Viterbi Voices: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission
Welcome to life at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Classes, student organizations, faculty, research, hands-on projects, and don't forget our social lives outside of class - its all up for discussion with regular appearances and interviews with special guests. Viterbi Voices: The Podcast is hosted by Paul Ledesma (Director, Undergraduate Admission) and current student Emily Powis (Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2022).
In this episode, Paul sits down with Adam Smith, an environmental engineering faculty member at USC, to explore his journey from nearly joining the family lumber business to leading groundbreaking research on wastewater surveillance and biological water treatment. They discuss USC's innovative campus monitoring system that tracks COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, and dive into Southern California's urgent water crisis—where 90% of water is imported—and how cutting-edge reuse technologies are transforming wastewater into drinking water. Adam shares candid career advice for aspiring engineers and reveals what makes USC's boutique environmental engineering program unique, from lightning-round campus favorites to insights on working at the intersection of public health, sustainability, and infrastructure.
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In this episode, Paul sits down with senior admission staff members Rebecca, Brooke, and Lisa from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering to kick off Season 12 of Viterbi Voices. Together, they tackle everything prospective students need to know about applying to engineering programs for Fall 2027. The team explores why now is the perfect time to study engineering, busts common myths about admission requirements, from GPA expectations to the misconception that you need your entire future mapped out, and walks through the application process step by step. Whether you're curious about what it takes to succeed in engineering, worried about balancing academics with campus life, or just trying to figure out how to navigate the Common App, this episode has you covered. Tune in to hear insider perspectives on USC's holistic review process and discover why engineering might be the perfect fit for problem solvers from all backgrounds.
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In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Mitchell (CE ’26), Ishaani (BME ’26), and Anna (CECS ’26) for a senior send-off reflecting on their time at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. From why they chose USC to the experiences that shaped their academic and career paths, they share honest insights into what it’s really like to be a Viterbi student.
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In this episode, Dominic (BME '27) sits down with Greg Rosenkranz (BME '26) and Ishaani Pradeep (BME '26) to discuss their early career experiences in the medical device industry from everything ranging from their intern projects to some fun sidequests throughout their work experience!
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In this episode, Michaela (CHE '27) sits down with Savannah (CHE '27) to discuss the balance needed to study chemical engineering, getting help in a small major, studying abroad at USC, and finding time for fun hobbies- including tips for hiking around LA.
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In this episode, Alex (CE '27) sits down with Sam (ENE '27) and Ellis (CE ‘28) to discuss environmental engineering at USC, taking your learning outside the classroom and into the community, and bridging the gap between environmental engineering and policy.
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In this episode, Ashley Harkness (ME ’29) sits down with Ari Abramovich (ASTE ’27) and Mia Menard (ME ’29) to discuss what it’s like to be engineers in sororities. They dive into the recruitment process, explaining how being a Potential New Member differs from being an Active member, and they address and debunk common misconceptions about sorority life. They also share how they balance being engineering students with being in a sorority, proving that it’s possible to do both. Tune in to learn more about being an engineer in Greek life at USC and to hear advice for incoming Viterbi students who are interested in rushing!
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In this episode, Matthew, David, and Fio share their journeys as freshman engineers navigating their first year at USC. They move beyond the traditional student narrative to discuss the power of the 'Viterbi Familia,' highlighting how programs like the Viterbi Summer Institute (VSI) and organizations like SHPE created a vital support system before classes even began. Tune in for an inspiring look at how these students are thriving at Viterbi while staying deeply rooted in their latino heritage!
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In this episode, Angelina sits down with Tiffanie Lim from LavaLab, Alicia Grechu from Open Alpha, and Anay Mody from Scope to highlight their respective computer science organizations at USC. Together, they break down what it was like joining, what they do, what they love, and what they have learned during their time in their clubs.
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In this episode, Abigail Combs (ENE '29) sits down with Kilani Grant (ME '29) and Mayte Morales (ME '29) to dive into the world of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)! The trio discusses what SWE is and how students can get involved, with a more detailed conversation about the SWE Ambassador Program. From the inital application process to the day-to-day experience of being an ambassador, they share their personal journeys and offer their thoughts for anyone looking to apply in future semesters.
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In this episode, Mason sits down with Natalie Minkler and Madeline Abu Ghazaleh to talk about what it’s really like balancing engineering with club sports at USC. They dive into how they got involved with club softball, skiing, and sailing, what the tryout and joining processes looked like, and how they manage practices, competitions, and weekend travel on top of a demanding course load.
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In this episode of Viterbi Voices, Bethania Dagim (CEE' 28) chats with fellow Viterbi sophomores Shristuti Srirapu (BME' 28) and Joanna Myint (ME '28) about the ways they've explored Los Angeles since they started USC, and how they've balanced making the most of their time in LA as engineering students! They discuss how living in LA influenced their decision to choose USC and the experiences they've had in their 2 years since starting. They also talk about misconceptions people have about LA, how to make time to explore, why balancing classes and other involvements is key, and give their hot takes on the best matcha spots!
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In this episode, Rianna sits down with Cole Bergevin and Tara Ezhari to talk about what their first-year at USC actually looks like. They share why they chose USC, what housing is really like, how classes are going, and their experiences navigating the social side of college as Viterbi students. From making friends as engineering majors and finding good study spots to how they spend their free time, this conversation shares honest advice for prospective and incoming students navigating their first year.
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In this episode, Kyna sits down with Nelson Vo to discuss how the CECS program is structured at USC, the impact it has on students, and the career paths it can open in industry. They explore why Computer Engingineering/Computer Science is a strong academic option and how students can successfully progress through the program.
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In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with USC transfer student Angelina Chou alongside members of the Viterbi admissions team to talk about the transfer student experience at USC. Together, they unpack what it’s really like to transfer into Viterbi, from navigating the admissions process and adjusting academically to finding community and feeling at home on campus. Angelina shares her perspective on making the transition from another university, while the admissions team offers insight into how USC supports transfer students and what they look for in applicants. Whether you’re considering transferring or just curious about how Viterbi helps students thrive after arriving at USC, this episode offers an honest and informative look at the process.
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In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Rahul Dutta to talk about his journey from studying electrical engineering at USC to building a career across the military, investment banking, and corporate development at Intel. Rahul shares how his engineering background gave him the versatility to pivot across industries, reflects on USC life and Trojan friendships, and offers insights into the evolving semiconductor landscape and what it’s like working in the heart of the tech ecosystem.
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In this episode, Paul sits down with Wade Zeno to talk about his journey from chemical engineering to molecular biophysics and academia. Wade shares how he discovered a passion for applying engineering principles to biological systems, discusses his research on proteins, lipids, and drug delivery, and reflects on balancing interdisciplinary interests—from music to fitness—throughout his academic and professional career.
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In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Alex Budde to talk about his journey from pre-med to biomedical engineering and his career developing life-saving medical devices at Abbott. Alex shares insights from working on the MitraClip system in the structural heart space, reflects on the importance of hands-on experience in the medical device industry, and discusses how his time at USC helped shape both his professional path and life beyond campus.
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We're back! In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Elisabeth Weiss, a professor who teaches WRIT 340. They discuss her journey to becoming a professor, the hands-on projects and initiatives she has developed for the course, and why strong writing and technical communication are essential skills for engineers. The conversation is especially meaningful as Hannah reflects on her experience as one of Professor Weiss’s students in the class.
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In this episode, Karissa (ME '27) sits down with MADLab Researchers Haozheng Ma (3rd Year PhD BME) and Callie Luong (ME '27) to learn more about their paths into biomedical research and how it has transformed their experience here at USC. They discuss what drew them to the MADLab, how they balance time researching with their busy schedules, and provide further insight for anyone interested in joining a research lab at USC!
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In this episode, Talise (ECE '27) sits down with Jessica (ECE '27) to talk about her summer internship at Northrop Grumman, how USC helped her get the job, succeed in the internship, and how the internship shaped her future at USC. They discuss specific classes at USC and how those skills can be applied to industry jobs, and general advice for students hoping to work in electrical and computer engineering industry roles.
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In this episode, Sophie (CHE '28) sits down with Sidha Kunada (ENE '27) and Taara Shastri (ENE '28) to discusses their involement in Engineers Without Borders, the communities formed through club engagement, and dealing with feelings of accomplishment in projects that can take years to complete.
