Riley Figueroa

When and how did you realize that you wanted to study Genetics?

I had loved science for a long time, but my interest in Genetics didn’t come until a bit later. It wasn’t until I started taking introductory level biology classes that I came to understand the vast variety of research Genetics encompassed. In my first genetics course, I actually struggled quite a bit.  I used to think it was something I didn’t like. It wasn’t until I took other classes that I began to love Genetics. I started exploring academic papers concerning research in the genetics field and realized the vast variety of research that genetics encompassed.

Why did you choose the Genetics PhD program at A&M?

It was Texas A&M that actually led me to apply to graduate school for the application cycle that I did. After researching the program, professors, and research offered, I knew immediately that Texas A&M is where I wanted to pursue my doctoral degree. Later during the symposium and campus visit, my desire to attend Texas A&M’s genetics program was reaffirmed.

If you were free to choose anything, what research question/topic would you like to address for your graduate studies?

If I were free to choose anything, I would love to study the molecular mechanisms that regulate inherited diseases’ pathology.

Fun Facts:

Do you have any pets? If so, please tell us about them.

I have a dog, Kashi, who has a unique personality to say the least. Despite being only 3 years old, her calm demeanor leads many people assume she’s an “old gal” or “old soul”. Her favorite things include napping, exploring the outdoors, and getting attention. During our latest hike, she combined all three of her favorite things by napping in the middle of a hiking path. She gained the concern of many hikers passing by, who asked about her wellbeing and age.

This is a picture of us on one of our easier “hikes”

Favorite place you have travelled to.

My favorite place I travelled to was China. I was able to explore many different places there, my favorite being Shanghai’s Disneyland.