Ian Farwell

Class of 2010, B.A. in Psychology

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

After USC, I completed my first MS in Gerontology at USC, and then went on to earn my second MS in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City.

I am currently a BBS Registered Associate Social Worker & NAPG Certified Professional Gerontologist. I serve as a Medical Social Worker at Satellite Healthcare (a non-profit healthcare provider dialysis services to patient with End Stage Renal Disease), and also spend time with a Los Angeles based Hospice and Home Health agency.

My past experience includes time spent in Long Term Care, Hospice, Adult Day Health Care, Home Health, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Case Management, and Research. Moreover, I have worked with individuals and families facing chronic and temporary homelessness, physical and behavioral health concerns, and end-of-life issues and challenges.

My formal research experience includes time spent at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in the Department of Neurology as an Associate Researcher. Under the direction of Dr. Kristina Simonyan, I contributed to investigative work in an fMRI lab attempting to better understand a rare disorder called Spasmodic Dysphonia.

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

The most beneficial preparation during my time at USC was working toward developing my academic and professional writing skills.  Such writing skills were the cornerstone of both my graduate studies and later my professional career.  Completing a BA in Psychology at USC changed my life forever, and has remained the centerpiece of what drives and motivates my desire to better understand marginalized communities facing behavioral and physical health challenges.

What course did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed Social Psychology and Learning & Memory.  Also, outside of Psychology, I enjoyed my Religion and Ethical Issues courses, Astronomy/Astrophysics, and two elective courses in the world-renowned film school.  There is no better place than USC to study a wide range of fields as an undergraduate.  Also, the small classrooms allowed for a close intimate environment of learning, educational advancement, and support.

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

I couldn’t be happier with the way my education and career trajectory played out.  However, if I would change one thing, I would have spent more time volunteering in labs to gain valuable research experience.  I waited until I started my graduate career to get involved with fMRI research, which made me realize that I had missed out on being more of a part of the amazing research being conducted at USC.

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

Columbia University School of Social Work Scholarship
Dr. James Aloysius Gibson ‘73SW and Patricia Bronzinsky Scholarship
Davis Endowed Outstanding Student Scholarship
ELAC Psychology Academic Achievement Award & Scholarship