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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Sarah (BME '28, pre-med) sits down with Cedric (BME '28, pre-med) and Mattice (CHE ' 28, pre-law) to discuss the ins and outs of pursuing a career path other than traditional engineering with an engineering degree. They discuss the various resources that they utilize here at USC, staying involved within both the engineering and the pre-med or pre-law realms, balancing their course loads, and advice that they have for students considering a similar pathway.
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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Cecilia Betancourt (ECE '27) sits down with a heavily involved RPL member and ASPEN lead, Autumn Zaretsky (ASTE '27), and discusses what it's like to be heavily involved in campus extracurriculars and what that means for academics. They highlight how to manage your time while simultaneously getting the most you can out of your college experience.
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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Keilani (CSBA '27) sits down with Daisy Fregoso (CS '28) and Sophie Hyun (CS Games '28) to discuss the variety and overlap of the different Computer Science majors and their different experiences and applications. They discuss their various CS classes and interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as how these are all integrated with engineering by design and potential career options.
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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode of USC Racing Spotlight, Naya (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Powertrain Co-Lead, sits down with Katherine (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Project Manager for SCR26, Monica (Mechanical Engineering ’27), Composites Co-Lead, and Caroline (Mechanical Engineering ’27), Powertrain Co-Lead, to dive into the technical and collaborative efforts that define USC Racing.
USC Racing is a student-run design team with 25+ years of racing pedigree that competes annually at the Formual Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) competition in Michigan. Together, they explore the team’s design philosophy, engineering challenges, and the invaluable experience gained through designing, building, and racing a 1-of-1 prototype formula-style race car.
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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Xavier (CE '27) sits down with members of the USC chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), including the current president Mitch Kirby (CE '26), project executive Ariana Robles (CE '25), and the leaders of several different design teams.
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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Mitchell Kirby (Civil Engineering ’26) who is Founder and President of the Association of Energy Engineers sits down with David Moseley (Environmental Engineering ‘27) the AEE Design Teams Lead & Marine Energy Design Team Lead and Reeth Kawad (Mechanical Engineering ‘26) the AEE Outreach Lead & Wind Design Team Lead to talk about USC’s Hub for all things renewable energy— the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
Founded last December as an official USC Registered Student Organization (RSO) and affiliated with the national AEE professional society, this group has quickly become a hub for students passionate about renewable energy. The conversation dives into what AEE is, what the team has been building in their first year, and their vision for the future.
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If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Gerson (BME '26) sits down with Dominic (BME '27) and Jaron (BME '26) to chat about their involvement in the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME). They reflect on the impact ASBME has had on their careers and personal lives, all while sharing fun anecdotes.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Jessica (AME '28) sits down with Hannah (BME '28) to talk about her role as a Build Lead and Lab Manager of USC's student-led AeroDesign Team. Hannah shares an exclusive insight into the team's aircraft design process, the ins and outs of their lab space, and her path to team leadership as an underclassman. This conversion explores how students interested in hands on experience can get involved in design teams, develop valuable life skills, and still make time to explore vibrant SoCal.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul sits down with Daisy Benitez, an environmental engineer at PepsiCo, to talk about her work in global sustainability initiatives, her journey from engineering student to sustainability professional, and her experiences living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Daisy shares insights on reducing plastic use, developing sustainable packaging, and why sustainability has become a business imperative. Along the way, she reflects on her time at USC and her involvement in SHPE and student leadership. The conversation weaves together career reflections, personal updates, and the evolving landscape of sustainability, offering both inspiration and practical advice for students and professionals alike.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul reconnects with Viterbi alumna Alex Coco, Amazon AIR manager, to discuss his path from earning both a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at USC to building a career in aerospace and logistics. Alex reflects on his professional journey from Boeing to Amazon, the lessons he carried forward from his time at USC, and how he has developed systems to balance work, family, and personal priorities. They also revisit formative study abroad experiences in Italy, the decision to broaden his skill set beyond aerospace, and the importance of self-awareness and communication in professional growth.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Lauren (Howe) Johnson to reflect on the twists and turns of her USC journey, from navigating indecision around majors to finding unexpected opportunities in engineering, leadership, and travel. Lauren shares how studying abroad in Rome shaped her perspective, how she used data to improve admissions strategy, and what transitioning from consulting to program management at Intuit was like.
Lauren's USC Reaction Picture & 'Bey Day':
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https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_5387.jpeg
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul sits down with Erik Johnson and Gaurav Sukhatme to discuss the launch of a brand-new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree program coming in Fall 2026. Together, they explore how the program was developed, the three specialized tracks it will offer, and what makes it distinct from computer science and other engineering majors. The conversation also covers AI’s growing role across industries, the importance of ethics in AI education, and how USC is preparing students to become the next generation of AI engineers.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumna Makana Krulce to explore her journey from studying polymers at USC to working in global pharmaceutical consulting. Makana shares how her hands-on experience in Germany shaped her career, reflects on founding the USC student organization Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology (QUEST), and discusses the challenges of bringing cutting-edge therapies to market. They also dive into the role of chemical engineering in everyday products, from airplane windows to grocery crates, and the impact of AI on the future of healthcare and work.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul sits down with Jennifer, a college admission counselor best known as Jenn the Tutor, to debunk myths and misconceptions about getting into college. Jennifer shares her journey from law school to education, her community-oriented approach to guiding students, and why she believes authenticity matters more than chasing prestige. They dive into how social media and cultural pressures fuel admission anxiety, the importance of finding a school that truly fits, and practical strategies for families navigating the process. From the infamous “favorite snack” quick-take question to rethinking what makes a “good college,” this conversation offers a candid, encouraging perspective for students and parents alike.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul speaks with Viterbi alumna Natalie Dana (Alvarez) about her interdisciplinary path through civil engineering and architecture, her career in sustainable construction at Turner Construction, and how her time at USC, from study abroad to football games, shaped her journey. They also discuss the future of engineering education, AI literacy, and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
Welcome to Viterbi Voice Season 11! In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumna Pooja Sharma Rao to talk about her unique career journey at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and business. From hands-on experiences in cadaver labs to developing and marketing medical devices, Pooja shares how her time at USC prepared her for a dynamic career in the healthcare industry.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
Join us for Saafiyah's last podcast as our co-host! Saafiyah and Paul wrap up season 10 of the Viterbi Voices podcast and introduce the next co-host... Hannah! They reflect on Saafiyah's year as co-host, share plans for the end of the semester, and discuss what’s next for the podcast.
