Fall 2026 Featured Trainee

Marbella Arroyo

  • Tufts University junior and 2026 Levy CIMAR Summer Scholar developing a synthetic route to a key component of saarvienin A
  • Studying the synthesis of complex carbohydrates in the lab of Levy CIMAR faculty member Clay Bennett, PhD

As one of four 2026 Levy CIMAR undergraduate Summer Scholars, Tufts Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology double major Marbella Arroyo spent her summer developing a synthetic route to a key component of saarvienin A, a promising glycopeptide antibiotic with potent activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens.

Now a junior, Marbella is continuing her work on the total synthesis of saarvienin A this fall with her mentor, Levy CIMAR faculty member and Professor of Chemistry Clay Bennett, PhD. The antibiotic consists of a cyclic peptide attached to a five-sugar chain, or pentasaccharide, and Marbella has focused on synthesizing this carbohydrate component. The synthesis of saarvienin A’s pentasaccharide has not yet been reported, and Marbella’s work could ultimately provide a route to this component while also informing the synthesis of other antimicrobial glycoconjugates.

Born and raised in El Salvador, Marbella attended a small school with about 40 students in each graduating class. With few electives and only one AP-level course offered each year, opportunities to explore her growing interest in STEM were limited. Rather than let those limitations define her education, Marbella looked for opportunities outside the classroom.

Marbella Arroyo with mentor Clay Bennett, PhD

She began conducting independent research via the Pioneer Research Program, an accredited online research program for high school students. Her project explored the intersection of physics and chemistry through the materials science of biomaterials used in medical implants. Marbella was also a member of El Salvador’s junior national physics Olympiad team, competing in regional competitions. These experiences led to her interest in chemical engineering and ultimately brought her to the Bennett Lab and the Levy CIMAR.

Marbella says she was initially drawn to synthetic chemistry because of the problem-solving involved in building a molecule. 

“The research almost resembles a puzzle,” she says. “We know exactly what compound we are trying to make, but there is always a more efficient route to obtain it, or the existing route can always be further optimized. This type of research requires a lot of trial-and-error, subtle tweaking of conditions, and careful analysis of the resulting product.”

Her work has impressed Dr. Bennett, who serves as Marbella’s research mentor.

“Marbella has been awesome this summer, working at the level of an advanced graduate student,” he says. “I am happy she is staying on to continue work on this project and anticipate seeing great things from her both here at Tufts and as she transitions into her independent career.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, Marbella hopes to work in industry before pursuing graduate study and further specialization. She envisions a career in pharmaceutical research and development, specifically with respect to process development and continuous-flow chemistry.

Marbella’s drive extends well beyond science. Outside of the lab, her biggest passion is golf. She competed extensively while growing up in El Salvador, winning two national championships and earning a spot at the 2023 Junior World Championships. She continues to compete when she returns home during breaks and she recently qualified for the Central American Championship.

In her spare time, Marbella also enjoys cooking with friends, playing volleyball, and exploring new parts of Boston.