Neuroscience major Victor Ruff is fascinated by the brain and the many questions researchers are still working to answer about how it functions. Drawn to topics ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cognitive development, he chose neuroscience for its flexibility and the broad range of career paths it can support. Ruff shared why he chose the major, what interests him most about the field, and where he hopes his degree will take him.
Why did you choose to major in neuroscience?
I chose to major in neuroscience because it gives me a solid background to choose a wide variety of post-graduate options where I could apply to med school, vet school, or a PhD program. In addition, I’ve always had an interest in the brain, particularly with mental disorders and diseases, such as Mad Cow Disease, which I find fascinating.
What do you find most interesting about neuroscience?
The most interesting aspect of the field to me is that there is still so much to learn about the myriad ways the brain functions. It’s a rapidly expanding field, and I would like to mention the recent discovery of optogenetics, which earned the Nobel Prize this year.
What topics within neuroscience are you most passionate about?
The concepts I’m most passionate about and interested in relate to cognitive development and neurodegenerative diseases, for example the long-term developmental effects of cannabis use.
What are your career goals after graduation?
My long-term goal is to complete a post-graduate program, and I’m leaning toward a DVM or PhD.
What advice would you give to incoming WSU students?
The biggest piece of advice I would give an incoming WSU student is to be proactive. While it’s a general life skill, I think incoming students should try their best to get involved with as many things as they are comfortable doing. Find out what you are interested and uninterested in, be it your major, people you meet, clubs, labs, etc. Simply exploring will set a good baseline for yourself.