Sofia Jensen
E-mail: srjensen@usc.edu
Address: University of Southern California, Department of Earth Sciences
825 Bloom Walk, ACB 302
Los Angeles, California 90089-0740
INTRODUCTION TO MY RESEARCH
Sophia compares novel Icelandic microbe genomes to known genomes by using bioinformatics software to generate phylogenetic trees.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
USC Department of Earth Sciences Undergraduate researcher in the Paterson lab (GEOL 490x) (Summer, 2019):
-
Hiked across the Box Springs Mountains to collect rock samples, analyze them, and create a geologic map of the plutonic complex
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Fellowship (Fall 2020, Spring 2021):
-
Upperclassmen who have an established working relationship with a faculty mentor submit a research project proposal. If awarded, they commit to participating in WiSE programming efforts throughout the academic year and receive a substantial grant to conduct research.
Academic Achievement Award (Spring 2020-Fall 2020)
-
Awarded to students with a 3.75 or higher GPA and a double major to provide extra funding for additional units.
Earth Sciences Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (ESRAP)
-
ESRAP offers small grants to USC Earth Sciences majors and Environmental Studies majors on the geology track to conduct independent research under the direction of a faculty member.
USC Alpha Epsilon Delta (Fall 2019-Present)
-
Member of USC’s Pre-Medical Honor Society.
SERVICE TO THE FIELD
USC Joint Educational Program (JEP) Teacher (Spring 2019, Fall 2020):
-
Presented weekly lessons that relate to the environment and its impacts on South Central Los Angeles to 5th grade students at Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School.
USC Helenes (Fall 2019-present):
-
The women of Helenes and I back to our community through hands-on projects such as walking dogs with Fur Baby Rescue, preparing food at the Downtown Women’s Center, and mentoring at 32nd Street School.
COVID Child Care Volunteer Coordinator (Fall 2020-present):
-
As the Volunteer Coordinator, I reach out to prospective volunteers, attend weekly officer meetings, and participate in marketing activities to recruit more volunteers and medical workers. In addition, as a volunteer myself, I provide biweekly tutoring in math and science via Zoom, as well as mentorship, to the daughter of a nurse.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Boeing Intern (Summer 2017):
-
Worked under the Vice President of communications to help with coordination and marketing for the internship program.
Undergraduate Peer Tutor (Fall 2020-present):
-
Provide one-on-one peer tutoring in organic chemistry.
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
-
Organic Chemistry
-
General Chemistry
-
General Physics
-
General Biology
-
Evolutionary Biology
-
Astronomy
-
Oceanography
-
Research Methods in Marine Biology and Oceanography
EDUCATION
University of Southern California (2022), BS in Human Biology, BA in Earth Sciences, Minor in Dance in Entertainment