Jack Benci

Award-Winning Chemistry and Drug-Discovery Researcher, Educator & Management Consultant

Biography

I’m a scientist, educator, and consultant with extensive experience across applied chemistry, computational research, and data-driven problem solving, working at the intersection of science, strategy, and real-world impact.

My scientific background spans experimental and analytical chemistry, computational modelling, and research translation, with experience applying rigorous quantitative methods to complex, ambiguous problems. I’ve led and contributed to research projects involving data analysis, modelling, validation, and interpretation — building structured workflows that turn raw scientific data into defensible insights. This research mindset underpins everything I do: hypothesis-driven thinking, evidence-based decision making, and a strong emphasis on accuracy, reproducibility, and outcomes.

In parallel, I’ve applied my scientific and analytical skillset within management consulting contexts, advising on strategy, operations, service design, and performance measurement across education and consumer services. I’m particularly effective in roles that require translating technical complexity into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.

I bring a rare combination of deep scientific training, structured problem solving, and stakeholder-focused communication. I’m motivated by opportunities where rigorous analysis, strategy, and social impact intersect — particularly within consulting, transformation, and science-led advisory roles.

Projects

  • An affordable, in-silico approach for investigating pharmaceutical applications of the marine natural products, the Axinellamines, against Mycobacterium tuberculosis targets.

    My honours project developed an automated computational pipeline for protein–ligand docking and binding-affinity prediction, combining large-scale AutoDock Vina screening with machine-learning models trained on physicochemical descriptors. The work focused on scalability and reproducibility, enabling hundreds to thousands of compounds to be processed efficiently while demonstrating how docking data can be repurposed to predict interactions for new ligand libraries. Overall, the project bridges computational chemistry and data science, with direct applications in early-stage drug discovery and biotech screening platforms.

  • Ready for Uni: Chemistry

    Second author on an open-access chemistry textbook an educational resource aimed at upcoming first-year students – specializing in the areas of physical chemistry, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and atomic theory. Also produced online videos to assist students in their understanding of complex chemistry topics. Utilized experience with learning management systems to integrate interactive content for students.

  • Methodologies for Extracting gamma-emitting radionuclides from marine enviornments

    Invited by the Australia Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to undergo a Work Integrated Learning project. The project involved researching modifications to the currently utilised Caesium Extraction Unit (CEU). The use of potassium copper/nickel hexacyanoferrate-coated cartridges in series were found to successfully extract 5 gamma-emitting radioisotopes at acceptable levels - with further research to progress in the foreseeable future. This research was later presented at the Australasia Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) conference.

  • Brilliant Bubbles

    Over the COVID-19 pandemic I designed and developed a unique bubble formula that produces bubbles meters in lengths and lasting upwards of 2 minutes (in ideal conditions). Oversaw the training of staff to continue operations and production in my absence. Key member of strategic team overseeing deployment and roll-out of the product nationwide. Commercial success with high ROI, enabling business operations to continue under pandemic conditions and lockdowns.

  • New List Item

    Consultant on Indigenous Academic interests and achievements in the 2024-2025 Indigenous Student Success plan within the RMIT Library, Ngarara Willim and beyond.

  • Developing cheminformatics platforms: implementation of a cloud-hosted natural product repository'

    Alongside my honours work, I co-authored Developing cheminformatics platforms: implementation of a cloud-hosted natural product repository, which focused on the design and implementation of scalable, cloud-based infrastructure for storing, curating, and querying natural-product chemical data. The project emphasised accessibility, data standardisation, and integration with computational chemistry workflows, supporting downstream applications such as virtual screening, molecular analysis, and AI-assisted drug discovery. This work reflects my interest in bridging cheminformatics, software platforms, and practical research enablement.

Testimonials

  • Anna Bicknell

    Senior Coordinator Continuous Improvement

    ”Jack's enthusiasm and ability to connect with students enabled him to support students with their studies, and have an impact on their academic skills. Jack was also one of the key writers to a foundational chemistry book our team developed for first year students. He consistently delivered high quality work that was engaging. In addition, he worked well with the team and was able to uplift and support the development of videos and interactive elements, skills which saw him become an essential and highly valued member of the writing team.”

  • Professor Sylvia Urban

    Program Manager (Bachelor of Science)

    “Jack is an exemplary leader with a natural gift in the art of science communication. He is no ordinary student…. It is rare to come across a student like Jack who has a very strong academic track record but is particularly memorable for all his leadership attributes. As an alumni of RMIT he was already ‘paying it back’ to the next generation of students in STEM whilst he was an undergraduate student and his passion continues unwaveringly… He is not only a magnificent ambassador for STEM but also for bridging two disciplines to carve out his own pathway”

  • Dr Andrew Hung

    Senior Lecturer (Applied Chem & Environmental Science)

    "Jack is an exceptionally high academic achiever and has demonstrated a strong capacity and passion for scientific research in his chosen field. Beyond academia, Jack has shown a remarkable commitment to the university community, serving as a mentor to other students and as an exemplary ambassador for the university's promotional and outreach activities."

  • Brendan Hillary

    Specialist Technical Officer

    "Jack is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient mentor for many students during their academic journey. He has an excellent analytical mind and always looks to find the right answer to a problem. Above all, he has an instinctive way of passing this knowledge to students, leading them not only to the correct solution, but also providing a reusable method for obtaining this information on their own."

  • Lachlan Wills

    Student

    "Jack has been a huge support for students at the Ngarara Willim centre, helping many of my friends and I with writing, Excel, and research.

  • Matthew Mills

    Learning Designer

    “Jack brings so much energy and enthusiasm to what he does. He has a great attitude, and he loves to collaborate and innovate.”Description goes here

  • Dr. Durga Dharmadana

    Lecturer of Pharmaceutical Sciences

    "Jack brings a rare combination of creativity, integrity, and expertise to everything he does. I had the pleasure of working with him on a Pressbook for Chemistry, and even at an early stage in his career, his enthusiasm and innovative thinking were truly inspiring."

  • Beth Louise

    Office Administrator

    “Jack’s willingness to take on new challenges and the enthusiasm he puts into his work is a credit to him. At such a young age, Jack shows fore thought and a unique ability to create and display any ideas that he comes up with. Jack willingly accepts any challenge or task he is given and does so with maturity and a positive attitude.”

  • Liesel Green

    Assistant Director of Radiochemistry

    “Jack completed a research project at ARPANSA within the radiochemistry laboratory in 2023. His work significantly advanced our marine radionuclide monitoring methods. He also presented his findings enthusiastically at the Australasian Radiation Protection Society’s conference, representing ARPANSA and RMIT in a warm and professional manner. “

  • William McClure

    Indigenous Project Officer

    “Jack is a valuable member of the Ngarara Willim Team. In his role as a general tutor, he demonstrates attentiveness, open-mindedness, and a strong understanding of our students' needs. Jack consistently maintains a professional demeanor while ensuring a culturally safe environment and offering a friendly, approachable attitude toward our students.”

  • Jakov Neil Adams

    “Having Benci as my math teacher has been an incredible experience. He has a unique way of mixing personal connection with everyday learning while making the entire class engaging and genuinely enjoyable. He puts effort into connecting with every student, creating an environment where learning feels truly fun and natural. I especially appreciate how open and approachable Jack is. His teaching style is creative, intuitive and super easy to understand and relate to regardless of skill level. He teaches with multiple perspectives on every problem and can make even the hardest of topics easier to understand. Above all, I appreciated having Jack as a teacher who felt more like a friend, someone I could express myself around freely without any fear of being judged.”