Benjamin Ondeck '24

During his three years at UNCW, Benjamin Ondeck ’24 took full advantage of all the university had to offer, from studying abroad in Scotland to participating in internships and research opportunities.   

“It was challenging at times to jump right into upper-level courses my first semester or squeeze four years of college experience into three, but I feel as if I made the most of the time while I was at UNCW,” said Ondeck, a biology major and neuroscience minor. “I feel very proud of the mark I left on the school and everything I have taken with me into my future endeavors.”   

Ondeck pursued all of his interests with enthusiasm, especially his enduring passion for biology. In 2023, he interned at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.  

“As a kid, my family would learn about sea turtle nesting season when we vacationed at the beach and when I found this opportunity, it reignited the excitement I had about the animal,” he said.  “While the patients weren’t human, it was still about caring for and ensuring the recovery of the sea turtles at the center.”   

Ondeck was inspired to get involved in UNCW’s CARE program after learning about it. The program assists students, staff and faculty who have been impacted by interpersonal violence. He served as a peer coordinator and a member of the peer collaboration committee and presented at a national conference on interdepartmental collaboration.  

“I learned how to more effectively communicate with others and address uncomfortable topics. I also was able to relate more to the people in my life and form stronger connections,” he said. “CARE has helped so many people, and the resources they offer are vital, so I feel very fortunate to have been a part of their office.”  

Ondeck earned his associate’s degree from Laurel Ridge Community College while finishing high school. He then became a pharmacy technician before beginning his studies at UNCW. While attending UNCW, he received the UNCW Distinguished Merit Scholarship and the Blue Scope Foundation of North America Scholarship. 

Before graduating, Ondeck interned at the Center for Genomic Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he assisted with bench and clinical research in neurological studies. He collaborated with leading physicians and sought opportunities with the lab after his internship.   

“I now work as a clinical research coordinator, and I love being able to form connections with our patients and researchers as I support a natural history study for a rare genetic vasculopathy,” Ondeck added.   

He recently presented at the Multisystemic Smooth Muscle Dysfunction Syndrome Conference to physicians, scientists, and families affected by the condition. Ondeck hopes to continue to pursue his love for learning by applying to medical school.  

“My commitment to the health and well-being of my community will be strengthened in medical school, where I plan to build the foundation to support, advocate for, and care for young patients as a dedicated pediatric physician,” he said.