Ellis Beier

Class of 2010, B.A. in Psychology with Minor in Criminality and Forensics.

Where have you worked and/or studied since you graduated from USC?

I worked in Clinical Research at City of Hope in Duarte, CA working on a large federally funded research project examining the neuropsychological effects of breast cancer on post-menopausal women. I currently work for one of the largest and most effective providers of homeless services in the Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula. It’s called InnVision Shelter Network and you can check us out at ivsn.org. I write grants, help manage federal, state, and county contracts, and do a fair amount of project management for the organization.

What was the most beneficial thing you did as a student at USC to prepare you for post-graduation?

Given the responsibilities of my jobs since graduation, the most beneficial thing I did as an undergraduate was learn to write research papers. Being able to synthesize information from dense scientific journal articles has been absolutely essential to my various positions. Producing concise but specific language makes me a valuable employee, as more people than you’d expect struggle composing simple things.

What course did you enjoy the most?

In the psychology department, I truly enjoyed Dr. Frank Manis’ Children’s Cognitive Development and Language Acquisition (or something, I don’t think it’s offered anymore).

If you were an undergraduate again, is there anything that you would do differently?

I’d try and stay longer and take more classes, but more importantly I’d worry less about getting A’s and I’d actually GO TO OFFICE HOURS!

Have you won any awards, accolades, etc. after you graduated from USC?

The Grants Department (which is just me and one other person) was nominated for, and won, the Terrific Team Impact Award recognizing the outstanding results delivered by our collaborative efforts. This award was presented as part of our organization’s “Beyond the Job Recognition” during the most recent All Staff meeting.