About Ben

Hometown:
London, England

University Partner:
Columbia University

Degree:
B.A. in Psychology, 2008

Grant Partner:
Hospital for Special Surgery

Senior Mentor:
Dr. David Altchek, Attending Orthopedic Surgeon

"Steamboat has been one of my best personal experiences. It came at a pivotal moment in my life when I had to make many important decisions. My eyes have become more open, both professionally and socially. I realized that this opportunity would be like no other that I have ever had, and it is that rare case where what I find suits me better than what I was originally looking for."

Scholar Background

At the age of 16, Ben moved to the United States from England to pursue his dream of becoming a physician and to develop his skills as a basketball player. As a single parent, Ben’s mother could not relocate with him, leaving Ben to take control of his own life at a young age. Ben’s risk-taking has paid off in the classroom and on the basketball court. As a Columbia College Kluge Scholar, Ben was a research assistant in Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard Axel’s research laboratory, cloning genetically modified mice and investigating the behavioral deficits of their decreased olfactory repertoire. Ben was also the starting center for the Columbia Men’s Varsity Basketball Team. He received Academic All Ivy Honors and the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award. Ben has leveraged his leadership and athletic skills off the court, volunteering as a coach for the Tyler Ugolyn Camp for under-privileged children. He was a featured speaker for the organization Peace by Peace that helps children and teenagers from broken homes.

Internship Highlight

At the Hospital for Special Surgery, Ben shadowed Dr. David Altchek and was able to observe over one hundred hours of surgery in the operating room. Ben also learned how to interpret diagnostic signs on X-rays and MRIs during patient consultations in the office.

Where are they now?

Ben is currently attending Harvard Medical School.