Marissa Hayes is a senior at Cornell University majoring in Neurobiology and Behavior with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Her research focuses on the connection between cardiovascular function and Parkinson’s disease, reflecting her broader interest in neuroscience and human physiology. Beyond the lab, Marissa serves as Co-President of The Steminist Movement at Cornell, where she leads initiatives to promote STEM education and mentorship for middle and high school girls.

Passionate about outreach and interdisciplinary learning, Marissa combines her background in neuroscience, psychology, and education to foster curiosity and confidence among young learners. At Ursa Majors, she brings her enthusiasm for science communication and mentorship to help make STEM more accessible and engaging for students of all backgrounds.