Scientist
Imaging informatics
CT biomarkers, epidemiology, AI workflows, and translational data science.
Radiology data science • science communication • improv
Science that makes complex ideas feel human.
Ben Rush, PhD, MPH is an informatics data scientist at UW–Madison Radiology who turns imaging data, AI workflows, and scientific stories into projects people can understand, use, and build on.
His work moves between CT biomarkers and population health, applied improv and team science, podcasting and public conversations—always with a focus on rigor, clarity, warmth, and creative momentum.
CT biomarkers
Radiology AI
Applied improv
Science communication
Improviser
Creative collaboration
Longform performance, ensemble-building, and comfort with uncertainty.
Educator
Workshops that stick
Interactive sessions that help teams communicate with confidence and warmth.
Communicator
Stories with structure
Podcasting, public speaking, and science translation that respects the audience.
Featured work
Projects that show how Ben builds things.
These highlights are not just accomplishments. They show a pattern: rigorous science, ambitious comedy, community infrastructure, and learning environments that help other people grow.
Performance / community
Amalgam Improv Second Anniversary at Bartell Theatre
A marker that Ben can turn a local indie idea into a real arts-community institution: a major Madison theater night that still includes a jam, audience access, and independent teams.
View eventResearch
OSCAR multicenter CT biomarker survival prediction
A signal of Ben’s scientific lane: multi-site imaging informatics that turns routine CT scans into carefully harmonized, externally tested, population-level risk prediction work.
Explore scienceFestival / production
Big Honey’s Little Improv Festival
Built to inspire independent teams: a low-barrier festival model that gives performers a stage, shows what small teams can create, and makes the local scene feel possible.
View festivalDigital tool / community
Largest improv group map in the world
Evidence that Ben builds infrastructure, not just events: a 2,000+ group discovery tool that helps improvisers find scenes, classes, shows, and communities anywhere.
Open mapPublication / award
CT body composition and systemic disease in 100,000+ patients
A peer-reviewed credibility marker for Ben’s research identity: large-scale AI-derived CT body composition work translated into clinically legible evidence and AJR recognition.
View DOIComedy / media
Jess McKenna Instagram video
A national-ambition signal for Amalgam and Ben’s comedy work: connecting a Madison indie improv project to a broader audience and the artists who shape the form.
Open InstagramWorkshop / science communication
Applied Improv for Scientists / Sci-prov
The clearest bridge between Ben’s worlds: performance tools turned into practical training for scientists who need presence, trust, clarity, and better ways to communicate.
View workshopsImprov learner hub
Listen, Watch, and Read resources from Amalgam
A teaching philosophy made visible: polished resource hubs that lower the barrier to learning, point people toward quality examples, and help improvisers keep growing between classes.
Selected recognition
Recent signals of momentum.
A few research, funding, and professional-development highlights that connect the science, methods, and public-facing work.
Publication recognition
Best of AJR 2025 – Multispecialty
Recognition connected to the AJR population-level CT body composition and systemic disease analysis.
Research support
Radiology IR&D pilot grant
Support for geospatial linking and mapping of CT-derived biomarkers, socioeconomic context, and healthcare access.
Career development
NIH Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program
Selected for NIH clinical research loan repayment support while continuing radiology data science work.
Explore the site
The many flavors of Ben Rush.
Jump into the area that best matches what brought you here—research collaboration, workshops, performance, or the broader story behind it all.
Origin story
Personal Story
How science, curiosity, humor, and teaching began to overlap.
Research & data
Science
Imaging informatics, publications, projects, and collaborative work.
Performance & play
Improv
Shows, training, and the creative practice that informs everything else.
Stories & audio
Podcasting
Projects that turn curiosity and conversation into engaging listening.
Bring Ben in
Workshops
Interactive sessions on science communication, teamwork, improv, and AI.
Experience
CV
Credentials, appointments, teaching, and downloadable materials.