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What’s better than bringing one professor on a hike with Peaks? Bringing two! Join biological sciences professors Rafaella Ghittoni and Trond Sigurdsen on this super cool hike on the Rustic Canyon Loop. This 5-mile hike features all types of terrain: creeks, mountains, rugged trails, ocean views, and contains an interesting history. While hiking we’ll pass by Murphy Ranch, the remnants of what used to be a 50-acre pro-Nazi compound which later became an artists colony. Keep on the lookout for bobcats as we explore the flora and fauna with these expert biologists!
PACKING LIST:
Sunscreen/hat
Athletic shoes/ Hiking shoes
WATER!!!!! (At least 2 liters)
snacks if you’d like
SIGNED WAIVERS
PROFESSOR: Rafaella Ghittoni
DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences
RATE MY PROFESSOR: “Professor Ghittoni is an extremely passionate and kind professor… I would definitely recommend taking BISC120 off-track with her!”
Professor Ghittoni leads the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) undergraduate Research Experience Program. Her biology background covers several topics of health sciences such as genetic background and pathogenesis of allergic inflammation and asthma, immunopharmacology, oncoviruses and cancer immunology. Outside of school, she is currently training for a marathon!
PROFESSOR: Trond Sigurdsen
DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences
RATE MY PROFESSOR: “A very friendly guy and always happy to answer questions.”
Professor Sigurdsen teaches general biology and human biology at USC. He is originally from Norway and received his PhD from McGill University in Canada. His main research interests include the phylogenetics and evolutionary origins of major vertebrate taxa, as well as the functional anatomy of these animals. Professor Sigurdsen is an expert in evolutionary biology and highly passionate in SoCal flora and fauna, so we’ll definitely be learning something new on the trail on this hike!
PEAK: Rustic Canyon Trail
DIFFICULTY: 2.5/5
SCENERY: canyon and ocean views, creeks, and what used to be a Nazi sympathizer stronghold…
FUN FACT: The compound was seized from the Nazi sympathizers the day after Pearl Harbor
TRIP LEAD: Aditi
ask her about how she’s only reading books written by POC authors this year!
Contact Aditi: aajagann@usc.edu
Read Aditi's bio here.