Benjamin Burris Email & Phone Number

Columbus, Ohio Area

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

During my undergraduate career at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, I had the honor and privilege to work jointly with Dr Peng Jing, faculty member of the department of Chemistry. Under the guidance of Dr. Jing, I was able to hone my skills as a scientist, learning how to communicate effectively in a scientific manner through poster presentations, public presentations, publications, and correspondence with other researchers.During my time with Dr. Jing, I was able to assist him with the publication of two papers (a third currently under review), I was able to travel across the Midwest presenting our research at top university, and I was able to assert myself a top student-scientist at the university through the collection of accolades for academics, research, and character.

As a musician in the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Pep Band, the expectation of all members is to adhere to a rigid practice and performance schedule. It was my job to not only learn music in a very short period of time but also that I be an enthusiastic, friendly, and welcoming face for the athletics department. As a result, it was required that I be a hard and dedicated worker, as well as a friendly and all-around welcoming person with whom anyone should be able to communicate.

Northeast Indiana Forensic Center

I work in the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center, an autopsy and forensics consultant located in St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My roles as autopsy assistant required me to prepare the Forensic Center for autopsies and to assist the pathologist during the autopsy through dissection and sample collection. Jobs in the healthcare field are wonderfully rewarding but are incredibly demanding; this job required long hours on my feet, required me to be on-call, required a high-level of understanding of human anatomy and biological chemistry, and required high communication skills, as communication is vital to interact with doctors, lab technicians, law enforcement, and the general public.

As a saxophone instructor, I needed to not only have a firm comprehension of music theory, performance, and leadership skills but I also needed to be able to communicate these characteristics to students in grades nine to twelve (ages 14 to 18). My job was not strictly confined to the classroom or the marching band field, though. I was required to be a team member in a highly competitive marching band program; collaboration with other instructors is a must to ensure that the students are getting the best education possible while also giving them the opportunity to succeed and enjoy the fruits of their labor at state-wide and national competitions.During my tenure as the saxophone instructor, I was able to not only retain the new students but I was also able to recruit new students; each year, enrollment in the saxophone section steadily rose. At the peak, I was in direct charge of approximately 40 students while assisting with the entire band of approximately 300 students.

Education record

B.S. Chemistry And B.A. Spanish Language

Activities and Societies: Phi Eta Sigma, International Dean's List Society, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Pep Band.

Spanish Language And Culture

With help from Indiana University, Bloomington, and through financial awards and scholarships through my home school, I was able.