About Us

Shweta Mendiratta

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

I am a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at USC, where I study the therapeutic potential of targeting polycomb proteins in leukemia. After I moved to the United States, administrative paperwork delayed my start at USC by almost 6 months. The delay was frustrating, and I was unsure about when exactly I would finally be able to start, which caused a financial burden when it came to daily expenses. In addition, research associates and postdocs deal with opaque pay disparities, expensive medical coverage, and lack of support for childcare.  I think forming a union is very important to support our community. By supporting each other, we can improve working conditions and create a healthy working environment.

Yen-Ching Chang

Zilkha Neurogenetics Institute

I am a Research Associate at the Zilkha Neurogenetics Institute at USC. As an international scholar, I understand the intricacies involved in navigating a foreign academic and cultural landscape. In my lab, we have encountered difficulties in securing funding and I faced a challenging time figuring out how I could transition to another kind of visa or if there were any fellowships or funding opportunities I could apply for independently to maintain my status. This process caused delays in submitting my research paper. I feel the school doesn’t offer enough information or help, especially for professional development. I can only discuss these matters with my advisor, who also doesn’t quite understand the resources that international postdocs can access. Over the years, I have only received minimal wages to survive in LA. Hopefully, by forming a union, researchers can have a platform to address issues such as visa concerns, equitable working conditions, and access to essential resources.

Martha Stroud

USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research

I strongly believe that we are stronger standing together than alone. I’m a Senior Research Associate at the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research. Forming a union will put us in a stronger position for advocating for improved working conditions, better pay and benefits, and increased transparency and accountability. Collective unity and action among research scientists and associates will send a powerful message to the university, and forming a union is the first step.

Shivani Soni

Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

I grew up in India with the mindset that we can solve problems through discussions with tea on the table, by uniting together at a personal and professional level. I believe as a scientist that we need good personnel and structural support to be in this competitive environment of research. USC is a leading institute, and I am proud to be a part of it. I trust that we can do even better with greater research infrastructure, funding support for laboratory equipment’s maintenance and repair, and reliable core facilities. I have confidence in the notion that through a union, we can not only expand professional development and growth, but also develop a sense of community where we can support each other.