Benjamin Stark received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his master’s and PhD degrees from Yale University. After post-docs at Washington State University and Indiana University, he joined the Biology Department of the Illinois Institute of Technology, where his current position is Professor Emeritus of Biology. His main teaching duties were in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology, and he held various administrative roles including Associate Chair, Chair, and Associate Dean. His lab concentrated on using molecular techniques as well as traditional strategies to improve practical uses of bacteria in areas such as product production, bioremediation, and wastewater treatment. He is a Fellow of AAAS.