Benson Gao
Flushing
Summary
Motivated psychology undergraduate with a focus on animal behavior and hands-on experience in research design, data analysis, and science communication. Eager to contribute to projects involving behavioral observation and experimental studies.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President
Animal Behavior Club, Hunter College
01.2025 - Current
- Organize 3–4 guest lectures and workshops per semester to promote understanding of animal behavior and cognition.
- Coordinate with faculty and manage club communications and outreach to a membership of 40+ students.
Undergraduate Research Volunteer
Magnesco Laboratory, Rockefeller University
01.2024 - Current
- Develop detailed ethograms to categorize observed behaviors for cognition and animal behavior studies under faculty supervision.
- Code video observations, maintain organized datasets, and contribute to data collection and statistical analysis.
- Support the research team through literature reviews, data organization, and experimental preparation that advance ongoing projects.
Statistics Tutor
Hunter College
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Tutor 50+ students per semester in psychological statistics (ANOVA, t-tests, hypothesis testing) using JASP.
- Guide peers in APA-style reporting and data visualization to improve assignment quality and comprehension.
Education
B.A. - Psychology, Animal Behavior Focus
Hunter College (CUNY)
New York, NY05.2027
Skills
- Research & Behavioral Methods: Experimental design, ethogram creation, behavioral coding, inter-rater reliability, literature review, APA style writing
- Statistics & Analysis: JASP, SPSS (basic), Excel/Google Sheets; ANOVA, t-tests, effect sizes, data visualization
- Lab & Field Work: Animal handling basics, feeding and husbandry support, behavioral observation logs, enrichment design, experimental setup & preparation
- Communication & Teaching: Scientific writing, slide design, oral presentations, tutoring/peer mentoring in psychological statistics
Timeline
Vice President
Animal Behavior Club, Hunter College
01.2025 - Current
Undergraduate Research Volunteer
Magnesco Laboratory, Rockefeller University
01.2024 - Current
Statistics Tutor
Hunter College
01.2024 - 01.2025
B.A. - Psychology, Animal Behavior Focus
Hunter College (CUNY)