Benny started as a Research Assistant in Dr. Selva Baltan's Lab in 2026, having recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Neuroscience and Behavior. He completed dual honors programs and received the Dean's Research Award and the Outstanding Research Award for the Neuroscience and Behavior major.

Originally from Cleveland, OH, Benny has also spent time living in England and worked at University College London as well as the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He was drawn to Portland by the nature and lack of snow, as "winter is brutal in the Midwest."