Reiley Heffern

Reiley Heffern is from St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a minor in psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a student researcher in the King lab, where she investigated the inheritance of familial Alzheimer’s disease via the presenilin mutation in Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, she served as a peer advisor for STEM students, providing peer support during course registration, degree and career planning, transitioning to college, and more.

Outside of the University of Missouri, Reiley volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, providing support to texters facing mental health crises. She also volunteered at the Mid-Missouri Ronald McDonald House, supporting families whose children were hospitalized at local healthcare facilities.

In her free time, Reiley enjoys long walks with friends, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and capturing her life through her digital camera.