Neuroscience Program - Meet Riley

Riley’s experience with a health problem in high school inspired her to study neuroscience at Hope College.

“I was passed around from specialist to specialist and spent late nights reading whatever study related to my condition I could get my hands on,” the recent graduate explained. “I began to realize that for every answer we had about the nervous system, there were a hundred more that went unanswered.”

Through these studies, Riley fell in love with the beautiful complexity of the nervous system. “I started to crave answers to questions that didn’t even apply to my health,” she added. “I just wanted to know for knowledge’s sake.”

This led Riley ’24 to study both neuroscience and exercise science at Hope College. “I want to pursue research that will bridge the gap of both knowledge and communication between the two fields,” she said.

While at Hope, Riley developed a study with Dr. Andrew Gall titled "Circadian rhythms, light responsiveness, mitochondrial and behavioral impacts in a rotenone-induced Parkinsonian rodent model.” She plans on furthering her research by pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

She’s been deeply impressed by the excellence in the neuroscience program. “Every class was a space where questions and curiosity were rewarded,” she shared. “They provided me with a space to study and research my specific interest in movement disorders. The love and support I received from the program helped shape me into the person I am today.”

Riley is especially thankful for her mentors, Drs. Andrew Gall and Erika Calvo-Ochoa.

She recognizes the importance of donors like you. “I want to thank you with all my heart. This program is the epitome of groundbreaking and impactful. The world’s need for neuroscientists is profound, and your gifts are helping to shape the very best to go out into the field.”

Will you inspire the next generation of neuroscientists with your gift to the program today?