Delcie Strahan didn’t expect to move back to her small town in Shasta County, Calif., after college. But in 2012 that’s where she found herself — and her passion — beginning a career in public health as a patient educator.
Today, after … Read More »
Nicole Koutsodendris (Photo/Cristy Lytal)
“Anti-psychotic medications can numb you to the point where you no longer have your own thoughts,” said Nicole Koutsodendris, graduate of the master’s program in stem cell biology … Read More »
“Focus on one goal, be open minded and be persistent.”
These are wise words from Nelson Poliran Jr., a standout scientist-in-training at USC. Poliran’s academic success hasn’t always come easily, though.
After spending four years at community college receiving below average marks, … Read More »
How far would you go to provide a better life for your family or your country?
Chukuemeka Ogudu or, as his friends know him, Emeka, moved to America to become a doctor. He pursued his master’s degree in stem cell biology … Read More »
Jonathan Nguyen hopes to change the way dental professionals perceive the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.
In a 2012 survey of 3,000 self-identified LGBTQ Californians, dentists were among the top six health care providers to whom respondents would … Read More »
Shannon Meggs first became interested in physical therapy as an undergraduate, working as both an athletic training student and a physical therapy aide.
“It was through both of these experiences that I developed a passion for the profession and knew I … Read More »
Erica Harris (Photo/The Portrait Place)
Erica Lynn Harris began her undergraduate studies in biochemistry — until her sophomore year when she developed a profound appreciation for physical sciences and caring for others.
As … Read More »
From Malaysia to Baltimore to Los Angeles, Derek Dangerfield has conducted research around the world — and can now add a PhD in health behavior research to his list of accomplishments.
It’s a long list. Hailing from a working-class, single-parent home … Read More »
The 134th Commencement at the University of Southern California begins at 8:30 a.m. May 12 at Alumni Memorial Park. Individual school ceremonies follow the main ceremony. Here is a list of times, locations and speakers for the school commencement ceremonies … Read More »
USC will recognize six honorary degree candidates for their contributions to the community as civic, academic, scientific and arts leaders as part of the university’s 134th commencement ceremony on the University Park Campus on May 12.
The honorary degree recipients are … Read More »
Passionate about preventive medicine and quality health care, Sinthu Sathia Kumar knew what she wanted from her education: a 360-degree picture of public health. As an undergraduate at University of California, Irvine, she studied public health sciences and learned the … Read More »
Jeffrey Ryan Hill (Photo/Courtesy Jeffrey Ryan Hill)
Jeffrey Ryan Hill knew from a very early age that he wanted to go into medicine — orthopaedic surgery in particular. A lifelong athlete, Hill’s … Read More »
Growing up in the suburbs of Phoenix, Brandon Ortega would spend each summer at his grandfather’s ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico, the same way his father did. These annual visits, encouraged by his parents, taught him the value of hard work … Read More »
Wendy Hsiao always brightens up a bit before stepping into an exam room with a parent and child, which is initially what drew her to pediatrics. And knowing the work she is doing will impact the ability of children to … Read More »
Mishaun Sahebi first knew he wanted to pursue dentistry while a junior in high school.
“I fell in love with the artistic intimacy and mutual trust that developed between the dentist and the patient,” said Sahebi, who served as class president … Read More »
Hugo Partida was inspired to a career in health care by his mother.
“She worked really hard being a single mom, raising four kids and getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing,” Partida said.
After spending time researching potential health care careers and … Read More »
Kelsie Kaiser knew she wanted to be a physical therapist after shadowing a USC physical therapist during high school.
“The experience opened my eyes to the impact that a physical therapist can have,” Kaiser said. “A physical therapist not only improves … Read More »
Alicia Mendoza (Photo/Angela Lally)
For as long as she can remember, Alicia Mendoza has admired the work of Christian missionaries. In occupational therapy she found a career with similar attributes: provision of … Read More »
Joseph Christian Ungco (Photo/Heather Van Buren)
Joseph Christian Ungco, MA, has a clear vision for the profession’s future. Thanks in part to the occupational therapy doctorate degree he will receive May 12 … Read More »
Alison Cogan (Photo/Jenn Page)
Alison Cogan, MA, may be a civilian but she deeply appreciates the social and family life of military servicemembers.
Not only is her brother an active duty Marine, Cogan’s … Read More »