For Ben Greco, Wooster was more than a place to learn chemistry; it was where he developed the mindset that continues to guide him today as an incoming Ph.D. student in chemical engineering.
After graduating from Wooster in 2022, Ben continued his academic journey at the University of Connecticut, where he deepened his interest in chemical engineering and research. Now preparing to stay for his Ph.D., his path reflects a steady commitment to growth and curiosity. His connection to Wooster also continues through his family. His sister, Alé, is part of the class of 2026, graduating this year! That foundation set the stage for the experiences that would begin to shape not just what Ben studies, but how he understands himself.
One of the most defining moments in Ben’s journey came during his first internship at BYK USA, a professional industry lab, between his sophomore and junior years at UConn. Up to that point, his understanding of science had been shaped by academic precision, such as controlled, careful measurements and exact results. At BYK, he encountered a different reality, where industry prioritizes speed and efficiency, and being close enough is often sufficient to determine whether something works.
This contact reshaped how Ben saw himself as a scientist. It also introduced a question he is still exploring: whether his future lies in academia or industry.
“That experience showed me how much bigger STEM is than I thought,” he explained. His decision to pursue a Ph.D. reflects both his passion for discovery and his desire to fully understand where he belongs.
Like many students who push themselves, Ben has faced persistent self-doubt. During college, long nights and difficult coursework often led him to question whether he was capable of continuing. What changed wasn’t the difficulty, but his mindset. Instead of trying to suppress those doubts, he reframed them, choosing to focus on effort and persistence rather than fear of failure.
That shift also changed how he views failure itself. At Wooster, Ben described himself as a perfectionist, always striving for the highest possible result. Over time, he learned that growth comes not from perfection, but from making mistakes and learning from them.
“Failure isn’t something to fear,” he said. “It’s how you improve.” He also emphasizes the importance of asking questions, noting that seeking help is not a weakness but a critical part of learning.
Beyond academics, Ben points to the people around him as central to his growth, both at Wooster and in college. At Wooster, he experienced a culture where students consistently pushed one another to improve. That environment of shared motivation and mutual respect left a lasting impression. In college, he found a similar dynamic through a friendly rivalry with a classmate, where each pushed the other to perform their best.
“It’s rare to find someone who matches you at your peak,” he said. “That kind of competition makes you better.”
His transition from Wooster to a larger university also revealed something deeper about the Wooster community. Ben entered college expecting the same level of engagement and drive he had experienced in high school, only to find that not all students shared that mindset. Initially, this was frustrating, but over time, it helped him recognize just how unique Wooster’s culture is.
At Wooster, he had been surrounded by peers who were motivated and eager to collaborate, students who actively pushed each other to excel. That environment fostered not only academic growth, but also leadership.
“Wooster students approach things differently,” Ben reflects. “There’s a mindset there that prepares you to step up and lead.”
Today, Ben’s research focuses on developing new polymers that can stabilize particles in liquids, with potential applications ranging from paints to advanced materials that can change properties like color or conductivity. At the same time, he is thinking critically about the future of his field, particularly the environmental challenges posed by materials like PFAS. He is both excited by the potential for innovation and aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
As Ben continues to explore his path, one thing remains constant, and that is his commitment to growth and pushing beyond what he once thought possible.
