USC Natural Sciences Blog

We moved!

2011-07-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

Check out our new website, USC Dornsife College Hub for opportunities and events.

www.uscdornsifehub.com

Internship Programs Office Newsletter, 4/27/2011

2011-04-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

Redefining Our Youth Project Based Learning

2011-04-26T15:21:00.001-07:00

Email aaron@redefiningouryouth.org for more information.

2011 Joint International Conference and Expo of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists

2011-04-26T15:14:00.001-07:00

USC Undergraduate Science Journal

2011-04-26T15:12:00.001-07:00

The USC Undergraduate Science Journal (USJ) is a student run online publication that serves to highlight research projects here at the University, with an emphasis on research conducted by undergraduate students. We also cover research done by USC faculty and graduate students. Our goal is to promote scientific literacy by showcasing the pioneering research done at USC in way that is engaging and accessible to the entire USC community. We cover a broad range of the sciences, including the life sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, public health, and engineering. Our inaugural issue is now online so feel free to visit our website at uscusj.weebly.com!

If you're interested in becoming part of the USJ team next year, please email us at uscusj@gmail.com for more information and to receive an application.

Summer Research Opportunity in Behavioral and Evolutionary Genetics

2011-04-25T16:03:00.001-07:00

I am a PhD student looking to hire 1-2 undergraduates who are interested in animal behavior, neuroscience and/or evolutionary genetics. Undergraduates will work on several projects in these areas including the development of aggressive behavior and the neurobiology of learning.

We study the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster; undergraduates will be involved in rearing flies and measuring their aggressiveness and/or learning capabilities. There may also be opportunities to learn basic techniques in molecular biology. Students will read and discuss relevant papers from the scientific literature, and are also encouraged to participate in other Nuzhdin lab and MCB intellectual activities.

I work best with students who are independent, self-motivated, and interested in basic conceptual research. No prior coursework or research experience is necessary. You can choose a salary ($3000 for the summer if you work full time) or course credit. Students who work during the summer will likely to be able to continue working during the school year. We always have lots to do!

For more information, please send an email introducing yourself to Julia Saltz at jsaltz@usc.edu.

Thanks!

Gerontology Special Lecture: Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo

2011-04-25T16:02:00.001-07:00

Study Abroad Week Info Sessions

2011-04-25T15:59:00.001-07:00

Internship Programs Office Newsletter, 4/20/2011

2011-04-20T15:53:00.001-07:00

Bill Nye Will Now Take Your Questions

2011-04-20T15:47:00.001-07:00

Mon April 25, 7-10pm; SGM 123
Bill Nye is back! ACA is honored to bring Bill Nye back for the second time for USC students. Our beloved childhood hero is back to answer any questions you may have for him!

Bill Nye will give a short talk followed by Question and Answer from the audience! So, come prepared with questions!
FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194039363964625&ref=mf

Full-Time Paid Research Position at UCSD Child & Adolescent Services Research Center

2011-04-20T15:44:00.001-07:00

Gregory Aarons, Ph.D. of the University of California San Diego Psychiatry Department and Child & Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC) is currently seeking a research assistant to work on his research studies regarding implementation of evidence-based practice. The implementation of evidence-based practice into real-world human service settings is an important priority for improving the quality of services and outcomes for families. However, little is known about what factors facilitate or impede implementation, and how implementation of an evidence-based practice affects organizations and staff. Our lab investigates what it takes to effectively implement clinical practices in community-based settings. We focus on organization and policy factors that affect whether clinical interventions are used effectively with clients and patients. Our studies aim to identify and support the organizational factors that improve evidence-based practice implementation, including organizational culture, organizational climate, and leadership. The research also focuses on adaptation of evidence-based practice for health, mental health, and social service settings. Data is collected from mental health and social service agencies in the states of Oklahoma and California. Study participants include administrators, supervisors, service providers, and their clients.

