Degree program: J.D./M.M.A.
Year accepted: 2022
Advisor: TBD
Research: Environmental law, Indigenous perspectives
Background: B.S. in Environmental Science, West Virginia Wesleyan College

Ben is a driven and passionate member of the dual JD/MA program at Roger Williams University (RWU) and the University of Rhode Island. Growing up in rural West Virginia, he cultivated a respect and appreciation for the natural world and followed this passion to West Virginia Wesleyan College where he graduated with a BS in Environmental Science. In his undergraduate career, Ben began his investigation of legal studies and environmental ethics, which he refined and built during his time at RWU. Ben worked to build community and share his passion for environmental law and was elected President of the Environmental Law Society his second year. Through organizing beach cleanups and building connections in environmental law, Ben was able to build long-lasting relationships and have a visible impact on the local RI community. Ben also understands the importance of acknowledgment, understanding, and equity in the community, and he has worked to center Indigenous perspectives while at RWU. He is a representative for the American Indian Law Association, where he works to listen, understand, and share indigenous perspectives with current members of the University. Professionally, Ben worked as a legal extern for the Salt Pond Coalition, in Charlestown, RI, in his second year at RWU. At this non-profit, he was able to draft policy considerations, provide targeted research, and answer questions from coalition members about different marine policies being proposed in town. Looking forward, Ben is excited to start working to make a difference in the community through law and conscientious engagement with the marine environment.