Students in the Neuroscience Majors are trained to develop an appreciation for the breadth of knowledge that spans the array of neuroscience disciplines, including molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, cognitive, and computational neuroscience.
At the completion of their studies, students are prepared with a sufficient depth of knowledge and abilities to prepare them for entry-level employment in a wide variety of fields, or for graduate study in neuroscience or health-related professions.
Congratulations to our USC Undergraduate Neuroscience Program End of the Year Award Recipients of 2024!
BRIAN PHILLIP RAKUSIN NEUROSCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER 2025
Jason Toliao is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. His early interest in neurosurgery and brain imaging motivated him to begin research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles under the mentorship of Dr. Peter Chiarelli and Dr. Pradip Chaudhari as a freshman. Since then, Jason has led multiple research studies focused on improving pediatric brain neuroimaging. Most recently, he presented his work on the use of rapid brain MRI in the emergency department at the Trauma Association of Canada 2025 Annual Scientific Conference in Quebec. His ongoing research explores innovative approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus and traumatic brain injuries in children. On campus, Jason is the founder of Conversations Without Borders, an international exchange initiative designed to connect USC students with Latin American students to foster cultural understanding and provide English lessons. He is also an instructor for Keck School of Medicine’s Medical Spanish course, the Director of Outreach for Troy Philippines, a Learning Assistant for Organic Chemistry, and a liturgy intern for the USC Caruso Catholic Center. Outside of academics and research, Jason is an active member of USC men’s club beach volleyball team. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and continue conducting research at the intersection of clinical practice and neuroimaging.
Neuroscience Outstanding Student of the Year Award
Robert is a graduating neuroscience major who plans on pursuing a PhD in neuroscience to study brain-computer interfaces. As a research assistant in the Hires Lab, he studies acetylcholine dynamics in the mouse cortex using widefield fluorescence imaging. His research aims to determine how acetylcholine is clustered across the cortex. Robert is also a part of the USC Neurotech BCI project, where he helps with developing an EEG headset that can measure and quantify mental fatigue. Beyond the lab, he has applied his knowledge as a home healthcare agency intern and as a calculus tutor. Robert is deeply honored to receive this award and extends his thanks to Dr. Andrew Hires, Benjamin Isaac Cohen, all of his lab colleagues, and his family for their invaluable support and guidance.
Dornsife Neuroscience Experiential Learning Fellowship Award
Ann Law is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience. In Prof. Tito Borner’s lab, she has been investigating the role of Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) signaling in food motivation and feeding behavior. Outside of class and lab, she volunteers in LA General’s Child Life unit, engages in health equity work with Project Lux, is a tutor with SAAS, and is part of the University Chorus. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cycling, and going to the beach with friends.
Dornsife Neuroscience Experiential Learning Fellowship Award and Ng Family Fellowship Award
Allison Warren is a junior majoring in computational neuroscience with a minor in data science. She has been a part of Dr. Jeffrey Moore’s lab since the beginning of her sophomore year, where she conducts research on the transcriptomic organization of premotor circuits in the brainstem that govern orofacial behavior. In her free time she likes to read, journal, and go on bike rides. She is very grateful for this award and would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Moore, Yanyan Fang, and everyone else at Moore Lab for their guidance.