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Research Assistant for the Child & Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC) in the Department of Psychiatry. The main duties and responsibilities will include: coordinating research participant retention and tracking, preparing and administering survey instruments, managing longitudinal data using SPSS and web-based data collection programs, conducting data coding and analysis, and assisting with preparing reports and presentations. Other duties will be assigned as needed.

The ideal candidate will have completed college level coursework completed in psychology, psychiatry, or a related field or equivalent knowledge or experience, possess knowledge of public sector mental health and social service organizations, and have demonstrated experience managing survey data and performing basic descriptive analyses using SPSS or SAS software.

The position is full-time, starting salary ranging from $2,484 - $2,703 per month. Full benefits available.

Interested applicants should send their resume to nshapiro@ucsd.edu and apply using the following link:

http://jobs.ucsd.edu/bulletin/job.aspxcat=search&sortby=rank&jobnum_in=56990&search=56990

Journal of Young Investigators Staff Recruitment

2011-04-20T15:42:00.001-07:00

Since 1997, JYI has published over 500 research and features articles reviewed by members of our staff, who currently represent over 50 academic institutions from six countries. Featured in Nature, The New York Times, and Science, JYI aims to promote undergraduate science research through monthly publications of scientific manuscripts, features and news articles, and information pertinent to careers in science.

Students interested in joining our staff are encouraged to submit applications for available positions. All JYI staff members contribute their time on an unpaid basis, so a strong passion for promoting scientific research is desired. For more information on joining our journal's staff, please go to: http://www.jyi.org/participate.php. We are currently actively seeking candidates for the following positions:

Executive Board (average commitment of 10 hours/week)

Director of the Career Center
Director of Human Resources
Chief Development Officer
Chief Technical Officer
Director of Public Relations
Managing Editor
Senior Research Editor

General Staff (average commitment of 3-5 hours/week)

Science Journalist
Research Associate Editor
Career Researcher

We are also soliciting submissions for our research departments, which include Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, and Psychology and Social Sciences. Our editorial staff members carefully review and consider manuscripts for publication on our website. Senior honors theses and summer research papers are especially welcomed.

Tim Xu
Director of Public Relations
Journal of Young Investigators
http://www.jyi.org

Society for Neuroscience Scholars Program

2011-04-20T15:41:00.001-07:00

SfN is currently accepting applications for the Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP). NSP is a three-year fellowship to enhance career development and professional networking opportunities for underrepresented minority undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in neuroscience. The program, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/), provides scholars with:

Annual stipend for enrichment activities outside the scholar's home institution
Support for and annual meeting travel expenses
Access to annual meeting workshops, courses, and events
Complimentary SfN meeting registration and abstract fee waivers
Complimentary SfN membership and subscription to The Journal of Neuroscience (http://www.jneurosci.org/) online
Mentoring

The deadline for applications is May 20, 2011. For more information and application forms, please visit www.sfn.org/nsp

Phi Sigma Last Meeting: Dr. Ite Laird-Offringa Talks Genome Censorship

2011-04-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

Hello!

First off, a big thanks everyone who came out last week to listen to Dr. Quick! It was a very interesting talk! To those who couldn't make it, we hope you can come to our LAST meeting!
Our last speaker for this year will be Dr. Ite Laird-Offringa, an Associate Professor from the Keck School of Medicine ().
Dr. Laird will be presenting on her research with a talk entitled: "Genome Censorship: Epigenetic Control of Cell Fate" this Thursday (4/21), at 8:00 p.m. at GFS 109, and will also be speaking about other research happening at the Health Sciences Campus, so you won't want to miss out! Please try to make it out that night! We will be having free milk and cookies, too!

Also, we'd like to remind everyone that applications for next year's e-board are due next Monday, 4/25, at 5pm. You may bring a copy of your application and CV to us at this Thursday's meeting, or send the files to us at uscphisigma@gmail.com. We look forward to learning more about you and your vision for Phi Sigma!

