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chan can rattle off a list of emerging fields in science: climate solutions; energy innovation; and human health.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do we take care of an aging population? How do we become less reliant on fossil fuels? These are applied science problems,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd our students are the ones who can solve them.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s particularly proud of his own research on superconductivity, which explores materials that can conduct electricity without resistance. \u201cIt\u2019s the kind of science that sounds like sci-fi but has real-world impact,\u201d he says. Chan also spent time researching nuclear materials at Los Alamos National Laboratory, a place that, according to Chan, looked like \u201ca Hollywood set from a Cold War spy movie.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Chan views artificial intelligence as a powerful tool and a warning. \u201cAI can be transformative in science,\u201d he says. \u201cBig data analysis, predictive modeling\u2014it\u2019s changing the game. But it can also produce misinformation. Students need to learn how to use it wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n At Ramapo, he wants to integrate AI thoughtfully into classrooms and labs, training students to use it not as a crutch, but as a springboard for deeper thinking.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D7D2CB” divider_position=”bottom” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”62px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#25282A” header_4_font_size=”30px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”|800|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#862633″ header_5_font_size=”24px” header_5_line_height=”1.1em” header_6_font=”|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#25282A” header_6_font_size=”22px” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”48px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”” header_5_font_size_phone=”” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As he begins his first year as dean, Chan aims to spark meaningful conversations about equity, teaching methods and outcomes. Success, to him, isn\u2019t just about GPAs or publications; it is about helping as many students as possible launch into careers in the sciences that have meaning and high impact on the world around them.<\/p>\n He asks, \u201cCan we produce the next generation of scientists, doctors and researchers, especially at a place like Ramapo?\u201d Chan is betting yes. And, with sleeves rolled up, science goggles on and a mohawk firmly in place, he\u2019s ready to lead the charge.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Back To Homepage Spring 2025″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”45deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#f3f3f1 0%|#fcfffd 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#f3f3f1″ background_color_gradient_end=”#fcfffd” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” top_divider_color=”#ffffff” top_divider_height=”86px” top_divider_arrangement=”above_content” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” top_divider_height_tablet=”52px” top_divider_height_phone=”25px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_all=”#2f2f2f” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#f3f3f1″ global_module=”7162″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”center_left” z_index=”349″ max_width=”1024px” custom_padding=”15px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”24px” link_text_color=”#25282a” transform_scale_linked__hover=”off” transform_translate_linked__hover=”off” custom_margin=”6px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_translate__hover=”-5px|0px” custom_css_after__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover=”#c41e1e”]<\/p>\nBreaking the Mold<\/h1>\n
Ramapo\u2019s New Science Dean Mixes Chemistry, Mohawks and Mission<\/h2>\n
Failure is the Process<\/h3>\n
Making Science Fun and Personal<\/h3>\n
\n
Dr. Benny Chan<\/h5>\n
Dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science<\/h6>\n
What\u2019s Hot in Science Now?<\/h3>\n
Redefining Success<\/h3>\n