Skylar Ruffner

Background

About Skylar Ruffner

I am an honors student at Florida State University, majoring in behavioral neuroscience, where my curiosity and drive have shaped my academic and extracurricular experiences. My passion for understanding the brain's influence on behavior has guided me through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on research opportunities. My involvement extends beyond academics to competitive athletics, where I was a member of the FSU Women’s Swimming and Diving team. In parallel with my athletic pursuits, I work as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Elizabeth Hammock’s social and developmental neuroscience lab. This role allows me to explore the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and development, contributing to meaningful research projects and gaining practical experience in the field. I also completed an honors thesis under Dr. Hammock’s guidance through the Honors in the Major program. Additionally, I volunteer as a research assistant in Dr. Lisa Eckel’s neuroscience lab. Ultimately, I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in neurobiology.