Dr. Mark Benden

Benden National Academy of Inventors

Credentials
- PhD
- Certified Professional Ergonomist
- Department Head, Environmental and Occupational Health

Stats
- 60+ published works
- Over $15 million in research grants
- 35 years of experience in Ergonomics, occupational safety, and product design

Research and Consulting Interests
- Office & manufacturing ergonomics
- Patent litigation expert
- Occupational injury mitigation

Dr. Benden’s "Why"
I spent the first half of my 35-year career perfecting ways to reduce risk for workers, improve outcomes for companies and design products that would have a positive impact on people and their health. Then about 15 years ago I was able to leverage those experiences by teaching the next generation of EHS professionals how to do the same things. As a result, my true impact has grown exponentially as I try to continue my small personal contributions while seeing the multiplicative power of teaching others how they can write a story of their own impact.

Favorite project
Following several years of data collection from multiple elementary and high schools, research found that my standing desk design for students made a cognitive contribution along with reducing sedentary behavior for the children using them. A statistical analysis of the data demonstrated a reduction in the BMI projectile of elementary students that could have profound positive impacts on life expectancy and health. Teachers discovered my standing desks eased classroom management, allowing them to spend more time teaching. Millions of school children have used those same designs after they were commercialized with the Stand2Learn brand.