Signing off, see you all in August!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Satwika talks with 5th year PhD student Nathan Justin about his take on software engineering, CS ethics and his journey towards a PhD.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Jessica (AME ‘28) sits down with Emma (ASTE ‘28), Norah (ECE ‘28), and Alan (ASTE ‘28) to explore what it's like balancing the rigors of engineering with their passion for music. From acapella rehearsals to band camp, they dive into what inspired them to continue learning and performing music, how they got involved in their current music organizations at USC, and give insightful advice on managing problem sets and practice sessions.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Michaela (CHE ‘27) sits down with Zoe (CHE ‘27) to discuss what chemical engineering is really like, keys to success in a challenging major, balancing academics and fun clubs, and finding joy with friends and self-care at USC.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Keilani (CSBA ‘27) talks to Ellis (CS ‘28) about the underlooked significance of journalism and science communications for STEM-related issues applicable to the real world. They discuss how accessible newsletters and publications can be used to garner traction towards wider issues such as sustainability, computer science, and engineering as an overall discipline, while also highlighting the current information crisis within big media creating boundaries for this information. Tune in to hear their insights on how rhetoric and journalism acts as the gateway to access seemingly intimidating information, but how it can also be used to motivate action in tackling broader issues.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with USC students from various majors and years to unpack their college decision journeys. From the factors that guided their choices to what surprised them most after arriving, they reflect on what drew them to USC and how their perspectives have evolved since. Tune in to hear why each of them ultimately chose to join the Trojan Family!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Sarah talks to 5 BME students (Ishaani '26, Cedric '28, Matthew '26, Hidaya '27, and Dominic '27) about their minors outside of engineering. With minors ranging from Spanish to cinematic arts to human rights, they all have different perspectives to share about how they explore their non-engineering passions at USC and fit minor coursework into their packed engineering schedules.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this special 10th anniversary episode, we reunite with past co-hosts to reflect on our podcast journey. We discuss behind-the-scenes mishaps, what's changed at Viterbi over the past decade, and how the show has evolved. Tune in for a deep dive into the podcast's past and to find out what our former co-hosts are up to now!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Hannah (ME '27) sits down with Naina and Jay from CAIS++ to dive into the world of AI for social good. They discuss how the Center for AI in Society Student Branch is using artificial intelligence to tackle real-world problems, what it's like to be part of an AI-focused student organization, and how aspiring engineers can get involved in ethical AI research. Tune in to hear their insights on the future of AI, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the impact students can make in the field.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Sophie (CHE ’28) and her engineering friends talk about their experience with CURVE, a research opportunity offered by Viterbi. They discuss their first experiences with research, and what it’s like to work in labs on campus. Whether it’s working with air foils in the Dryden Wind Tunnel, or working with computational chemistry, CURVE offers unique research experiences for any engineering major.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Mitchell Kirby (CE ‘26) got the chance to sit down with Kyle Revale, an inspiring senior studying Civil Engineering. Kyle has a focus on Construction Management and will be graduating with his Master’s in Construction Management in December. Kyle is very involved at USC, and they had a great conversation about ways to get engaged in extracurriculars and what Kyle’s four years of leadership and experience looked like with some advice for those applying to USC.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Xavier speaks with Christian Corona, a fellow sophomore in civil engineering, talking about how to get an early start on professional opportunities and work on your career as an underclassman. They talk about organizations, career fairs, excursions, and their own experiences. Whether you're also on the internship search or don't even have a resume, take a listen!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Gerson and his biomedical engineering student friends talk about their "5-9s" after their "9-5s." From dancing and music to swimming and investing, they discuss their passions and pursuits beyond the classroom. Tune in for a glimpse into their exciting lives outside of engineering.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Saafiyah chats with Kaleigh Ray (ASTE ’25) about all things Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL). They discuss the teams within RPL that Kaleigh has been a part of, how she got involved, and the records the club has broken. Kaleigh also shares insights into her space-related research, her internships, and how she balances it all alongside her involvement in USC sports and other activities outside of academics.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with Sejal and Ivan, Environmental Engineering majors at USC. They share their experiences on environmental design competition teams, their involvement in various environmental and identity-based clubs, and how they’ve found community at USC through classes and extracurriculars.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Paul interviews USC alumna Marcelle Phené, a civil engineering graduate who has worked with several companies and served in the U.S. Navy. She shares how her engineering background played a role in her military service and career journey. Marcelle also discusses her professional journey since then and her decision to return to USC for an MBA.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
To kick off the second half of season 10, our Viterbi admission counselors answer your hard-pressed questions about first-year admission to USC. In this episode, they cover a range of common topics, from providing insights into the application process to whether there is a "secret sauce" to stand out.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Hansini speaks with three members (Alexandra, Mitch, and Alanna) of Makers, an electronics design team at USC. They talk about their shared experience in the club, experience working on different project teams, and opportunities for leadership and networking.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Xavier speaks with Christian Corona, a fellow sophomore in civil engineering, talking about how to get an early start on professional opportunities and work on your career as an underclassman. They talk about organizations, career fairs, excursions, and their own experiences. Whether you're also on the internship search or don't even have a resume, take a listen!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
Taylor and her senior peers reflect on their past seven semesters at USC, recognize their growth and accomplishments, and share advice for anyone in their academic journey!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with Joel Etchri, a mechanical engineering student from Macau, as he reflects on his college journey in Los Angeles. Joel opens up about the challenges and rewards of studying far from home, navigating a new culture, and adjusting to life in the U.S. He also offers advice to fellow international students on how to thrive in a foreign environment.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Cecilia reflects with Leire, Jessica, and Talise on their experiences so far as Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) majors. They discuss what they got wrong and right about their major, and what advice they would give themselves if they started at USC all over again.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Ishaani sits down with Matthew (BME '26) and Eddie (BME '26), members of MEDesign, USCs premier medical device design club. Join them as they explore how Biomedical Engineering students in MEDesign are turning their passion for innovation into real-world projects, and discover what drives these engineers to push the boundaries of medical technology through their experiences on their design teams.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Karissa speaks with Krishna Srikanth, a fellow Viterbi student, to discuss life at USC while pursuing rigorous majors and minors. They chat about everything related to enjoying life and doing well at USC: social life, clubs, internships, classes, and more!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events. Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!
If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now! More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
In this episode, Hannah speaks with some of the fabulous women in engineering leading Viterbi Clubs and Organizations. They discuss their time in SWE, CAIS++, ScopeSC, ADT, and Shift along with their experience at Viterbi and beyond!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, USC Viterbi students Riya, Cody, Aditya, and Agnes share their experiences in various Computer Science programs. They discuss how they chose the right computer science major for them, their classes, and how they balance their coursework with other classes.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, we sit down with a senior Mechanical Engineering student and a senior Industrial Engineering student to discuss their experiences with recruiting in their final year of college. They share valuable insights, strategies, and tips on how to navigate the job hunt, prepare for interviews, and stand out to employers in a competitive market.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Gerson chats with recently graduated friends that studied Biomedical Engineering at USC. They talk about what they have been up to, law school, medical school, industry, consulting, research, and plenty more!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Victoria speaks with Grace Hutapea about their experiences being college students in Los Angeles. They discuss professional opportunities through USC, exploring the LA area and food scene, the perks of living in a big city, and much more!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Ava chats with Irith and Keyvette about their study abroad experiences in London, Brighton, and Singapore. They discuss the unique challenges of studying engineering abroad, balancing academics with travel, adapting to new cultures, and how their time overseas has shaped their personal and professional growth. Tune in for tips on making the most of study abroad opportunities, navigating different educational systems, and their favorite moments from life as global Viterbi students!
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Jake is joined by a fellow student, Alex Forgosh. They discuss their shared experience of balancing a computer science/engineering degree with playing collegiate sports, leading clubs, pursuing hobbies, and keeping up with their social life. Listen in as they discuss strategies that keep them organized, give tips to new students, their work experience, and more.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Paul speaks with Viterbi alumnus Breece Phipps (BS, MS ASTE '22) about his remarkable journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a Propulsion System Flight Controller at NASA. Breece opens up about his unconventional path to college, his USC experience, and how he turned his life around. They also explore his entrepreneurial venture into the coffee industry and the lessons he's learned along the way.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Paul and Ava conduct live interviews with new USC parents as they help move their first-year students onto campus. Tune in to hear valuable advice from parents who have traveled from near and far, and get their thoughts on becoming part of the Trojan family. We also hear from incoming students sharing their excitement and expectations for the upcoming school year.
Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Paul speaks with Viterbi alumna Shayna Goldberger (ECE '18, MS ASTE '22) about her career as a spacecraft systems engineer at Millennium Space Systems. Shayna shares insights into her studies in both electrical and astronautical engineering and provides a glimpse into her current work. They also delve into her unexpected decision to attend USC, where she discovered a passion for her field and made the most of her experience.
Send us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with Viterbi admission counselors to address common myths and answer the "burning questions" students have about the admissions process. They discuss everything from how to stand out as an applicant to the real impact of legacy status. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to demystify the admissions process and get honest answers to their most pressing questions.
Send us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Viterbi Voices is back with Season 10! In the pilot episode, Paul sits down with Professor Steve Bucher, the director of the Engineering in Society (EiS) Program. Steve developed and led the engineering writing program that evolved into the EiS program. In this episode, Paul and Steve explore the concept of civic responsibility for engineers. They also discuss how the EiS program connects students’ technical work to its societal impact and cultivates responsible professionals, the influence of artificial intelligence and other technologies on students' education, and much more!
Links Mentioned:
Viterbi Conversations in Ethics
Illumin Magazine
Engineering in Society
Send us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
We want you to visit campus!
Our campus visit programs are available all summer long, and we can't wait to meet you. The Visit Viterbi Experience includes an overview of our engineering & computer science programs, the admission process, and a brief lab tour. They run on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If you can't make it to campus, check out one of our virtual events. Go to viterbi.link/visit to book!
Join us for Maya's last podcast as our co-host! Maya and Paul wrap up season 9 of the Viterbi Voices podcast and introduce the next co-host... Saafiyah! They talk about plans for the future, plans for the podcast, and Taylor Swift (as always!).
See you all in August!
