From Binghamton to behavioral neuroscience

When Rastafa Geddes ’98 reflects on his time at Binghamton University, he credits the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) as the foundation of his academic and professional success. Arriving from New York City in 1994, Geddes joined the EOP cohort — a decision that would change the trajectory of his life.

Although he initially gravitated toward political science, it was a psychology course that sparked a new passion. That discovery opened doors to opportunities that broadened his horizons. Through EOP, Geddes became a Ronald E. McNair Scholar in 1995, served as a mentor, completed an undergraduate honors thesis and ultimately graduated with a bachelor of science.

His involvement in several different federally and state-funded opportunity programs formed a powerful support system for Geddes and the basis for his Binghamton experience.

“EOP, McNair Scholars Program and TRIO — that was the trinity. But it was a family, a community,” he said.

The three support programs worked hand-in-hand to create a network that nurtured his curiosity and gave him the confidence to ask questions and seek answers.

Faculty and staff also played a pivotal role in shaping his path. EOP mentors such as Michael Boyd, Louis Del Valle, Vanessa Young and Wes Van Dunk challenged him to take responsibility and seize opportunities. Geddes recalled an exact moment with Boyd that changed his mindset about his education.

“Mike Boyd, man. I started taking EOP seriously because he spoke to me directly, sat me down and told me to make a choice. That EOP community was able to help me navigate the life aspects of college.”

During his time within the McNair Scholars Program, Geddes worked primarily with former director David Cingranelli.

“David went above and beyond for me as a student,” Geddes said.

Inspired by his experience within the McNair Scholars program, Geddes has gone on to serve as a McNair Scholar mentor and works directly with Paul McNair — the brother of founder Ronald E. McNair — to support the program and the students that it serves. Additionally, Geddes is part of a committee working to gather as many McNair Scholars alumni as possible, either in person or digitally, to celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary.

After graduating from Binghamton, Geddes pursued advanced degrees at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, earning a master’s in 2001, and a PhD in behavioral neuroscience in 2010. His career has spanned postdoctoral research at Emory University and the University of Wisconsin, entrepreneurship in biotechnology and teaching in forensics. Despite personal challenges, including health setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, Geddes has continued to innovate and give back.

Geddes goes by “Dr. RAS.” The acronym stands for “Really A Scientist.” He uses the moniker to help inspire children in Atlanta to pursue STEM opportunities. He founded the Geddes Neural Network Global Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educational support and STEM engagement, and launched Geddes Dollars, an initiative to empower small businesses and nonprofits. Today, he remains deeply involved in STEM outreach through programs like Science ATL while pursuing cutting-edge research in brain-computer interface technology.

Through it all, the lessons of EOP remain central to his mission. The program gave him the tools to succeed academically, the confidence to lead and the resilience to overcome adversity. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of opportunity, mentorship and community.

His advice for current and future EOP students is simple.

“Live in the now and plan for the future,” Geddes said. “Think about what you want the future to be and make it happen.”