Logan Riffey, a native of Berkeley Springs, is set to graduate with degrees in psychology and biology. He is an Honors Foundations Scholar, having completed the Honors Foundations program. He and other scholars were honored during a special ceremony on May 11
Riffey made his mark on campus through academics, leadership and service, especially with respect to student mental health. He served as co-president of Active Minds WVU, president of Psi Chi, an international psychology honorary, vice chair of the Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force and co-chair of the Wellness & Mental Health Student Advisory Board. He was also the Legislative Affairs Liaison for Student Government Association.
Riffey also conducted undergraduate research as a member of the Brain, Behavior and Addiction Lab under Mariya Cherkasova, assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. His research centered on the use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental illnesses.
In the fall of 2023, he will pursue a master's in neuropsychology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
Share with us one of your most impactful Honors College experiences.
I always looked forward to my honors courses. Whether they were book studies, an honors add-on to an insightful class, or a course developed through the Honors College, I always had fantastic experiences with the professors and felt as if the most inspiring learning experiences happened in there.
What is your favorite memory of your time at WVU?
My most memorable experiences at WVU were during the three SGA campaigns I participated in. During each campaign, I became close friends with folks who I only had just met a few weeks earlier. We forged strong bonds centered around the same goal: making WVU a home for all its students. I cherish the memories of heading to my friends' apartments after class to put our heads together for the best strategy to not only win but also to forge the greatest ideas for how we can implement good policies to benefit our peers.
What are your points of pride, accomplishments or the skills you developed that you are proud of most?
I am incredibly proud to have been involved with the Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force and the Wellness and Mental Health Student Advisory Board as they both were just getting picked up off the ground. As a founding member and vice chair of the Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force and co-chair of the Wellness and Mental Health Student Advisory Board, I had opportunities to build relationships with students, staff, faculty, and administration for a common goal of improving the mental health outcomes of students on campus. Both student groups have been successful, and I am happy to have been a driving force in their efforts.
What is one thing you learned about yourself during your time at WVU?
I learned that I have a passion for research that I never realized before. I was never one to enjoy competing in social and science fair projects, but now I just cannot wait to present my research findings at poster sessions. When I first arrived at WVU, I was set on going to medical school. But, I joined a summer research program, and I soon realized that the process of conducting research was too fulfilling to take a step back for hours of clinicals. Now, I am well on my way to pursuing a career in research that I love.
What advice would you give to future WVU students?
Never stop chasing your horizons. There will always be a chance to do more at WVU, and becoming involved outside the classroom will be the most rewarding experience of your undergraduate years. It may be uncomfortable to begin with, but as time goes by you'll feel right at home, bittersweet to ever leave.