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Real-World Practice

Work Experience

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USC Bionic Ear Lab — Caruso Dept. of Otolaryngology Los Angeles, CA
Lab Website Publications
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Aug 2026 – Present
  • Interview cochlear implant recipients about sound, pitch, and music perception, administering structured listening assessments and questionnaires that inform the lab's research on auditory perception.
  • Support psychophysical studies comparing cochlear implant users with normal-hearing listeners, contributing participant data toward research on musical pitch, speech comprehension in noise, and spatial hearing.
My Baby My Way Foundation 501(c)(3) Palm Desert, CA
Website LinkedIn Instagram
Community Health Worker Intern
Jul 2025 – Sep 2025
  • Provided client-centered support to 400+ families, connecting them to essential healthcare services, food programs, and housing support while identifying and removing barriers including nutrition needs, transportation gaps, and financial constraints to ensure equitable health outcomes.
  • Strengthened referral networks and enhanced community trust in preventative health initiatives across California.
Sutter Health — Palo Alto Medical Foundation Burlingame, CA
Website LinkedIn
Hospital Volunteer
Jun 2023 – Jan 2025
  • Led a team of 5 volunteers to offer transportation assistance to over 1,000 patients, guiding visitors to rooms and units while creating a calm and supportive experience. Every interaction was documented on paper to abide by hospital policies and confidentiality protocol.
  • Managed weekly gift shop operations including opening and closing procedures and shift revenue collection, contributing over $3,000 in sales.
Galileo Learning, LLC Burlingame, CA
Website LinkedIn
Summer Operations Staff
Jun 2023 – Aug 2024  ·  Seasonal
  • Supervised and led daily activities for a group of 15 campers, ensuring engagement throughout the day.
  • Collaborated with a team of 25 staff members to ensure the safety of campers by administering first aid when needed.

Service & Leadership

Leadership Experience

USC American Cancer Society 501(c)(3) Los Angeles, CA
Website LinkedIn Instagram
President
May 2026 – Present
  • Led an executive board of 18 students, overseeing member engagement, fundraising, advocacy, and educational initiatives to advance the American Cancer Society's mission.
Production Director
May 2025 – May 2026
  • Led a team of 5 students to secure in-kind donations from local businesses around campus in support of Relay for Life, a citywide annual event held in honor of cancer patients and survivors.
  • Coordinated fundraising campaigns generating over $1,000 in donations, benefiting cancer research and patient services.
Engagement Committee Chair
Jan 2025 – May 2025
  • Collaborated with the executive board to recruit over 30 members by hosting events and activities surrounding cancer awareness.
USC Partners in Health 501(c)(3) Los Angeles, CA
LinkedIn Instagram
Community Building and Education Lead
May 2026 – Present
  • Mentored interns and new members on USC's chapter mission, recruiting 20 new members to strengthen the organization.
Fundraising Lead
May 2025 – May 2026
  • Organized fundraising initiatives, securing $1,500 in donations for global health equity programs in Sierra Leone and TB treatment.
USC Spring Admit Mentorship Program Los Angeles, CA
USC News
Mentor
Aug 2025 – May 2026
  • Mentored 2 incoming USC spring admits through their transition to campus by providing personalized guidance on course planning, campus resources, and student involvement opportunities.
  • Fostered ongoing mentee relationships through bi-weekly check-ins across a 4-month semester to monitor academic progress and address challenges.

Let's Connect

USC Dornsife '27  ·  Pre-Med  ·  Open to clinical, research, and community health opportunities.

mmsoo@usc.edu linkedin.com/in/melaniemsoo Los Angeles / SF Bay Area, CA

Thanks for reading. — Melanie

© 2026 Melanie M. Soo  ·  Built from scratch with the help of Claude (Anthropic)