In this episode, USC Viterbi seniors Maya (ISE '24), Nick (ASTR '24), Peyton (ME '24), and Victoria (ME '24) reflect on their past 4 years at USC. They discuss what they thought they would do, what they actually did, and how they planned and prepared for college. Planning is second-nature for these students as engineers, but this episode proves that plans almost always change and flexibility is necessary to "dominate" college. Tune in as these students discuss important lessons they learned and what advice they would give to incoming first-years.
In this episode, Peyton is joined by her senior design team members Misha and Pono. They discuss a novel suspension system they designed for Martian rovers during their mechanical engineering degree capstone course at USC. Listen in as they discuss their journey ideating, designing, building, and testing, well as presenting at the AIAA aerospace conference.
In this episode, Paul interviews Viterbi alum Caitlin about her career and time at USC. Caitlin speaks about moving around in her career through cybersecurity, consulting, and social media influencing. Listen for a great conversation with cybersecurity tips, learning, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of Caitlin... also known as Cybersecurity Girl!
In this episode, Taylor interviews Carlton (CSBA '27), Cecil (Mech '24, M.S. Aero '25), Eliana (ISE '26), and Rachel Amir (BME '24) about their lives and time at Viterbi. They discuss why they chose USC, involvements , finding community at Viterbi, DEI programs and initiatives, and advice for current and incoming students. Lessons and advice in this podcast are important and applicable for any incoming student regardless of identity.
In this episode, Paul speaks with Viterbi alumna Bria Jamison (ENE '18, MS Green Technologies, '19) about her career as an environmental consultant, an engineer, and a fellow at the Department of Energy. They discuss the discipline of environmental engineering, the complexities of the field, and current environmental work being done in the government. Listen to learn about all things environmental engineering and how Bria Jamison is making a difference.
In this episode, Paul speaks with Lorena Duran (LCSW, Ed.D.) from USC about student wellness at for engineering students in Viterbi. Wellness is a priority at USC to encourage students to do their best work and be their best selves. They discuss specific programs, resources, and strategies to help students adapt to college and thrive at USC.
In this episode Celine (BME '24) speaks with her friends Anthony (BME '24), Kara (BME '24), and Matt (BME '24) about life lessons they've learned throughout their four years of college. They give advice to any incoming first-year students about academics, making friends, and learning how to go with the flow.
In this episode, Saafiyah speaks with Anshay as he reflects on his time at USC. We discuss his experience with transferring, entrepreneurship endeavors, senior year bucket lists, 'The Bachelor,' and more!
Parents of prospective Viterbi students, this episode is for you!
In this episode, current Viterbi students, Maya and Grace, interview their parents to highlight the parent perspective and experience of the college application process, college decisions, and sending their student off to college. The parents share personal stories, lessons learned, and advice for parents of prospective and future USC students. For any parent with questions about how to navigate this period and help their student, listen to this fun episode for laughs, wisdom, and family-time.
Join us for an episode of twinning in ISE at USC! In this episode, Maya interviews her twin brother, Charlie (ISE '24, M.S. DSCI '24), who shares insights into his academic journey, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. Charlie explains his data science projects (including a teaching assistant chat bot), his choice to pursue a Master's degree, his undergraduate research experience, and his role on the club basketball team. Maya and Charlie and clear examples of how interests and involvement can vary, even for students in the same major and coming from the same background.
In this episode, Maya and Peyton interview numerous Viterbi students hanging out at the Epstein Family Plaza on a Friday afternoon. The series of short interviews explores the students' reasons for choosing USC, the meaning of engineering, favorite courses at USC, favorite memories, and must-visit spots for a visit to Los Angeles. Listen for a glimpse into the lives of Viterbi students and a sample of the diversity of our student body.
In this episode, Maya interviews three members of the Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL), Abbey, Kaleigh, and Meghna, about the organization and their experiences. RPL is a premier rocketry group at USC known for being the first student team to launch a rocket into space. With positions for anyone in any engineering discipline, RPL is a great opportunity for students to acquire hands-on engineering skills and learn about rockets and engineering. Listen to this episode for more information about different teams, opportunities, and lessons from RPL.
In this episode, Lucas speaks with Peyton (ME '24, M.S. ME '24) and Mitch (CE '26) about their experiences with housing at USC. They review different dorms, what they did each year, and different tips and advice for choosing where to live. This is a great episode for prospective and current students deciding where to live at USC.
In this episode, Maya has a conversation with Alex Forgosh (CECS '26). They discuss their majors, why they chose USC, the best adjectives to describe Viterbi, and Alex's firefighting technology product, Hatchet. You won't want to miss this fire episode.
Stay tuned for the end of the episode where Paul speaks about the newly released EA decisions and what they mean for students.
In this episode, Paul interviews Kevin Henry, senior director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Paul and Kevin discuss the importance of inclusion and diversity at Viterbi, across the engineering field, and beyond. Kevin shares stories about his experience at college, details about his role at USC, and examples of resources and programs to support student success at Viterbi.
In our first episode of 2024, Paul and the Viterbi admissions staff answer last minute questions about applications, admissions, and more. Whether you are currently finishing your application for the next year or thinking about a future application, this episode is a useful one.
NOTE: This episode is a recording of the audio from a live event hosted by Viterbi admissions.
Join us for our last episode of the year! In this episode, Maya speaks to her classmate and long-time Viterbi Voices fan Ryan Slater (ISE '24). They discuss the podcast, why they chose USC, internship experiences, things that surprised them about college, and Taylor Swift!
In this episode, Saafiyah speaks with Ava and Aditya about their experiences with pursuing creative studies in addition to being Viterbi students. We discuss how they got involved in their creative discipline, balancing schedules, the culture of different USC programs, and more!
In this episode, Maya speaks with first-year student Kaylena (EnvE '27) about her experience at USC in her first year. They discuss her schedule, expectations coming to USC, her transition from high school, and tips for success!
Also in the episode, our hosts Maya and Paul prepare for Thanksgiving break and discuss all things turkey, pie, and traditions. Is it stuffing or dressing? Listen to the end of the episode for the answer and lots of laughs.
In this episode, Sydney (CHE'24), talks with Nikhil Patel (CS'24), Yashvi Jaju (CSBA'24), and Reagan Meek (CS'24) about their experiences working in start-ups. They address how they got involved with entrepreneurship, how Viterbi has prepared them to run a business, and their experience with USC start-up clubs. They also share their own start-up company ideas and what it was like to work in a team setting.
In this episode, Mitch (CE '26) talks with Natalia Higuera (CE '26), Natalie Miller (CE '26), and Lair Champion (ENE '26) about the research they do here at USC. The term "research" is commonly thrown around in college, and this podcast aims to explore what research actually means for these Viterbi students. Mitch and his guests discuss what research really means, how their research pertains to internships, and their own personal and career goals.
In this episode, Celine (BME '24) speaks with Dominic (BME '27), Gerson (BME '26), Anthony (BME '24), and Grace (ECE '24) about their college experiences so far! Underclassmen in this episode express various obstacles that they have experienced in their time in college, while seniors shed some wisdom gained from their four years at USC. Listen to this conversation to hear more about how both groups are thinking about research, classes, housing, and living life in your 20's.
Join us on this podcast to hear what different mechanical engineers at Viterbi are doing, and how you can make your experience at Viterbi what you want it to be!
In this episode, Lucas speaks to Shelby & Christian about USC's progressive degree program, discussing the process of starting as a Viterbi undergrad and pursuing a Masters in either Viterbi or the Marshall School of Business.
In this episode, hear Viterbi student Salma speak about what it's like to balance clubs, courses, and extracurriculars as a Viterbi Student! A special guest talks about this topic in real-time and shares some of their experiences as a member of several clubs in Viterbi. This episode also touches on how to balance self-care and social life in addition to school work and several ways to achieve this.
In this episode, Mateo speaks with Celine and Jaya about their experiences in biomedical engineering research at USC. We discuss their current and past projects, how to get involved, their future plans in research, and more!
In this episode, Maya speaks with her roommate Claire Smerdon (CSBA '24, M.S. CS '25) about her experience with the computer science and business curriculum and in-class projects at USC. They walk through different project and theory-based courses and outline different projects Claire worked on. They also address common concerns about varying levels of engineering experience amongst students Viterbi.
What would your computer science classes be like at Viterbi? Will you be challenged? Will you be successful with no prior engineering experience?
Listen to this episode for Maya and Claire's experience and advice!
In this episode, Grace sits down with seniors Amanda, Isabella, and Allison to reflect on their self-care journey during their four years at USC. Together they discuss healthy habits, maintaining relationships, self-care on a daily and weekly basis, and more!
