The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists-USC Student Chapter is hosting a multidisciplinary conference for local students and faculty Aug. 18 at the Westin Pasadena Hotel.

The program offers an opportunity for area students and scientists from both academic and industry settings in pharmacy, medicine, engineering, chemistry and biology to hear distinguished lecturers discuss “Nanotechnology Applications in Drug Discovery and Targeting.”

The keynote address will be delivered by Chih-Ming Ho of the UCLA School of Engineering. Ho, founding director of the Institute for Cell Mimetic Space Exploration, is known for his work in bio-nano technology and turbulence.

Richard Cote, professor of urology and pathology in the Keck School of Medicine of USC, will present “Nanobiotechnology: The New Frontier for Discovery, Diagnostics and Drug Development.”

A graduate student presentation also will be part of the proceedings.

A luncheon is included as part of the daylong event, which concludes with a student poster session. Cash awards will be given to the top four entrants as judged by the faculty.

The event is open to all local students, faculty and scientists, but seating is limited. Underwriting was provided by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the USC School of Pharmacy, Pfizer and Allergan.

Registration is required and available at http://pharmweb.usc.edu/aaps. The registration deadline is Aug. 7. Students are invited to submit abstracts for the poster competition to lilianc@usc.edu by Aug. 11.

For more information, visit the Web site or contact Lilian Chiang at (323) 442-1443 or lilianc@usc.edu.