Here are what the students have to say about their experiences here at USC.
Emily Smail
Jeremy Jacquot
Amanda Liss
Jason Vo
Anand Patel
How did you make the choice to come to our program?
I looked at several different programs and was impressed by the faculty and facilities at USC. I felt that the research opportunities at USC were greater for me than at the other institutions I considered and that was my ultimate deciding factor for choosing USC.
What has been your experience so far?
I am in my second year at USC and have made good progress with my research and have had great opportunities for field work. USC has provided me with ample funding that has allowed me the time to develop my research plans. I have been trained in trace metal chemistry and microbiology. USC has all of the research facilities I need on the main campus as well as a gorgeous marine lab on Catalina that we have free access to as graduate students. I find the department to be supportive and collaborative and I have had a great time exploring California.
How is life in Los Angeles?
I grew up mostly in Virginia and was not expecting to enjoy Los Angeles. Surprisingly, I find it to be a fun place to live. I live in Pasadena which doesn't feel like a big city. I previously lived in the DC area which I am convinced has much worse traffic. I can always find something to do from hiking (yes there is hiking in LA), going to the beach, or a sporting event. In the winter it only takes 4-5 hours to go skiing but it always stays warm and sunny here in LA.
How did you make the choice to come to our program?
As someone who was interested in studying oceanography and environmental sciences while staying in Southern California, applying to USC was a no-brainer. With the recent addition of seven world-class faculty who specialize in areas as diverse as metagenomics, chemistry and geobiology, the Marine Environmental Biology section has become a hotbed of new and exciting research in the marine sciences. The fact that USC also allows its graduate students to pursue their interests in other departments and schools, including the Marshall School of Business and School of Public Policy, made it even more of an attractive choice. Of course, it doesn't hurt that USC defers its graduate students' tuition fees and guarantees them funding.
What has been your experience so far?
While I wouldn't say that my graduate experience has been a cakewalk so far, I can say that it has been much smoother and pleasant than I expected. One of the benefits of having such a strong sense of community among the faculty and students is that, even when the teaching or research isn't going so well, there are always people you can go to for help and advice. Though only in my third year, I've already greatly benefited from interacting with various faculty members, all of whom have been eager to help me come up with new ideas and to fine-tune my existing ones. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking classes in several departments and schools, including the School of Public Policy and Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, which opened my eyes to the many possibilities available to me at USC.
How is life in Los Angeles?
If you like your cities as diverse as they come, then Los Angeles is the right place to be. I've traveled extensively around the world, and I can honestly say that there are few cities that are as rich in different ethnicities and cultures. If you enjoy attending sports events, watching movies or living in the big city, LA offers Hollywood and its renovated downtown area, with the Staples Center and other attractions. If you like the beach, Santa Monica and Malibu, two great destinations, are also close by. All in all, few other cities in the country offer as much to do and see.
How did you make the choice to come to our program?
After applying and interviewing it came down to USC and Oregon State for me. I chose USC for a lot of reasons but two of the biggest reasons were 1) the number of faculty studying marine microbes meant a variety of expertise in the field that excited me and 2) the number of opportunities was just amazing. I felt that the program's mission and mine were quite similar and that I would quickly find my place. Another important thing I noticed was the graduate students all seemed happy, at least for the most part, and into their research. BUT they still seemed to have lives. Also really important - it seemed like money wouldn't be much of an issue here. I didn't feel like I had to worry about paying my rent or going to the doctor, which was especially important for me because going to USC meant moving across the country in which case comfort is definitely attractive. I thought the USC faculty really sold the program well - and might I add that it really is everything I thought it would be and I really do feel fortunate to be a part of MEB and get to work with all these great people. It is hard at times, and there are things you don't find out until you start here, but for me, it hasn't taken any of my excitement away.
What has been your experience so far?
I came early to get my feet wet, which I enjoyed because it gave me a chance to read a lot and learn some of the basics in your new lab. In my adviser’s lab, I learned how to culture phytoplankton and run different analytical instruments. I went to Catalina Island for a little over a day and worked with other more advanced graduate students to learn about a project they were doing. A few weeks later, classes started and then I went to Lake Tahoe for a week of field research. It was really hard work - but sooo much fun and absolutely beautiful! I learned so much from that one trip alone, and not to mention it was a chance for me to get some data right away. That trip gave me direction to take on something of my own in February, when I will get to go on a 35 day cruise to the Eastern Tropical South Pacific. What more could a girl want?
