Hello!
I am a neuroscientist, professor and science communicator. Working towards a world where science is accessible to everyone is important to me and I am an advocate for open education, improving public trust in science and promoting scientific and media literacy.
Scientific Journey
I grew up in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Montana and received Bachelor’s degrees in cellular biology and psychology from the University of Montana. I moved to New England to pursue a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Vermont. There, I worked in the lab of Dr. Bryan Ballif, using biochemical and proteomic approaches to study protein interactions critical to neurodevelopment. In collaboration with Dr. Alicia Ebert, I also investigated the role these proteins play in vertebrate development using zebrafish as a model.
After earning my PhD, I moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to join the lab of Dr. Kota Mizumoto as a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of British Columbia. There, I used genetic techniques and microscopy to study how synapses are formed during nervous system development.
I am now a Professor of Life Sciences at Quest University, a liberal arts college and primarily undergraduate institution in British Columbia, Canada. Here, I enjoy exploring the fields of neuroscience, biology and science communication with my students.
Riley St Clair, PhD
Professor of Life Sciences
Recent Talks & Engagements
“How to Transition from Academia to a Science Writing Career”
Panel Co-Organizer
Population, Evolutionary & Quantitative Genetics PEQG22 Annual Meeting
“Conference Success Tips” and “Getting Involved in Early Career Professional Development“
American Association for the Advancement of Science
2022 Annual Meeting
Judge, Student Symposium
University Evening Lecture 2021
“Talking science: How we can use our knowledge to make an impact”
Making Science Accessible to All:
Science Communication
Engaging communities with interactive hands-on learning activities to foster curiosity and critical thinking.
Promoting practices to navigate this information-rich world and confidently judge the accuracy of information.
Volunteering with programs that increase girls’ exposure to science and empower them to follow their dreams.
Science and Media Literacy:
Select Posts and Articles
- How to Separate Fact from Fiction in the News
Websites that promote inaccurate and false information can look legitimate. Use lateral reading by leaving the website to evaluate the trustworthiness of a website. What is lateral reading? Check outContinue reading “How to Separate Fact from Fiction in the News” - How can Oxygen be Produced on Mars? Meet MOXIE
Happy Landiversary to the Mars Perseverance rover! One year ago last week, on February 18, 2021 the rover made touchdown and started its mission of searching for signs that microbialContinue reading “How can Oxygen be Produced on Mars? Meet MOXIE” - Discovery of Neuronal Growth Cones in the 1890s
Over 130 years ago, the neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal discovered amoeboid-like structures at the tips of axons of developing neurons. He called this structure ‘cono de creminiento’ or ‘growthContinue reading “Discovery of Neuronal Growth Cones in the 1890s”
Connect with Me
I am available for collaborations and speaking engagements. For science outreach/communication inquires, speaking invitations or collaborations,
reach out on social media or email.
Riley St. Clair, PhD 