Phillip Rivera

Dr. Phillip Rivera is a behavioral neuroimmunologist who began his faculty appointment in Macalester College’s Department of Biology in summer of 2023. Phillip’s mission at Macalester College is to foster curiosity in basic research by providing safe-space environments in the classroom and research laboratory for students and faculty. Phillip aims to communicate the value of family and friends, to continually learn from the people he meets and respectfully mentor all who are interested. Dr. Rivera’s research is driven by a fundamental question, “what can influence memories?” Despite 2000 and 2014 Nobel Prizes being awarded for expanding our understanding of how neurons impact learning and memory, he believes researchers are only observing the tip of this iceberg. For instance, while researchers are at the early stages of understanding how to create and interfere with a memory, we still do not know what a memory is. By understanding what can influence previously learned memories, we can better understand what a memory is and how to treat neurological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction to drugs of abuse such as opiates, THC and alcohol. Immune responses are implicated in altering learning and memory, therefore Phillip is currently interested in understanding how microglia, immune cells in the brain, are involved in learning and memory processes related to addiction. Students interested in learning more about behavioral neuroimmunology are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Rivera.

BS: New Mexico State University, 2005

MS: New Mexico State University, 2008

PhD: UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2015