In this episode, Aisha speaks with fellow biomedical engineer Veda Bansal (BME '24) about transitioning to USC as an international student and switching from biology to engineering. As a senior, Veda also speaks about how keeping an open mind in college led to a more fulfilling life/career trajectory and how new experiences have impacted her future plans. Tune in for advice on going to USC as an international student, choosing a major, and navigating life. Hint: not having everything figured out is okay!
In this episode, Maya speaks with current Viterbi students (Peyton (ME '24), Nick (ASTR '24), Jeet (ME '25), and Ayomide (ISE '26)) about their summer internships this past summer. The group of students interned at a wide range of companies: Apple, Boeing, ARCO/Murray, Deloitte, and Medtronic. They explain their different processes to acquire their internships and what they did in their roles. Tune in for great advice, funny stories, and a crash course on all things engineering internships!
Join Stacey Badger, Senior Assistant Director, and Lisa Rosas, Assistant Director, at the Discover USC Program in Santa Clara on Sunday, September 10th. You can RSVP online: viterbi.link/events.
In this episode, Paul speaks with Will McGarey (CHE '13) about his time at Viterbi and since graduating. They speak about his experience minoring in theatre, studying chemical engineering, working at various consulting companies, and founding an LGBTQ+ organization on campus. Tune in for a great conversation with useful advice and fun stories!
In this episode, Paul interviews former student (and co-worker) Brenton Caldwell (BME '14, M.S. ENG MGT '15) about his time at USC and life after graduating. They discuss biomedical engineering, healthcare consulting, product management, and moving across the country for college. Brenton and Paul also share great advice, memories, and recommendations with listeners.
In this episode, Maya interviews current Viterbi graduate student, Tadd Long (CE '23, M.S. EnE '24). Tadd graduated with his undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and he is currently enrolled in the progressive degree program to receive a M.S. in environmental engineering. They discuss his experiences in both fields of engineering, internships in environmental and civil engineering, environmental clubs on campus, the progressive degree program, and climbing mountains!
Post-production update: Tadd has climbed a total of twelve 14ers this summer, exceeding his goal mentioned in the episode.
In this episode, Paul interviews Dr. Greg Sinclair (CHE '14, Ph.D. Nuclear Eng '18) about his work, life, and time at USC. They speak about nuclear engineering, fission versus fusion, research, and becoming a scientist as an engineer. Listen to the episode to learn tons about experiences, projects, and careers in the chemical and nuclear engineering fields.
In this episode, Paul and the Viterbi Admissions team celebrate the opening of the common application for Fall 2024 applicants. They discuss frequently asked questions, helpful reminders, and application tips. For anyone looking to apply to the Viterbi school of engineering at USC, this episode will be helpful and entertaining.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Join Maya, Paul, and two current Viterbi engineering students -- Celine and Grace -- in this extra-special bonus episode discussing the Oppenheimer and Barbie movies. They share their perspectives as engineers on the topic of ethics, scientific discovery, identity, and representation as shown in the two films.
Episode artwork photo credit: @JustRalphyyy/Twitter
Viterbi Voices is back! Join us for our first episode of season 9.
In this episode, Maya and Paul speak with Lyssa (CHE '15, M.S. ENG MGT '15) about many topics including chemical engineering, technology consulting, and maintaining a unique identity as an engineer. The conversation also turns to less "serious" topics including Harry Potter, F1, and Taylor Swift. Engaging conversation, funny anecdotes, and the kickoff of our new season make this episode one you won't want to miss.
With July quickly coming to an end, that means August is right around the corner and the launch of the Common App for Fall 2024 applicants on August 1, 2023. Head to commonapp.org to start your file, or learn more about our application process at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.
It's the last episode of the season. Paul and Cameron take a look back at this year, give some advice for future students applying to college, look forward to what Cameron will be doing after graduation, and what the podcast holds for next season.
Join a bunch of Juniors as they reflect on their post-grad plans and their journeys from high school to the career they are now pursuing
This week Natalie, Civil Engineering - Building Science '23, joins the podcast. She talks about her experience discovering her emphasis in building science that combines engineering and architecture, her student design teams, and her professional journey to working on construction management.
Our co-host Maya joins us this episode all the way from London, England where she is studying abroad this semester! She talks about her experience going abroad, how she applied, how it works with engineering, and the takeaways she has from going through the process
This week, Victoria, Celine, Mateo and Cameron talk about why they chose USC. They discuss their whole college application process from picking schools to apply to, why they chose USC, and if they thought it was worth it.
This week, Paul discusses first year admissions decisions with the Viterbi admission staff including Becky, Stacey, Angie, and Lisa.
This week episodes features two members from ShiftSC, one of Viterbi's newest student organizations focusing on education about technology that is ethical, responsible, and designed for humans first. This conversation with the co-founder and an inaugural cohort member dives into the ins and outs of what is means to develop tech responsibly at ShiftSC.
In this weeks episode, Cameron sits down with Jordan, the co-president of the Center for AI in Society Student branch. They discuss what CAIS++ is, the curriculum they teach, some of the projects students work done and even talk about the cool AI projects making headlines in the news like chatGPT and LensaAI.
In this episode, Cameron spotlights Ayana, a senior studying Chemical Engineering. They talk about her involvements with the the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, after grad plans, and how she kept her love of dance alive in college.
In this episode, Sydney talks with Jordan, Carl, and Taylor about their experiences interning during the school year. They talk about balancing engineering workloads, job expectations, and what they learned from pursing an engineering internship on top of their engineering coursework.
In this episode, Celine (BME '24) talks about a hot topic for prospective USC students...housing! With the help of Cameron (CSBA '23), Mateo (BME '25), and Jaya (BME '24), this episode unpacks things like dorm rankings, random roommates, and the necessity of shower shoes. We also give an update on the current admissions cycle at USC.
This episode is a recording of our Transfer Students in Engineering Live Chat. Kaleigh talks with Salma, George, and Kenneth about their time transferring to the Viterbi School of Engineering, how they've found community, and their overall experience as engineering majors in college.
In this episode, Mateo speaks with Caraline Baker about her experiences as a student at USC Viterbi while also being a member of the USC Swim Team. We talk about Caraline’s path to becoming a student-athlete, her experiences balancing sports and academics, and her advice for those who are considering the same pathway to higher education.
Nick and Cameron spend this episode talking about their experiences at engineering conferences for their organizations, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). They highlight the benefits and perks of attending the conferences for students and share their personal stories about professional development and bonding with friends in school.
This episode features Cameron, Neha, and Emily discussing all things senior design capstone classes. From their perspectives in computer science, electrical, and biomedical engineering, they talk the ins and outs of what a capstone class is and talk about the projects they created. They also speak on important lessons they learned from taking their respective capstone classes and its connections to real world engineering industry.
In this episode, Mateo speaks with Cinthia, JP, and Monse about their experiences with changing their majors at USC. We speak about the process of changing your major, how we settled upon those majors, our successes and struggles during our journeys, and give some advice for those who may want to change their major as well.
This is the final episode of Viterbi Voices in 2022! In this episode, Maya and Paul discuss winter break plans, holiday traditions, and their favorite parts of the semester. They also discuss plans for the podcast next semester when Maya is studying abroad in London. Tune in for the first part of the reveal and holiday cheer!
In this episode, Aisha discusses with Nick and Emily the impact they're trying to make in their Innovation in Engineering and Design for Global Crises class where they're working to build products to benefit communities affected by the war in Ukraine. We speak about the perspectives gained from traveling to Romania and interacting one-on-one with people affected, how we want to help, and how we measure the success of our impact.
In this episode, Sydney speaks with Carl, Manasvi, and Hari about the life of a chemical engineering student. The students spoke about their experience about what their classes are like and what material is taught. They also addressed why they chose their major, how they got involved in research, and what opportunities there are to pursue outside of engineering.
In this episode, Celine speaks with Grace, Asna, Lauren, Kristian, and Anthony about life as biomedical engineering students at USC (while enjoying delicious boba)! This episode dives into a wide variety of topics, including how to get involved with research in college, key highlights of the biomedical engineering department at USC, and fun things to do in Los Angeles. Check out this episode for a glimpse into what life is like for a BME at USC!
In this episode, Maya speaks with Viterbi students Cameron, Araxi, Taylor, and Celine about how they spent their fall break. This special conversation bounces from Halloween costumes, conferences, traveling, falling leaves, Viterbi abroad programs, and so much more. Check out this episode for a glimpse into breaks at college as a student at USC Viterbi.
