Cooking For U
2025-CurrentCo-Founding the launch of a new app powered by applied AI. Managed the business side of the project, and assisted in coding aspects and bug testing.
Benjamin Roder
Data Scientist, Researcher, Entrepreneur
An entrepreneurial builder working at the intersection of data, research, and applied decision-making, focused on turning uncertainty into actionable insight.
Current Work
Active projects, experiments, and work demonstrating applied intelligence.
Lab Systems Builder
2025-CurrentDesigning, building, and testing laboratory oxygen sensor systems, integrating electrochemical sensors with microcontrollers. Contributing to expanded lab capabilities in material science research.
Sociology Data Scientist
2025-CurrentAnalyzing large sociological datasets using statistical and programming tools. Cleaned and merged over 10 years of data to build visualizations and summaries to support academic research.
Crystal Structure Visualization Model (XRD)
2025-CurrentUtilizing python programming to visualize XRD readings. Maintaining and refining features to allow for more indepth analysis.
Research Paper (2x)
2026-CurrentWriting analytical paper examining major scientific/technological development through critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, evaluating broader societal and global impact. Also writing additional paper on the significance of archival material to Lehigh's history.
"Aut inveniam viam aut faciam"
(I shall either find a way or make one)
Expertise
A comprehensive toolkit built through hands-on experience, academic rigor, and continuous learning.
Approach
Iterative Experimentation
Rapid prototyping and testing cycles to validate hypotheses and refine solutions through curiosity driven learning.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Leveraging quantitative analysis and statistical rigor to inform strategic choices and minimize uncertainty.
Interdisciplinary Integration
Combining insights from data science, research methodology, and business strategy for holistic problem-solving.
Transparent Documentation
Maintaining clear records of processes, decisions, and learnings to enable reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
Skills
Programming
- Python
- R
- SQL
- JavaScript
Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Visualization
- Feature Engineering
Research
- Research Design
- Experimental Methods
- Academic Writing
- Peer Review
Business
- Product Strategy
- Market Analysis
- Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Planning
About
I thrive in ambiguity—not because I have all the answers, but because I have developed systematic approaches to finding them. My journey bridges data science, academic research, and entrepreneurship, driven by the belief that the best learning happens through doing.
Rather than waiting for perfect knowledge, I embrace iterative experimentation. Each project, whether a successful research publication or a failed startup attempt, contributes to a growing toolkit of methodologies and insights. This approach has taught me that failure is not the opposite of success—it is a critical component of the learning process.
My interdisciplinary background allows me to move fluidly between quantitative analysis, qualitative research, and strategic business thinking. I translate complex data patterns into actionable insights, design rigorous experiments to test hypotheses, and build products that solve real problems.
Beyond the technical work, I am passionate about documenting the journey—sharing both the victories and the setbacks transparently. This commitment to authentic growth creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and collective learning.
Core Values
Curiosity-Driven Learning
Embracing the unknown and transforming questions into systematic investigations through continuous exploration.
Iterative Excellence
Building expertise through repeated cycles of experimentation, failure analysis, and refinement.
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Connecting insights across data science, research, and entrepreneurship to solve complex problems.
Transparent Process
Documenting both successes and failures to contribute to collective knowledge and learning.
Contact
Whether you have a project idea, research opportunity, or just want to connect, I am always open to meaningful conversations.