2011-12: Played in 17 games as a freshman, including three during NCAA tournament … career-high three points in NCAA tournament semifinal against Wisconsin-Whitewater (3/16).

Off The Court at MIT: Majoring in chemical engineering and materials science and engineering … minor in economics … internship with TETRA Technologies, Inc. testing silicate polymer insulated paker fluids for deepwater applications; corrosion testing for wellbore stability; full lab certification training … internship at ETZONE-Computer Network Consulting Company managing information system … research as SSTP Scholar at the University of Iowa - synthesized, purified and characterized fluorescent nanoparticles (quantum dots) and wrote research findings and presented to UI staff and graduate students … research with Garcia Research Scholars at Stony Brook University-synthesized copolymer blends and analyzed compatibility and wrote research findings and presented to SBU staff and graduate students … Lambda Chi Alpha …  coached local 9th grade boys basketball team to 2nd place finish … Science Bowl President … worked at St. Edwards Church, supervising eight ushers and three alter servers … Discover Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (DEAPS) in Yellowstone National Park.

High School: Attended Woodlands College Park High School … Montgomery County Scholar Athlete … Texas All-State Basketball Team … SSTP Scholar … Garcia Research Scholar … National AP Scholar … National Merit Finalist … various Science Fair awards … National Honor Society … National Society of High School Scholars.

Personal: Son of William E. and Sophie Bender … brother Billy was a member of the MIT men’s basketball team … holds dual citizenships in the US and Belgium.