In this episode, Lucas speaks with Christian and Amber about their experiences at USC outside of academics. We discuss extracurriculars, fun things to do around Los Angeles, managing stress, and more!
In this episode, Victoria interviews Pooja and Elizabeth about their experiences in Makers, an IOT and electronics design club at USC. We speak about projects, applying to clubs, and being a freshmen on design teams.
This episode is a part of our newest series: student spotlights! This series highlights specific students at USC Viterbi, their interests, and what they do in an informal, fun conversation.
In this episode, Lavanya (CSBA '25) - also known as Lavy - speaks with Maya about her interest in computer science and business, her experience with cybersecurity, organizing hackathons, and her time at USC.
This episode kicks off our newest series: student spotlights! This series highlights specific students at USC Viterbi, their interests, and what they do in an informal, fun conversation.
In this episode, TJ (ISE '24) speaks with Maya about his interest in the environment and how he engages with his interest through a sustainability fellowship, systems engineering, and specific classes at USC.
Join us for this student-hosted event! Current Viterbi students Shannon, Nick, Maya, Leslie, Tim, and Neha will answer any and all questions you have about our majors. Check out the department(s) you're interested in, and get to know the major!
Join us for this student-hosted event! Current Viterbi students Shannon, Nick, Maya, Leslie, Tim, and Neha will answer any and all questions you have about our majors. Check out the department(s) you're interested in, and get to know the major!
Join us for an extra special episode with Paul, Maya, and a panel of current Viterbi students. Nick, Natalie, Jevon, and Taylor ask Paul, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Viterbi, questions about myths and best practices for applying to Viterbi. Is there an easiest major to be admitted to at Viterbi? Is there a best topic to write about for your essay? They answer all of these questions and share their personal stories in this podcast. If you are a prospective Viterbi applicant, this episode is recommended to answer some of the questions you might have.
In this episode, Paul and Maya interview Viterbi alum Scott Macklin (AE '11, M.S. ‘13). They speak about Scott's time at companies focused on space like SpaceX and Virgin Orbit, climbing Kilimanjaro, and the lessons he's learned from failing. Scott's in-depth explanations of the space industry and its progress make this podcast a unique crash course for listeners.
In this episode, Maya and Paul speak with Jeff Newman (EE '11), about his educational and professional path to becoming a product manager. Jeff explains and compares his experiences with popular "less technical" careers in tech such as product management, project management, and technology consulting. In addition to these lessons, this episode includes discussion of Viterbi's culture, imposter syndrome, and food around USC.
In this episode, Maya and Paul speak with Viterbi alum Dr. Guillermo Garcia (ME '07) . They speak about everything from transferring schools, starting new ventures, having a growth mindset, and USC Football!
In this episode, we kick-off season 8 of the podcast with our new student co-host, Maya! Tune in to hear updates from the hosts, plans for podcast in the upcoming year, and new information from Viterbi Admissions.
Join us in Emily's last podcast as host! As Emily prepares to graduate, she hands over the mic to Maya. Listen in to hear about Emily's post-grad plans and Maya's goals for the next season!
Join Emily as she interviews her fellow class of 2022 soon-to-be Viterbi graduates! They reflect on their four years at SC, discuss highs and lows, and touch on goals for the future.
In this episode, Mark speaks with Jevon and Victoria about the National Society of Black Engineers and their experience at the National Conference. We dive into the benefits of finding a community for Black students in engineering and career opportunities that NSBE offers!
In this episode, Peyton speaks with Jordan C., Matthew, Cami, & Jordan J. about their experiences minoring at USC. We discuss how to select a minor, the benefits of minoring, balancing our schedules, and different classes we have taken while minoring at USC!
In this episode, Elena speaks with Julia, Hari, Agok, and Alejandro about what it's like to be a chemical engineer at USC; and why they chose chemical engineering and their specific emphasis. We discuss things from favorite coursework, research and internships, to balancing schedules and more!
In this episode, Maya interviews Claire, Christina, and Luc about the different ways they incorporated business into their engineering studies. We talk about majors, minors, projects, internships and more.
In this special edition episode, Paul and the rest of the USC Viterbi admissions team discuss this years admission decisions. Tune in to hear about how decisions were made, how to prepare for the news, and next steps!
In this episode, Olivia chats with Annie, Alana, Isabel, and Noor about environmental engineering. They talk about what exactly environmental engineering is, the different classes they've taken, research, post-grad plans, and more!
In this episode, Jordan, Matt, and Paul continue their Viterbi-inspired Dungeons & Dragons campaign once again! Will they be able to defeat the mysterious AI mastermind? Join us to see how the finale of this two-part series concludes!
In this episode, Jordan, Matt, and Paul play a Viterbi-inspired Dungeons & Dragons campaign once again! AI robots are trying to take over Viterbi and Shannon, our Dungeon Master has made sure to prepare some surprises along the way. Join us for this two-part episode and see how our engineers navigate this invasion while balancing their midterms at the same time!
In this episode, Matthew talks with Arjun and Austin about pursuing professional degrees after an engineering undergrad. Austin lays out the research into Organs on Chips he hopes to continue in his PhD while Arjun talks about his path towards medical school.
In this episode, Emily and Paul speak with alumna Kim Pacheco about her experience working in civil engineering. She speaks on finding her path, why USC, living in Seattle, and her many work projects!
In this episode, Paul speaks with alumnus Jesal Shah (CEE ’00) about his path within environmental engineering. As Paul’s former roommate, Jesal has lots to share about his USC experience including work-life balance, acting pursuits, and being a game show contestant!
In this episode, Elena speaks with three mechanical engineering women about their experience with coding a robot Baxter to tie-dye t-shirts. We discuss the intersectionality of fashion and robotics and how they could produce results.
Alex talks to Nick and Tilman about their Mechanical Engineering Capstone project. Nick and Tilman explain what the class is, their experiences in the class and why it is important to have a capstone project.
In this episode, Paul and the rest of the admissions team answer any and all questions related to transferring to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
Steven and Gianna talk about their time taking Nautical Science, NAUT301a, aka sailing at USC. They give a basic class rundown, how it fits in their schedules, and what other fun classes are offered at USC. Additionally, there is a spotlight on personal growth during college and a teaser to see if Steven will ever get in his first fight.
In this episode, Chris talks with Elyse, Manny, Ashley, and Tadd about being a student of the Civil/Environmental Engineering Department at USC. They discuss the different tracks/emphases available to students, some of their favorite classes, clubs and organizations, and potential career paths for civil/environmental students at USC.
In this episode, we kick off the second half of season 7 with a little back to school conversation with Cameron and Maya! We discuss what we did over break, goals for the new year, and other USC happenings.
In this episode, Mark speaks with with Cori and Francisco all things astronautical engineering. We dive into two student design teams on campus, the Rocket Propulsion Lab and the Liquid Propulsion Lab, learn about student experiences in those clubs and much more!
In this live chat, Derek discusses the LGBTQ+ community at Viterbi and USC with Gus, Kate, Chris, and Elissa. They discuss LGBTQ+ resources, events, student life, and more!
In this episode, Peyton speaks with USC women's soccer player Penelope Hocking about her experiences studying Computer Science and playing division 1 soccer. We discuss time management, internships, favorite classes, the recruiting process, and more!
In this episode, Elena speaks with Mary and Alana about navigating life at USC as an out-of-state student. They touch on topics concerning how they looked for universities to how they brought over their belongings from another coast.
In this hour long talk, we discuss our experiences as Black engineers at Viterbi. We answer questions about how we wanted to become engineers, why Viterbi, the resources we've used to find belonging as Black engineers and more!
In this episode, Neha, Jordan, and Pail continue their adventure at the zombie apocalypse right where they left off last time with Neha facing off the Viterbi zombies! Join our brave engineers while they navigate this Dungeons & Dragons campaign set up by the incredible Dungeon Master, Shannon. If you haven't yet, make sure you listen to Part 1 first and see if they can save the day!
In this episode, Neha, Jordan, and Paul do something a little different by playing a Viterbi-inspired Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Shannon, the Dungeon Master, has an incredible zombie apocalypse story prepared for our engineers to navigate and try to solve. Make sure to tune in for this two-episode event and see what happens when zombies overrun Viterbi!
