rmpatel@caltech.edu
Class of 2026 | Computation & Neural Systems
Lake City, Florida

As a Research Ambassador, Ria hopes to help and motivate first-year students to find and prepare for SURFs as they embark on their research journey. She recalls that when she initially began searching for SURFs, she was concerned it would be an impossible challenge due to her having no prior research experience. Since then, Ria has completed a SURF project on strategies for addressing climate change at JPL with Dr. Jonathan Jiang. Ria has also completed a SURF project with Professor Colin Camerer on the behaviors that lead to risky decision-making in game theory and is continuing neuroeconomic research with him during the school year. In her free time, Ria loves photography, traveling, hiking, spending time with friends, and exploring new experiences around California!