WACO, Texas — A Baylor University professor was named a 2025 KEEN Rising Star by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), a national community of engineering programs that fosters entrepreneurial growth, on Friday.

Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics Mary Lauren Benton, Ph.D., is one of three faculty nationwide to receive the honor in 2025.

The KEEN Rising Star recognition celebrates engineering educators who promote curiosity, creativity and connections among their students.

Benton teaches at Baylor University's School of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Engineering with an entrepreneurial mindset helps students see beyond a single assignment to the people and problems they can impact,” Benton said. “I’m grateful for this recognition and for colleagues and students w

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