Tyler Vestal

Tyler Vestal attended Santa Barbara High School for 3 years before he left early for the University of Southern California as part of the Residence Honors Program and participates in the Thematic Option.  While studying Biological Sciences and Psychology, he is been on the Dean’s honors list every semester. He hopes to one day become a doctor, or a marine biologist, whichever way life takes him. On and off campus he dances, choreographs, and manages the USC Repertory Dance Company; conducts social psychology research at the Child Development Lab directed by Dr. Thomas Lyon; studies the genetic basis for inflammatory bowel diseases under the direction of Dr. Thomas Zarchy; volunteers at St. Francis Hospital, and is a Resident Advisor for 31 Freshmen. During the AR program of 2008, he studied Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and tested a new packaging system under his mentor Payam Bozorgi.  He hopes to one day be a contributing member to the scientific community conducting either medical research, or studying the fish in the sea.