Ben joined the NRS team at McLaughlin in 2021. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Forest and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s Certificate in Aquaculture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During college, Ben worked with the Wisconsin DNR to reintroduce Lake Sturgeon back into tributaries of Lake Michigan. Prior to working at McLaughlin, Ben spent over four years working in the sturgeon farming and caviar production business in California before deciding to make a career change.  He is skilled in construction, plumbing, electrical work, and welding.