Cohort Year: 2023-24
Rieka earned her B.A. in Biology from Boston University in 2018 and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) in 2021 and 2023. For her dissertation she researched how pollinators mediate changes in plant mating patterns when land-use change and habitat loss occur. During her time in graduate school Rieka dedicated time to the Biology Graduate Student Association, supporting the graduate student community by fundraising student research grants and holding training workshops. She also spent time working with elementary and high schools through the Jennings-UMSL Mentorship Program, sharing the world of science with students and providing advice for career pathways after high school. As a MOST fellow, Rieka is excited to foster her passion for science and community service, working with legislators to help all Missourians.
