Name:
Benjamin Herr
Organization:
University of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine / Moffitt Cancer Center
Position Title:
OB/GYN Cancer Researcher & Infusion Clinic patient assistance (Moffitt)
> About:
During his senior year of high school, Benjamin led a cancer research study during which he successfully cultured live cancer cells, developed his own extraction and testing methods using a derived resin, and gained access to advanced laboratory environments that strengthened his research experience. After high school, Benjamin earned a position at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine (USF COM) as an OB/GYN cancer researcher. He also works for CVS, serving as a Lead Pharmacy Technician.
> BACE and Career Path:
The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) credential provided Benjamin with a broad foundation in medical and scientific concepts, equipping him with the ability to navigate a variety of lab and hospital settings and understand ongoing work across disciplines. Now a junior in college, he credits the program with helping him build the confidence and baseline knowledge needed to pursue diverse healthcare and research career paths.
Through an opportunity at the USF COM OB/GYN department, his lead physician supported his accreditation as a clinical researcher. He completed multiple certifications, including NIH training in Protecting Human Research Participants and several CITI Program courses in biosecurity, human and clinical research, biomedical investigation, responsible conduct of research, and cancer disparities. These credentials formally qualified him to participate in cancer research.
> Job Description:
At CVS Pharmacy, Benjamin works under the supervising pharmacist to accurately process and fill prescriptions in a timely manner while also managing controlled substance inventory as a Registered Pharmacy Technician. Within the USF COM OB/GYN department, Benjamin works as an independent researcher, gaining hands-on experience with cancer cell lines and performing techniques such as RNA isolation, cell culture, Western blotting, bioanalyte preparation, qPCR, and clinical trial research. He has also led independent projects with strong accuracy, including developing cell lines from tissue samples, culturing cells, testing RNA inhibitors, and isolating RNA.
> Best Thing About The Job:
Benjamin says the best part of his job is the opportunity to work in a cancer research lab where he can actively conduct a wide range of experiments and analyses. He also values working under a surgical physician to help identify the source of cancer and contribute to developing the most effective treatment options for patients.