From Finding His Place to Creating Community
Student Snapshot: Benjamin Cook ’28
Benjamin Cook ’28 has made the most of Dickinson’s opportunities to get involved, from student government and campus communications to environmental fieldwork and founding the college’s Pickleball Club. An environmental science major pursuing a health studies certificate, Ben is conducting biology research, preparing to study abroad in New Zealand and exploring his interests through experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Hometown:
Easton, Md.
High school:
The Gunston School.
Major:
Environmental science, with a health studies certificate.
On my Dickinson experience:
The opportunities to get involved on campus and the people I’ve met through them have really brought me out of my shell. I’ve been able to meet people with similar interests, try things I never had the opportunity to experience in my hometown and learn so much more about myself.
Best thing about my major:
The fieldwork. As an environmental science major, I’ve been able to use resources across campus, including the Hive, Kaufman greenhouse, Pollinator Garden and Dickinson College Farm, as well as learn at off-campus locations. Whether rafting on Opossum Lake or visiting a dairy farm to milk cows, these experiences have allowed me to learn environmental science through hands-on work in the field.
Favorite class/learning experience:
Wheelwork Ceramics has been my favorite class at Dickinson. As a STEM major, I needed an art credit, and my advisor recommended it because he knew I enjoyed hands-on learning. He was right. I spent many late nights in the studio working on my pieces, and although the class required a lot of time and effort, I loved being able to engage with the material in such a practical way.
On studying abroad:
I’m planning to study abroad in New Zealand next semester. Wish me luck!
About my internship:
I was a marketing intern for Dickinson Dining Services, where I created posters, designed graphics and produced online content. My favorite projects were creating videos to help new students understand their ID cards and highlighting employment opportunities with Dining Services.
About my research:
I’m currently conducting research with Professor Boback in the biology department, studying vibrations produced by toads and mice and how those vibrations relate to snakes’ ability to detect them.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I hope to earn a master’s degree in environmental science and microbiology. I haven’t decided exactly what career I want to pursue after graduate school, but I’m looking forward to continuing to explore my interests.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
I’m proud of serving as a New Student Guide for the class of 2029 and getting to see my students flourish throughout their first year. I watched them find their own paths, become involved in organizations and make Dickinson’s community their own. Most importantly, I was able to offer advice, be someone they could connect with and become a friend to them.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Learn to say no when you’re busy. I love staying involved and used to feel that free time meant I wasn’t using my time effectively, but I’ve learned that taking time away from commitments and extracurriculars is necessary. Staying involved is important, but so is knowing when to prioritize your well-being.
On founding the Pickleball Club:
I founded the Pickleball Club on campus, which has been one of the toughest things I’ve done outside of academics at Dickinson. There were a lot of moving parts, deadlines and interested students depending on me, but I’m proud to have contributed something lasting to Dickinson that I hope continues to grow long after I graduate.
Clubs and organizations:
Student Senate, Admissions Ambassador, Social Media Influencer, Environmental Studies Majors Committee, New Student Guide, Eta Sigma Phi, Food Advisory Committee, Club Pickleball executive board, Club Volleyball, Club Tennis and Club Squash.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
New Student Guide Award (2026) and Eta Sigma Phi Honor Society.
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Published October 8, 2026