
STEM Perspectives
***STEM Perspectives will no longer be offered and future updates will be posted on the page.***
STEM Perspectives is a USC student-led 6-8 week program that provides high school students with the opportunity to explore different “perspectives” in STEM not usually taught in their classrooms. Outside of the subject taught, the program features guest speakers who expose students to other STEM-related fields and careers. The leadership, team work, communication, and research skills taught in this program help students apply these skills to formulate a better plan for their future goals and careers.
Scroll to see Program Descriptions < >
Program Design
The program was piloted in the Fall of 2020 and encourages participants from any high school through a fully virtual environment by using Zoom as the main platform for
communication.
Students attend weekly sessions and complete projects that teach them skills in scientific research and public speaking.
This program provides the unique opportunity for close mentorship among USC Neuroscience student instructors and collaboration among students.
Students gain access to various guest speaker presentations with different backgrounds in STEM related fields.
Founder and Previous Director
Rojan JavaheriProgram Creator and Director
Hi I’m Rojan,
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Piano Performance. I created STEM Perspectives to provide students the opportunity to explore topics not normally accessible in a classroom setting, and to collaborate with professionals in the STEM field. I encourage students to learn about research methodology since it is an important aspect of any career. My current research is focused on Alzheimer’s Disease at Gerontology Pike Lab to identify risk factors in relation to sex differences and genotypes. In my free time, I enjoy performing in piano festivals, reading, and painting.
Our Staff
Sumiya NaksiProgram Coordinator (naksi@usc.edu)
Hi I’m Sumiya,
I’m a junior majoring in Neuroscience. I’m involved in Trojan Event Services, Trojan Adventuring Party, and STEM Perspectives on campus. Fun fact, I used to be a student in the STEM Perspectives Neuroscience program when I was in high school. I was a TA for this program last year and enjoyed teaching what I have learned and got promoted to Coordinator.
Past Volunteers
Haylie Murrayhnmurray@usc.edu
“Hi I'm Haylie! I am a freshman at USC majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in German. I am passionate about research and aim to get my PhD in the future. Developmental disorders are particularly interesting to me and I have experience working in the lab researching fetal hydrocephalus. In my free time, I enjoy painting, going for picnics, and cooking/baking. ”
Isabel Reedireed@usc.edu
“Isabel is from Portland and hopes to become a doctor. She is a senior at USC studying neuroscience with a minor in forensics and criminality. Her research studies motor development and examines early intervention for infants with or at risk for developmental delays. She loves reading, trying out new recipes, and searching for the best cafe in Los Angeles.”
ALETHEA DE JESUSavdejesu@usc.edu
Hi I’m Alethea de Jesus,
I’m a senior majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in The Dynamics of Early Childhood. I joined the STEM Perspectives program because it grants me the opportunity to serve others through my two passions–science and teaching! My current research focuses on air pollution effects on adolescent brain development with the Herting Lab at USC