Benyshek
Daniel C. Benyshek
Daniel C. Benyshek, emeritus professor of anthropology, passed away on Feb. 11 after a valiant battle with brain cancer.
In spring 2024, Benyshek retired from a stellar academic career in medical anthropology after 23 years of distinguished service at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. His pioneering research on maternal and infant health and nutrition has advanced understanding of the developmental origins of health and disease. He explored the biocultural factors influencing diabetes and the role that developmental environments play in metabolic health. For much of his career, he worked in close partnership with Native American communities to better understand the health impacts of maternal diets. In recent years, his research focused on alternative, complementary, and integrative approaches to postpartum practices. This highly collaborative work has provided the birth community, scholarly and professional, with a better understanding of what drives health decisions in new mothers.
Benyshek authored more than 40 academic and professional publications. His passion and dedication made him a valued leader in his field, a respected figure among peers, and a cherished mentor to students.
He achieved the rank of professor in 2016 and served as chair of the Department of Anthropology from 2018-2023. He received his Ph.D. and master’s degree in anthropology from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado.
Benyshek was an avid adventurer. Outside of his scholarship and teaching, he found immense joy and challenge in the great outdoors. He was an accomplished technical climber, ice climber, and mountaineer and also enjoyed skiing, cycling, and fly fishing. He was a talented percussionist and began playing the drums in early childhood.
He left an indelible mark on the anthropology department and the College of Liberal Arts. His wisdom and friendship will be greatly missed. A tree was planted in his honor near John S. Wright Hall in spring 2024.
Benyshek is survived by his wife, Alyssa, professor of anthropology and vice provost for graduate education and dean of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Graduate College; daughter, Josie; his parents, Pat and Roger Benyshek; and sister, Rogene Patterson.
Donations can be made in Benyshek’s honor to two organizations he supported:
: He remains a patron for several children in Tanzania. He believed that education was a key to unlocking the world. He was a beloved friend to the Hadzabe community.
: He was a large supporter of this organization and was driven, all his life, by the power of scientific research and community action. The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.