Jennifer Bennett, Ph.D., graduated with a B.S. in biology and chemistry from La Roche College, a M.S. in biological sciences and a Ph.D. in biological sciences (concentration in microbial genetics/cell and molecular biology) from Duquesne University. She then performed a teaching post-doctoral fellowship at Juniata College, where she was the von Liebig Scholar of Biology.

Bennett is currently professor and Chair of the Department of Biology & Earth Science at Otterbein University, where she maintains an interest in innovative teaching strategies, especially in the area of integrating scientific research into the undergraduate curriculum. Her research focuses on the identification and characterization of new genes involved in bacterial development and antibiotic production.