Neal Benjamin, DVM, is a swine veterinarian and geneticist, and PhD candidate in population genetics and evolutionary biology at the University of Illinois, where he is part of the PEEC (Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology) program. His research explores the genetic mechanisms underlying livestock health outcomes, including PRRS resilience phenotypes in swine, and mastitis susceptibility in Holstein dairy cattle. As the Senior Manager of Health Assurance at AcuFast, a swine breeding stock and genetics company, he oversees disease prevention, biosecurity, and risk management while supporting customer success.

Neal grew up on a family farm in central Illinois and has always been drawn to agriculture. He values practical solutions, self-reliance, and localism. Previously Neal spent time living and studying in Argentina, France, and Germany has an interest in foreign languages and cultures as well as transatlantic politics.