Don't forget that the application is in the Membership tab of our website http://uscphisigma.weebly.com/

Thank you! Hope you all have a great SECOND-TO-LAST week!
Fight on!!
Phi Sigma

Speed Reading Workshop

2011-04-19T16:37:00.001-07:00

Iris Reading is holding a speed reading workshop with the help of "Graduate and Professional Student Senate" as the sponsoring organization.
The workshop is free to all students and faculty with lunch provided. The Instructor, Ross, will cover basic speed reading skills, teach to read in half the time, and retain twice as much. Students will make an improvement on the spot. Here's a link to see what a typical workshop looks like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmQiOEC8UnM
Because we are limited on space, and lunch will be provided, please encourage students to RSVP here:
http://www.irisreading.com/los-angeles/

WHEN: Tue, Apr 26 (11:45am - 1:15pm)
WHERE: LAW - Room 101

Final Fellowship Information Sessions

2011-04-14T14:30:00.001-07:00

A reminder that our final fellowship information sessions will be held this month. We highly encourage students to attend since many of the scholarship and fellowships have early fall deadlines. The information sessions will be held on the following days/times:

Fellowships for International Study Information Sessions

Thursday, April 14, 3pm-4pm, Leavey Library Auditorium
Tuesday, April 26, 2pm-3pm, Leavey Library Auditorium

Fulbright Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 20, 2pm-3pm, Leavey Library Auditorium

U.S. Citizenship is required for the scholarships and fellowships. For more information regarding the fellowships discussed at the information sessions, please visit http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/arp//fellowships

Thank you,
Academic Recognition Programs Staff

Internship Programs Office Newsletter, 4/13/2011

2011-04-14T14:28:00.001-07:00

Trojan Health Connection Inaugural Print Publication

2011-04-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

Fellow Trojans,

On Monday, April 18, Trojan Health Connection is coming out with its inaugural print publication, and we will be distributing papers throughout campus. Also, feel free to stop by our table on Trousdale from 10am-2pm for free food and a copy of our first issue. As you may know, we are USC's student-run pre-health newspaper and your #1 source for pre-health news. If you want to find out what types of stories we cover, check us out at www.trojanhealthconnection.com. Otherwise, we look forward to your feedback on Monday.

Fight On!
Trojan Health Connection Staff
Facebook Event
Facebook Page

Pre-Grad Workshop

2011-04-12T15:42:00.001-07:00

Phi Sigma Meeting: Dr. Michael Quick, Cookies & Milk

2011-04-12T15:41:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!
Hope you have all had a great start to our third-to-last week of school! We are excited to announce that Dr. Michael Quick will be speaking for us this week! Here are the details of the meeting:
When: Thursday, April 14, at 8 p.m.
Where: GFS 109
What: "From self-stimulating rats to knock-out mice: what they tell us about drugs, drug abuse, and addiction"

Dr. Quick is the Executive Vice-Provost and a Professor of Biological Sciences, and as many of you probably know, an incredibly fun and interesting speaker! Please visit the following site for more information about Dr. Quick and his research: http://dornsife.usc.edu/cf/faculty-and-staff/faculty.cfm?pid=1003622. And as always, there will be free food at the event: complimentary cookies and milk!

Also, if you're interested in joining the E-board for Phi Sigma, please fill out the attached E-board application by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 4/25.
Let us know if you have any questions, and remember to stay updated on our latest events at our blog uscphisigma.weebly.com.
Thanks, and we hope to see you Thursday! :)
-Phi Sigma

Fall 2011 Course—MDA-475: The Future of California

2011-04-12T15:34:00.001-07:00

Southern California Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting

2011-04-12T15:14:00.001-07:00

Summer Course—EXSC-301: Human Anatomy

2011-04-11T15:21:00.001-07:00

We are offering a very intimate section of Human Anatomy this summer at USC! Maximum enrollment is 15 students! Great way to learn the material in a smaller environment!

MTWTh 10:00-11:50 a.m. Lecture
TTh 1:00-3:50 p.m. Lab
http://web-app.usc.edu/soc/20112/exsc.html

APASS Year-End Celebration

2011-04-11T14:45:00.001-07:00

Chile Study Abroad Info Session

2011-04-08T15:02:00.001-07:00