Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Joe Ruff graduated from West Chester East High School in 2006. He is currently attending the University of Pittsburgh as a biological science major, and is a member of the University of Pittsburgh's Mens' Rugby Team.

Joe began working in Dr. Vieira's lab to learn about possible careers in his field of study, and is gradually adapting to the tasks assigned to him.  Joe is currently studying the relationship between oral cleft families and their increased risk of developing cancer. Joe expects to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010, and intends to continue on to medical school.