Ben is a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate from Rutgers University (New Brunswick), where his undergraduate honors thesis focused on the social bonds between zoo housed bonobos at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. His PhD focus is on the evolution of prosociality, aiming to compare the social and ecological factors between humans, bonobos, chimpanzees, and an outgroup to find what leads to the remarkable abilities for humans to demonstrate kindness and empathy. He also wishes to better learn the range of bonobo pro and antisocial behaviors in order to paint a clearer image of an ape still very mysterious to most people.

Originally from northern Kentucky, Ben also enjoys his hobbies of drumming, reef keeping, and taking care of his two birds, Bertie and Kirby.