Ritika was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on her outstanding academic achievements, passion for science, and enthusiasm for neuroscience research. Throughout the summer, she has been conducting research in the Gan Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Li Fan, contributing to ongoing efforts to better understand the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.
Ritika is a rising senior at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Mathematical Sciences. She aspires to earn an MD-PhD and build a career as a neurologist and neuroscientist engaged in basic, translational, and clinical research.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, where she aims to apply mathematical and computational modeling techniques to better understand the brain’s structure and function. Ultimately, she hopes to translate these insights into new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
Outside the laboratory, Ritika enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music, watching movies, exploring new places, and volunteering in support of social and educational initiatives.
As part of the 2026 Appel Summer Scholar Program, Ritika will present her research during the program’s concluding symposium on July 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM in BB-901.
Please join us in welcoming Ritika to the Appel Institute and congratulating her on her accomplishments. We are delighted to have her as part of our research community and wish her continued success in her scientific journey.