How is life in Los Angeles?
Life in Los Angeles is awesome!!!
When I first got here I was worried I wouldn't have any friends and all that lame stuff that we all think about when we move away from home. But soon after I got here I made all kinds of friends and there would be something to do pretty much everyday of the week it seemed like! There is just so much to do here and so many people you should never be alone or bored unless you want to be. The transition from NC to CA was a little rough - only because it was SUPER expensive. You guys might want to think about helping some students with that if you want them to come here bad enough. But I wanted it bad enough that I charged up all my credit cards to get here and get settled - and they are almost paid off already! Point is - you can do it if you want to. Traffic is the only major complaint I have about life in L.A. but I think everyone that lives here has that problem so you just have to get over it, calm down and drive safely. Oh, and about safety, I would go all out to prove USC is mostly safe. L.A. in general does not have half the problems that outsiders think it does - like my mom! It is no different than any other big city and campus itself is virtually crime free. I would say look up some stats, or invite a DPS guy to tell students how safe campus is (but that you can't be an idiot and go walk around by yourself at night either).
How did you make the choice to come to our program?
Choosing a graduate program was not easy. The most important factor for me was finding faculty that were involved in research that interested me. I wanted to find a program with a significant focus on microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. I found that the work being done at USC was very relevant when it comes to current concerns about the conditions of our oceans. In addition to access to prominent researchers in the their respective fields, there are state-of-the-art technologies available to you. All these things led me to pursue my graduate studies in this program.
What has been your experience so far?
Once I got here I was pleasantly surprised by the level of interaction within the department. Everyone is very approachable and the professors really care about fostering the next generation of scientists. There is also an abundance of opportunities in terms of projects and my advisors are full of ideas as well as very receptive to new research proposals. One key element is the level of collaboration. A synergetic atmosphere helps engage everyone in the science. It also prevents new students from feeling like they are slipping through the cracks.
How is life in Los Angeles?
Since graduate school is a significant commitment, location is a very important consideration. As a native Californian, I often overlooked Los Angeles. Even though I am relatively new, I have found that it is an exhilarating place to be. It is a very culturally diverse city and has so much to offer in terms of the arts and entertainment. For people that are more inclined to spend their time outdoors, there are also amazing beaches and parks nearby, and the weather is great all year round. I feel the need to recite the cliche that LA has something for everyone. But since everyone does have a different ideal, you have to rely on your own intuition. For me, taking in the diversions that Los Angeles has to offer and studying in the MEB program have combined for a great experience.
How did you make the choice to come to our program?
Coming to LA for me was definitely a calculated move. I was determined to work with my present adviser as his research and expertise was in a field that is particularly groundbreaking and one that is directly relevant for a future job market! His laboratory works on viruses and archaea in the ocean, currently two very exciting research areas and the former has relevance to public health. As I was working at a school of public health prior to the move to LA, I wanted to work in a laboratory that not only employed novel, basic research avenues but one that also had a hand in coastal water quality issues.
What has been your experience so far?
My experience at USC, Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography program have all surpassed my expectations. The program is very cohesive and many laboratories interact with each other on a daily basis. In my adviser’s laboratory almost always has people from at least two other labs working with us in our space. I have also taken full advantage of the opportunities that are freely available here. Our marine lab on Catalina Island is the most fantastic resource (and beautiful place to boot!) and I have spent the last six summers working there, making the marine reserve around the facility my primary field site. My summers on the island have also given me the opportunity to get involved with numerous education out-reach programs.
How is life in Los Angeles?
On the mainland side, I picked Santa Monica as my home as it was close to the ocean and I loved the feel of the community and city. I am now working with high schools and the community college in the city and am now determined to stay here. The LA and SoCal region as whole has a vast array of colleges and universities (research-one to junior colleges) making academic the job market here wider than any place I know!