Dr. Karla Heidelberg

Professor

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Biography

Karla Heidelberg serves as a Professor of Practice in the Department of Biological Sciences and the Program in Environmental Studies at USC Dornsife. She is currently the Director of the USC Sea Grant Program and has held various positions including Director of Development for the Dornsife College and faculty in the Natural and Social Sciences Divisions. Her research focuses on the distribution and function of marine microbes and zooplankton, and she divides her time between the University Park campus at USC and the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Dr. Heidelberg completed her Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine Environmental Science with a concentration in Biological Oceanography from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1999, and previously obtained a B.A. in Individualized Major from Maryville College in 1988. She has been recognized with several awards for her teaching excellence and research contributions, including the National Science Foundation Director’s Award and the USC Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Research Scientist

2001-01-01 — 2004-01-01

Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park •

Adjunct Research Scientist

2006-01-01 — Present

Wrigley Institute of Marine Studies •

Awards

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National Science Foundation (NSF) Director’s Award

2022-01-01
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Maryville College Alumni Citation Award

2021-01-01
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USC Center for Excellence in Teaching, Faculty Fellow

2017-01-01
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USC Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching

2017-01-01
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National Academies Education Fellow in Life Sciences

2016-01-01
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Steven B. Sample Teaching and Mentoring Award

2013-01-01
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Superior Honor Award

2004-01-01
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Meritorious Honor Award

2003-01-01
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Maryville College Kin Takahashi Award for Young Alumni

2001-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.