Hometown: Grandview, WA
Major: Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology
Expected graduation date: Spring 2027
Eric Arreola’s path to neuroscience began with a simple question: why do people think and behave the way they do? A neuroscience major with a minor in psychology from Grandview, Washington, Arreola will graduate in spring 2027 and has spent his time at Washington State University and in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience exploring how experiences and environments become wired into the brain. Through research in multiple labs and close mentorship with faculty across the discipline, he is building a foundation for a future career that bridges scientific discovery and patient care.
What initially drew you to your major?
I have always been fascinated by human behavior: why do people think, feel, and act the way they do? Initially, this drew me to the major of psychology, which is what I started off as. As I moved through my psychology courses, I wondered what lay beneath the patterns we studied. I realized that I was no longer searching only for explanations of behavior but for the origins of those behaviors within the brain itself. That shift moved me from simply observing what people do to trying to understand how experiences and environments become wired into the brain over time. This led me to change my major to neuroscience.
Who has been the most influential mentor or professor during your time at WSU?
I don’t think I can, in good faith, name a singular professor who has been the most influential to me here during my time at WSU as there have been several. In no particular order, these have been the best professors and mentors:
Dr. Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe: for her belief in me to be a good addition to her lab (my first research experience). Under her, I’ve managed to present a project at SURCA and gain valuable experience.
Dr. Lisa Fournier: for introducing me to the vast world of attention, perception, and performance. She has been so supportive in not only my research endeavors in her lab, but in future career and other opportunities. She is always pushing her students to be their best.
Dr. Sergio Hidalgo-Sotelo: for allowing me to have my first “wet” lab experience. I’ve truly learned so much working in his lab and continue to learn so many new things every day. He lets me learn and grow from my mistakes to ultimately become a better scientist.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU?
This circles back to the last question. I’ve worked under Dr. Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe in the Neuropsychology & Aging lab, Dr. Lisa Fournier in the Attention, Perception, and Performance lab, and Dr. Sergio Hidalgo-Sotelo in the Seasonal Brain lab.
Doing research here at WSU has been vital in allowing me to grow and more understand the great field of neuroscience. It has helped me actually apply the material I learn in class to the real world and see actual impact. It has also helped me reaffirm my future career goals.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in a field within the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I’d tell them to pay attention to what genuinely excites them, because that spark is what carries you through the tougher parts of the major. For me, the moment I realized how much I loved understanding the science, not just the hands-on work, but the physiology and problem-solving, everything clicked. It’s a challenging path, but staying curious, and being open to all the different directions any major in the college can take you makes it incredibly rewarding.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
The nature and scenery (especially the rolling hills). Though the hills can get annoying when walking to class feels like a treacherous hike up Mt. Everest, they are still beautiful (especially during sunset).
What are your post-graduation plans?
I hope to obtain an MD-PhD and get to see both the process of my research and its (hopefully) subsequent implementation in medical practice. I’m motivated by the idea of not only conducting research but also seeing how those findings can ultimately improve patient care. WSU does a great job at being a big university but still maintains the small, community-like feel, which is helping me achieve these career goals. It’s easier to talk to professors and get more individualized attention which has helped me build connections, even beyond the university.
What hobbies or extracurricular activities have you enjoyed at WSU?
I have enjoyed several extracurricular activities here at WSU. Tutoring in math and science through the ASCC has been especially rewarding, as it has strengthened my understanding of the material while allowing me to support other students. Outside of academics, I have recently been trying to be more active, which helps me manage stress, stay disciplined, and remain focused during challenging semesters. I have also engaged in student advocacy and policy-focused work, which has strengthened my analytical skills and sense of civic responsibility.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I am a huge mac and cheese connoisseur! The best mac and cheese I’ve had has been made here in Pullman with Cougar Gold.