Dr. Lauren Mcelvain

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Dr. Lauren McElvain is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. With a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego, her research focuses on the organization and function of motor circuits. Her lab employs multidisciplinary cellular systems neuroscience approaches to identify distinct brain regions and cell types that interact to control movements. A major focus of her work is on the basal ganglia, a critical network in the motor system whose dysregulation underlies common movement disorders.

Research Interests

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.