“Riley demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and deep curiosity about scientific questions. It is rare for an undergraduate to master complex techniques so quickly, making him one of the most outstanding students we’ve worked with.” – Ruixiang Wang, postdoctoral fellow

Hometown: Long Grove, Iowa

Faculty mentor/advisor: Catherine Marcinkiewcz, PhD, MS, associate professor of cellular and systems pharmacology, University of Florida

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: BS in biomedical sciences, Spring 2027

Riley McCoy studies how serotonin—a key regulator of mood and cognition—shapes brain health in alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. His work explores how disruptions in the brain’s serotonin network may link addiction to brain decline, offering insights that could guide future treatments.

“Research has changed the way I think,” says McCoy. “It has trained me to approach challenges like I do in the lab: step by step, with curiosity and persistence. It has also connected me with mentors and peers who push me to grow and opened doors to conferences and awards that have deepened my engagement within the academic community.”

McCoy’s contributions span projects on Alzheimer’s disease, social deficits in alcohol use disorder, and schizophrenia. His work has earned multiple honors, including an Iowa Presidential Scholarship, national awards from the Society for Neuroscience, and co-authorship on two manuscripts under revision—including an article for Nature, a top-tier scientific journal.

After graduation, McCoy plans to become a physician-scientist, combining patient care with research to translate discoveries into better treatments.