Ben completed his graduate work at the University at Albany, State University of New York, including a MSW and a graduate certificate in online teaching. He received his Bachelor’s degree in marriage, family and human development from Brigham Young University. His dissertation focuses on the influence of the parent child relationship and student academic engagement. Prior to joining UNK, Ben taught at SUNY Albany and assisted in online program development. Additionally, he conducted research and participated in policy work related to schools in high risk neighborhoods. Ben’s primary research interests include familial influences on adolescent behavior and wellbeing, poverty, and online education as a means of achieving social justice.