In this episode, Olivia chats with Frankie and Irene about their progressive degree programs. We talk about what exactly this program is, why we chose to apply, the kinds of classes we take, and more!
In this episode, Maya speaks with Cyprien and Talha about their experiences with entrepreneurship as undergraduate students at Viterbi. We discuss the process of developing a start-up at Viterbi, the resources available at USC, and how to balance school and work.
In this discussion, Jordan interviews Isaac, Helen, Georgia, and Jevon about their computer science specializations. We break down each of the computer science majors at Viterbi, our experiences in the department, and how we chose our majors!
In this hour long talk, we discuss out experiences as LatinX engineers at Viterbi. We answer questions about how we wanted to become engineers, why Viterbi, the resources we've used to find belonging as LatinX engineers and more!
In this episode, Matthew talks with Reuben and Jack about the projects they worked on over quarantine. Reuben talks about the struggles of building his own fully functional laser harp while Jack describes his research into whiplash and the advancements made in the field.
In part 2 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumnus Robert Wright (Electrical Engineering ’08, M.S. ’09) about his experiences at USC and working for Apple. We discuss how to be a leader and company culture.
In part 1 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumnus Robert Wright (Electrical Engineering ’08, M.S. ’09) about his experiences at USC and working for Apple. We discuss choosing a major, finding creative outlets, and finding your path.
In this hour long talk, we discuss out experiences as women engineers at Viterbi. We answer questions about how we wanted to become engineers, why Viterbi, the resources we've used to find belonging as women engineers and more!
In this episode, Paul and Emily talk to Karan Menon, a USC student and captain of USC's college bowl team this past season. Karan reflects on his experiences as a champion of the National Geographic Bee, founder of USC's quiz bowl team, and student studying computer science. Furthermore, we discuss how he brought his team to the final championship of NBC's College Bowl and talk about some behind the scenes action on set.
In part 2 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni (ISE ’03) about her experiences working at Apple, Disney, and UPS. In this episode specifically, we discuss work-life balance and mindfulness.
In part 1 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni (ISE ’03) about her experiences working at Apple, Disney, and UPS. We discuss tackling hard problems, work-life balance, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and much more!
In this Live Chat, Jordan, Shannon, Olivia, and Hari discuss their majors, favorite classes, and tips to balancing student life at USC. Learn more at viterbi.live/chats.
In this episode, Mahima talks to Trisha, a Freshman Academy coach, about her work in ENGR 102: Freshman Academy. We talk about this unique course, the roles that coaches play, and the lasting impact this course has had on our time at Viterbi.
In this episode, Alex talks to engineering students Paul and Natalie about their internships this past summer. We talk about networking, the interview process, and how USC helped prepare us for these positions!
During this hour long event, we will be talking about our lives as students at USC Viterbi. We are here to answer the questions you may have about classes, students orgs, free time, and what life is really like as an engineering student.
In this episode, Emily talks with Chris and Cameron about their college application process. We talk about how we approached it, what we thought about some of the myths, how we were able to be successful in the process, and more!
Today Steven and Natalie talk about the return of students to USC campus. Some highlights include talking about USC football/gameday, the opening of the Baum Family Makerspace, and some student perspectives on welcome week and their freshman experience.
In this episode, Paul talks to alumna Jacquie Lowe (industrial and systems engineering class of 2016) about life post graduation. We discuss her experience at USC along with her passion for startups and entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Emily speaks with Sheetal and Gianna about their experiences with classes at USC. We discuss balancing schedules, study tips, favorite classes, getting to know professors, and more!
In this episode, we kick-off season 7 with a new student co-host and revamped music! Listen in to hear about we've been up to this summer and plans for this upcoming year!
In the last episode of Season 6, and Audrey's last episode ever, we introduce the new host of Viterbi Voices - Emily! Paul and Audrey also reflect on the past two seasons and we look ahead to the next one with Emily.
In this episode, Audrey interviews her fellow Viterbi Student Ambassadors from the Class of 2021: Dominie, Sheetal, Cami, Miranda, Steven, Christina, and Luz. The group discusses lessons learned, favorite memories, and our plans after college. Congratulations to the USC Viterbi Class of 2021, and for one last time, fight on (forever)!
In this episode Steven talks to Matt and Max about everything food related around USC. They dive into the dining hall experience, the many dining options around USC and LA, and their experience cooking on their own.
Join Mahima as she talks to freshmen students at Viterbi about their decision making process, their first year online, GESMs, Freshmen Academy and more.
In this episode, join Mahima as she talks to the team behind refresh LA, a student startup founded in CE 486: Innovation in Engineering and Design for Global Crises. Mahima talks to Mallika, Elina, Dea, and Elisa about refresh LA's beginnings, progress, team and what it's been like balancing this new enterprise as full time students.
In this episode, Emily speaks with Juan about his experiences with USC Troy Camp. We discuss how Troy Camp fosters longterm mentorship both in-person and online and its effect on the counselors, campers, and Los Angeles community.
In this episode, Chris talks to Dominie, Natalie, and Shannon about their involvement in engineering design competitions. Dominie participated in the American Society of Biomedical Engineers' Make-A-Thon, Natalie on the Design Build Team for the Associated Schools of Construction, and Shannon in the Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition. After a brief introduction of the competition's details, I discussed with them how both their teams and the competitions themselves had to adapt to COVID-19 and the virtual setting of college activities.
Tune into this live chat where sophomores and juniors specifically speak with Cameron on All Things Viterbi! Learn about life at USC and engineering at Viterbi from underclassmen who were in your shoes not too long ago.
In this episode, Paul gives detailed guidance on first-year admissions decisions, which Viterbi will release on March 30th! Tune in to learn more insight on the admission process and how to access your decision. Thank you to everyone for applying, and congratulations to those who will soon be admitted.
In this episode, Cameron talks with Cheyenne, the current President of USC's National Society of Black Engineer's chapter, a professional organization on campus to support Black/African American engineers.
In this episode, Natalie talks with Viterbi faculty who have worked closely on the construction of the Baum Maker Space, a multifunction design lab open to all Viterbi undergraduates.
In this episode, we get the chance to explore the upper division writing class for engineers dubbed WRIT 340. We chat with Professor Elisa Warford to discuss the need for engineers with strong communication skills and how these skills specifically impact emerging technologies.
In the second episode of our Valentine’s Day edition of Viterbi Voices, Paul and Audrey chat with Lydia and Peter who met while studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at USC and are now married. After graduation, Lydia worked in the oil and gas industry and currently works at Apple. Peter worked as a consultant at Capgemini after graduation and now works in business operations at Zendesk. Tune in to hear the story of how Peter and Lydia met and their tips for successful professional careers.
In this special Valentine's Day edition of Viterbi Voices, Paul and Audrey chat with Claire and Ryan, who not only got their degrees but also found love at Viterbi! Claire studied Biomedical Engineering at USC and Ryan studied Electrical Engineering. The couple, now married, met in an electrical engineering course, and after graduating in 2012, they have led successful careers in consulting and tech start-ups. Tune in tomorrow to hear from another amazing couple in Love at Viterbi Part 2.
Tune in to last week's Live Chat where Miranda speaks with Sylvia, Tristan, Breece, and Patrick about transferring to USC as an engineer. Hear about their experience learning about, applying to, and attending USC Viterbi!
Join Dominie as she talks with Glory and Leena about what it's like to be a president of a Viterbi student organization. Dominie is the president of a professional organization called the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering, Glory is the president of a student-run product incubator called LavaLab, and Leena is the president of an artificial intelligence club called CAIS++. Tune in to hear about their thoughts on impactful leadership.
This week we are releasing our 200th episode of Viterbi Voices! To mark this milestone, Audrey chats with the former host, Rhea. They reflect on the development of the podcast, and discuss what Rhea has been up to since graduating with her degree in Biomedical Engineering in 2019!
In this episode, Audrey, Sheetal, Alex, and Christina discuss the academic tools and methods that have helped them overcome the challenges of online learning. Tune in to hear tips on taking engineering classes via Zoom (hint - we have found keeping our cameras on helps us stay engaged!).
Tune in to last week's Live chat where Derek speaks with Cameron, Elena, Luz, Chris, and Emily on All Things Viterbi. Learn about what campus life is like as well as learning from home over Zoom. Get real students' perspectives on not just engineering, but engineering at USC.
Check out last week's Live Chat where Viterbi students talk about their experiences in various study and travel abroad programs through USC! Our next and final live chat of the series will be all about the transfer student experience on January 24th, 2021.
