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:
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.
See more Student Snapshots.
Published January 30, 2014