Gigi Ruiz
Major & Minor
Major: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
Minor: Biochemistry and Music
Hometown
Phoenix, AZ
How’d you choose your major/minor?
I have been fascinated by the brain ever since my first seizure when I was 6 years old! I was fascinated by the technology used and from then on, I wanted to study neuroscience. As I got older, I realized there was a huge potential for exploration, research, and innovation in the field of neuroscience, and the University of Arizona's NSCS department was the perfect place to learn the fundamentals. My minor in biochemistry was essential built into my NSCS degree plan, but I chose to minor in music because it has always been a huge part of my life and music is surprisingly impactful on the brain, to the point where it is used for brain rehabilitation!
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is ENR2! It is at the very edge of campus and it covered in beautiful greenery. In Tucson, you see so many dry plants and there isn't a lot of green, so going to ENR2 is a wonderful oasis within walking distance. There is also a cafe inside the building, which means you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and appreciate the nature.
What has been the highlight of your college career thus far?
My highlight of college was taking PSY 313: Drugs in the Brain. I took this class my freshman year and it inspired me to take a deep dive into neuropharmacology. The following semesters, I started working in a lab studying addiction to stimulants and opiates and had the opportunity to take a few graduate courses. PSY 313 was a jumping off point and it is still my favorite course I have taken at the university, especially because of the instructor, who was absolutely hilarious.