Dr. Benedict graduated summa cum laude from Skidmore College with a major in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration and a second major in dance performance. After Skidmore, she worked as a biochemist at General Electric’s Global Research Center researching cancer diagnostics and molecular imaging. She went on to graduate school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where she earned a MS and PhD in biochemistry. During those years, she completed a scientist-instructor internship at URMC's Life Sciences Learning Center. She is an accomplished researcher, presenter, lecturer, and published writer. At Taft, Dr. Benedict teaches science, coaches yoga, assists with the dance program, and serves as a dorm parent in USGD.