WELCOME! USC Alpha Alpha Chapter

E-board Student Org Advisor: Dr. Eric Webb President: Judy Chen Vice President: Holly Chu Secretary: Brenda Niu Treasurer: Janet Chu Publicity Chair: Rebekah Romanu Webmaster/Historian: Christine Choi Club Student Advisor: Loomee Doo Dr. Eric Webb. Photo: usc.edu

What is Phi Sigma? National biological honors society Mission: to promote research and academic excellence in the biological sciences

History of Phi Sigma Founded at Ohio State on March 17, 1915 – Founded at USC in 1928 Became member of the Association of College Honor Societies in 1950 Emblem signifies FELLOWS IN SCIENCE Phi Sigma emblem. Photos: Sci.uidaho.edu, achsnatl.org

Further Info about Phi Sigma Motto: “Truth Shall Spring out of the Earth” Coat-of-arms – Black symbolizes ignorance – Daisy represents Truth, rising toward the light – Pearl, the Society jewel, characterizes the scientist’s reward Phi Sigma Coat-of-arms. Photo: Phisigmasociety.org

What does Phi Sigma do? Speaker meetings – Professors from different fields of biology Field trips – California Science Center – Potential: Catalina Island!! Socials – Finals study break

How do I become a member? Associate  Freshmen (1 st year)  Sophomores (2 nd year)  $30 Full  Juniors (3 rd year)  Seniors (4 th year)  $50 ($20 if previously Associate) Requirements Minimum 3.0 GPA Demonstrated interest in biological sciences & research

Why Become a Member? Associate  Primary consideration for Full membership  Looks great on resume early Full  Graduation cord  Phi Sigma pin  Certificate  Life-long subscription to Bioscience magazine

Applications ed soon ***DUE on 10/14*** (first General Meeting)

Research Opportunities at USC How to get involved with research – Attend Beyond Books Research Banquet on October 18 th DFqZVRPNkxKZjhQVU44QmprVzRfWmc6MQ DFqZVRPNkxKZjhQVU44QmprVzRfWmc6MQ – Contact current/former professors – Look at department websites for potential faculty sponsors

Research Opportunities at USC – $1000 stipend to support research in any field – Deadline for fall semester already passed – ams/ugprograms/ugresear ch/fellowships.shtml ams/ugprograms/ugresear ch/fellowships.shtml – Requirements: 3.0 GPA, but prefer 3.5 Complete app Submit 1 page description of research project Complete faculty supervisor recommendation form Must complete 2 page summary at end of research USC Provost’s Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Research Opportunities at USC – Research assistant or own project, but still supervised by faculty – Only for those in the College – $1000 stipend (used to cover research expenses) – Apps accepted throughout the year – Requirements: 3.0 GPA Must have USC College faculty sponsor Research proposal, including how budget will be spent Letter of rec from sponsor Complete app STARS report – oar oar Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR)

Research Opportunities at USC Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) – Specifically for research in the summer – $3000 stipend – Similar requirements as SOAR –

Research Opportunities at USC – 5 awards/term – 12 hours/week – $2000 stipend – Goal: to familiarize students with laboratory research and link them with a mentor early on. It is hoped that through experience of first-hand research at the undergraduate level, the chances will increase that student will choose to pursue a graduate degree in science or engineering Requirements: – At least 32 units with 3.0 GPA – Major in WISE-eligible department (Viterbi or most science majors in the College) – Submit online app (and other docs including letter of rec, STARS report, personal statement) – Deadlines: Jan 16, April 1, August 28 (different for Viterbi) – se/programs/undergrad_research / se/programs/undergrad_research / WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Undergraduate Research Grants

Research Opportunities at USC Directed Research (490x) – Student-proposed, faculty supervised research – 2-8 units of elective credit – Must present work (paper, publication, presentation)

How do I keep up with Phi Sigma events? Website: uscphisigma.weebly.comuscphisigma.weebly.com Join our group on Facebook! – Phi Sigma – USC Chapter

THE END! Questions?