Founding Board Member
Ben is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Robert Morris University, near Pittsburgh. Prior to that, he was a laser engineer at the Penn State Electro-Optics Center, specializing in manufacturing applications and fundamental studies of laser-material interaction using ultrashort pulse lasers. In 2013, the Penn State Department of Electrical Engineering awared Ben their Early Career Recognition Alumni Award. One award is given out annually to a PSU graduate from the EE department who within 10 years of graduation has “demonstrated outstanding technical excellence as an individual resulting in significant accomplishments (and) shown great potential for continued success in their field.” Ben was also recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine in their November 2013 issue as one of the 40 under 40 in western Pennsylvania for their “passion, commitment, visibility, diversity and overall impact on the region.” In 2014, The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh awarded Ben the J. Kevin Scanlon Award for “Dedication in Enhancing Science Education” due to his numerous local efforts supporting STEM education. Ben was a member of the 1997 class of PGSS and returned as a TA for four summer (2000-2003). In 2005, he joined the PGSS faculty ranks, teaching the Laser Technology and the Science of Music electives, and also running team projects. He continued to serve on the faculty until the program was canceled in 2009 and returned with the program in 2013. Ben works to sustain PGSS because he knows the profound impact it had on his life and has seen its effect on countless students he has met through the program.