Benis earned his M.D. degree at the University of California - Irvine in 1996. Following an internship at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, and a Radiology Resident at the University of Utah Medical Center, he lived in Salt Lake City for several years, and settled in the beautiful Seattle area. In 2003, Ben founded Lightscape Gallery as an online medium to both share and sell his images.   He has been actively displaying his work in numerous venues in the Seattle area.  Several stunning pieces are displayed in the Chemistry Department.  Benis is a graduate of Earl Warren High School in Downey, California.