About SOAR
The SOAR program is a full-time eight-week summer program that enables USC SOM medical students to work closely with faculty mentors, exploring basic science, translational, or clinical research, or projects focused on health care quality or patient safety, or educational research. Students and mentors apply for participation in the fall, followed by a selection and matching process that aims to align students' interests with mentors' expertise.
Student Spotlight
You can find more news and notes from our students in our spotlight archives.
Second-year medical student and 2025 SOAR participant Preston Harrison recently published a first-author article, highlighting his work in orthopedic research focused on reducing occupational radiation exposure among surgical staff. His research advances operating room safety and provider well-being.
My work in orthopedic research focuses on understanding and reducing occupational radiation exposure among surgical staff, with the goal of improving long-term safety in the operating room.
“Under the mentorship of Dr. Tyler Gonzalez, I have contributed to efforts that prioritize both clinical excellence and provider well-being," Preston added. "This research reflects a commitment to protecting those who deliver care as much as those who receive it."