A Meaningful Mission

Rachel Suppok '16

by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson

An inherited predisposition to Alzheimer's disease led to a meaningful mission for neuroscience major and John Dickinson Scholar Rachel Suppok '16.

Major:

Neuroscience.

Clubs and organizations:

German Club, ASL Club, Alpha Lambda Delta, Dickinson Science Magazine.

Favorite place on campus: 

My favorite place to study is in Rector, in the study nooks or by the back windows overlooking the train tracks. I love all of the windows and natural lighting. 

On choosing a major:

During my second semester I took Psychology of Brain and Behavior with Professor Meredith Rauhut, and I realized that a neuroscience major fit with my interests in a wide range of subjects, including biology, chemistry and psychology.

As a kid, I wanted to be . . .

When I was about 4 years old I decided that I wanted to be a firefighter. That dream was short-lived.  I then thought that I would be a veterinarian. During middle school, I briefly wanted to become an author.

On coming to Dickinson:

Dickinson met all of my main requirements for a college: right size, right state, right majors. Then, after being accepted and visiting campus, I decided it also had the right feeling. (Also, a generous scholarship and financial-aid package didn't hurt.)

My biggest influence:

I know it sounds cliché, but I'm going to say it anyway—my parents. They taught me to be kind and respectful and to always maintain a good sense of humor.

Post-Dickinson plans:

I hope to attend graduate school and pursue either a master's degree in genetic counseling or a Ph.D. in neuroscience. I am interested in research pertaining to the diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system, particularly Alzheimer's disease, in part because of a history of the disease in my family.  

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