Riley Behan-Bush

Mac Smash! How PCBs Turn Immune Cells into Monsters

Riley, originally from Davenport, IA, earned her undergraduate degree in Materials Engineering from Iowa State University. While she enjoyed the problem-solving of engineering, she sought a career with a more direct impact on people’s lives, leading her to the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).  Now in her sixth year of the combined MD/PhD program, Riley is conducting graduate research in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under Dr. James Ankrum. Her work, part of the Iowa Superfund Research Program, focuses on understanding the effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure on the development of metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. The goal of Riley’s research is to provide a deeper understanding of how factors beyond our control influence metabolic diseases. She also hopes her research will enhance remediation efforts and inform policy to prevent further environmental contamination. Outside of the lab, Riley enjoys spending time with her husband, Thomas, and dog, Phoebe, as well as socializing with friends, reading, traveling, and staying active by running, strength training, hiking, playing pickleball, and more.

Riley Behan-Bush
Program
Biomedical Engineering