# Erika Alden DeBenedictis

> American synthetic biologist

**Wikidata**: [Q18149627](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18149627)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/erika-alden-debenedictis

## Summary
Erika Alden DeBenedictis is an American synthetic biologist and computer scientist known for her interdisciplinary work in computational physics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology. She gained early recognition as a winner of the Intel Science Talent Search in 2010 for her research on fuel-efficient space travel trajectories.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1992
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**:
  - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  - California Institute of Technology (Caltech), starting 2010
- **Known for**: Research in synthetic biology, computational physics, and molecular biology
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  - Harvard Medical School
  - Francis Crick Institute (as of 2024)
- **Field(s)**: Synthetic biology, computer science, molecular biology, computational physics

## Contributions
Erika Alden DeBenedictis has made significant contributions across multiple scientific disciplines. In 2010, she won the Intel Science Talent Search for her work on optimizing space travel trajectories, demonstrating her early prowess in computational physics. Her research has since expanded into synthetic biology and molecular biology, with affiliations at prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard Medical School, and the Francis Crick Institute. While specific publications or patents are not listed in the source material, her roles at these institutions suggest involvement in cutting-edge research. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science and biology, contributing to advancements in synthetic biology and computational modeling.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Erika Alden DeBenedictis known for?
A: Erika Alden DeBenedictis is known for her work in synthetic biology, computational physics, and molecular biology. She won the Intel Science Talent Search in 2010 for her research on fuel-efficient space travel.

### Q: Where did Erika Alden DeBenedictis study?
A: She studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), starting in 2010.

### Q: Where does Erika Alden DeBenedictis work?
A: As of 2024, she is affiliated with the Francis Crick Institute in London. She has also worked at MIT and Harvard Medical School.

### Q: What awards has Erika Alden DeBenedictis received?
A: She won the Intel Science Talent Search in 2010 for her research on space travel trajectories.

## Why They Matter
Erika Alden DeBenedictis represents the intersection of computer science and biology, driving innovation in synthetic biology and computational modeling. Her early recognition in the Intel Science Talent Search highlighted her potential, and her subsequent work at top-tier institutions like MIT, Harvard, and the Francis Crick Institute underscores her impact. By applying computational techniques to biological problems, she contributes to advancements that could revolutionize fields like medicine and biotechnology. Her interdisciplinary approach serves as a model for future scientists bridging multiple domains.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Intel Science Talent Search (2010) for research on fuel-efficient space travel.
- Affiliated with prestigious institutions: MIT, Harvard Medical School, and the Francis Crick Institute.
- Interdisciplinary work spanning synthetic biology, computer science, and molecular biology.
- Early recognition as a prodigious researcher in computational physics.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Erika Alden DeBenedictis was born in 1992. She attended the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) starting in 2010 and later studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her academic background laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary career.

### Career and Research
DeBenedictis has held positions at MIT, Harvard Medical School, and the Francis Crick Institute. Her research focuses on synthetic biology, molecular biology, and computational physics. In 2010, she won the Intel Science Talent Search for her work on optimizing space travel trajectories, showcasing her ability to apply computational methods to complex problems.

### Awards and Recognition
Her most notable award is the Intel Science Talent Search (2010), which recognized her innovative research in computational physics. This early achievement marked her as a rising star in scientific research.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Erika Alden DeBenedictis",
  "jobTitle": "Synthetic Biologist",
  "worksFor": [
    {"@type": "Organization", "name": "Francis Crick Institute"},
    {"@type": "Organization", "name": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology"},
    {"@type": "Organization", "name": "Harvard Medical School"}
  ],
  "nationality": {"@type": "Country", "name": "United States"},
  "birthDate": "1992",
  "alumniOf": [
    {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology"},
    {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "California Institute of Technology"}
  ],
  "knowsAbout": ["Synthetic Biology", "Computer Science", "Molecular Biology", "Computational Physics"],
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q[Wikidata_ID_if_available]",
    "https://www.erikadebenedictis.com/"
  ],
  "description": "American synthetic biologist and computer scientist known for interdisciplinary research in computational physics and molecular biology."
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pingme127001/)
2. [Source](https://www.media.mit.edu/people/erikad/overview/)
3. [Source](https://upclosed.com/people/erika-alden-debenedictis/)
4. [Source](https://genetics.med.harvard.edu/lab/church/eadbenedictis%20)
5. [Source](https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/erika-alden-debenedictis)
6. [Source](https://www.ted.com/talks/erika_debenedictis_strategies_for_fuel_efficient_space_travel)
7. [Source](http://www.scientistafoundation.com/student-spotlight-erika-debenedictis.html)
8. [Source](https://books.google.nl/books?id=VdUOGi9sUesC&pg=PT197&dq=%22Erika+Alden+DeBenedictis%22+-wikipedia&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFlvDlw4niAhUG4aQKHU33BjIQ6AEIMDAB#v=onepage&q=%22Erika%20Alden%20DeBenedictis%22%20-wikipedia&f=false)
9. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOMYLRygDkc)
10. [Source](https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/STS/2010/Program-Books/Finalist.pdf)