The final installment we are syndicating from our sister podcast, Escape Velocity, focuses on the Black student experience at USC Viterbi. The episode features Cheyenne Gaima, who is pursuing a BS in Computer Science and Business Administration and is the President of USC's Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and Emmanuel Johnson who is pursuing a PhD in Computer Science and is a Fulbright Scholar. Thank you so much to Cheyenne and Emmanuel for sharing their stories, and to the entire Escape Velocity team for producing this series of podcasts!
In the second installment of Escape Velocity, Vice Dean Jones and Daniel Druhora speak with Dr. Wanda Austin and Dr. John Brooks Slaughter. Dr. Wanda Austin is the former President and Chief Executive of The Aerospace Corporation, the USC Interim President from 2018-2018, a USC Trustee and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. She is USC’s first Black and first female president. Dr. John Brooks Slaughter is the former Director of the National Science Foundation, President of Occidental College, Chancellor of the University of Maryland, and is currently a Member of the National Academy of Engineering. He holds a joint appointment at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the Rossier School of Education. He is the first Black director of the NSF. Tune in for this conversation with these two legendary leaders.
Throughout the month of December, we are publishing a series of three podcasts produced by our sister podcast, Escape Velocity. Escape Velocity aims to capture the intersection of race, academia, and STEM, and is brought to you by the Viterbi Vice Dean of Diversity and Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Brandi Jones, and Daniel Druhora. This first episode features the stories of the USC Viterbi Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs, Dr. Timothy Pinkston, who is also the George Pfleger Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Prof. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Prof. Stacey Finley, who is the Director of the Center for Computational Modeling of Cancer and the Gordon S. Marshall Early Career Chair and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Sciences. Thank you so much to the Escape Velocity team for sharing this important conversation with us.
In the final installment of our fall faculty roundtable series, join us for a conversation with faculty members Prof. Andrea Hodge, Prof. Andrea Armani, and Prof. Wade Zeno from the Mork Family Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Tune in to learn all about this multifaceted department and the many potential career paths for chemical engineers!
Check out last week's Live Chat where Viterbi students talk about their experiences with internships, USC Viterbi's career center, and other professional resources! Our next live chat all about studying abroad will be on January 3rd, 2021.
In this episode, Emily talks to Julia, Stephanie, and Leon about their experiences as artists and engineering students. They speak on how they balance art and engineering and how their identities as artists and engineers come into play in their work.
In this episode Steven talks with Olivia and Christian about 3D4E (3D Printing Club) and their roles on project freehand. Freehand is a prosthetics group that works with children to make them customized, lightweight hands.
In our latest bonus episode, we present another recording of a live faculty roundtable hosted by Paul! This roundtable features faculty from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. Tune in to learn all about electrical and computer engineering!
In this episode, Natalie talks to Cami, Josh, and Alayne about their experiences as members of Theta Tau, USC's professional engineering society. They speak on recruitment, professional development, and Theta Tau's involvement in the community.
In our latest bonus episode, we present yet another recording of a live faculty roundtable hosted by Paul! This roundtable features faculty from the Astronautical Engineering department, so tune in to learn all about what astronautical engineering is, the differences between aerospace engineering and astronautical engineering, and all the career paths ASTE students can take!
Check out last week's Live Chat where students talk about their experiences with research and projects at USC Viterbi!
Join Dominie as she talks with Cami and Michel about a unique undergraduate course that they are taking in Viterbi: Innovation in Engineering and Design for Global Crises. This year-long class gives students of all majors the opportunity to develop a technology and potentially a business that will help people most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cami and Michel are working with a team of students to connect local farms with people who are food insecure in Los Angeles.
In our latest bonus episode, we present a recording of a live faculty roundtable hosted by Paul. This roundtable features faculty from the Biomedical Engineering department, so tune in to learn all about what BME is, the type of research in this department, and all the career paths BME students can take!
In this episode, we discuss how school and extracurriculars have been working online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emily chats with two Viterbi juniors, Anna and Irene, about how their online semester is going. Some topics covered include midterms, clubs, study tips, online projects, and making friends on Zoom!
This bonus episode is our next installment in our faculty roundtable series. Here, Paul has a conversation with faculty from the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE). Tune into learn more about the ISE major at USC, which as Paul describes as all about engineering better businesses!
Tune into hear last week's Live Chat where some students talk about their experience being LatinX and Hispanic at USC Viterbi!
Join Audrey and Mahima in a discussion about the most important topic today: voting. Audrey and Mahima discuss voting trends at USC Viterbi, what USC is doing to activate its student electorate, and Mahima's involvement in VoteSC and political campaigns. We also chat with Cameron and Alex, two first time presidential election voters from USC Viterbi. And if you haven't voted yet.... GO VOTE!!!!
In this episode, we discuss what it's like to intern during the school year, which is sometimes referred to as a co-op. Audrey chats with two other Viterbi seniors, Christina and Luz, about their co-op experiences at Brown and Caldwell and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We also chat about what it's like to have a virtual co-op as Christina has been working remotely with Brown and Caldwell this semester. Tune in to learn all about co-ops!
This bonus episode is the third of our fall series of faculty roundtable events, which are live sessions hosted by Paul brought to you in podcast form! This episode highlights our Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, so tune into to learn more about all things AME
Check out last week's Live Chat where students talk about their experiences being an engineering within the LGBTQ+ community at USC. USC QuEST ( quest@usc.edu and @usc_quest ) is a USC Viterbi student organization that supports queer students in engineering and science; if you have specific questions, feel free to contact them directly.
This bonus episode is the second of our fall series of faculty roundtable events, which are live sessions hosted by Paul brought to you in podcast form! This episode highlights our Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, discussing CE & ENE courses at USC Viterbi, research and projects, and the future of the field.
This bonus episode kicks off our fall series of faculty roundtable events, which are live sessions hosted by Paul brought to you in podcast form! This first one explores our Department of Computer Science, so tune into learn all about CS at USC Viterbi.
In this episode, Audrey checks in with two student-led design teams to see how they are operating remotely. First, she interviews Neeraj, the Operations Lead of USC’s AeroDesign Team, and second, she interviews Emily, the Project Manager of Concrete Canoe. Both students discuss the challenges of designing complex systems without the ability to test or prototype in person and also discuss the ways in which their teams have overcome these challenges, continuing to foster both technical excellence and community during this time. Tune in to learn all about AeroDesign Team, Concrete Canoe, and how both teams are adapting given the circumstances of the pandemic.
Tune in to listen to electrical and computer engineering senior Cami as she hosts the Do More Than Engineering Live Chat! These students involved in everything from sports to music to volunteer orgs at USC.
Join Mahima, a junior studying Industrial and Systems Engineering, as she interviews Natalie, a junior studying Biomedical Engineering, who hopes to go to medical school. They talk about Natalie's balance between engineering and pre-med curriculum, when she knew she wanted to be a doctor, and the feeling that she's living a double-life. They also talk about the pandemic and stay tuned til the end for some admissions updates from Paul!
USC Queers in Engineering Science and Technology (QuEST) is a student-led organization that provides professional, social and academic support for students who identify as queer within the STEM community at USC. In this episode, Audrey chats with Nick and Mady, two Viterbi students who co-preside over QuEST. Tune in to hear about how QuEST has continued to build a supportive community in a virtual setting, professional opportunities through QuEST, and some excellent science memes. Thank you so much to Nick and Mady for sharing your stories!
Tune in to hear all about this panel's experiences as women at the Viterbi School of Engineering at USC!
In this episode, Christina speaks with three Viterbi students about their unique internship experiences this summer, Emma (ME ‘21) at Northrop Grumman, Christopher (CE ‘22) at Turner Construction, and Dania (ECE ‘22) at Toyota. Tune in to hear all about their exciting experiences, accomplishments, and takeaways from their internships!
In this episode, Mahima interviews two of her fellow engineers, Nilay and Radhika, to learn more about their summers spent doing research. Viterbi's summer research program allowed students to work with their professors on COVID-19 related projects. Nilay, who studies computer science, researched COVID-19 misinformation on Twitter and Radhika, an electrical and computer engineering major, used Python to understand how the virus actually spreads. Tune in to learn about the research conducted remotely and some of their most interesting findings! More details about their research and the program can be found here: http://viterbiundergrad.usc.edu/viterbi-2020-summer-research-showcase/
Tune in check out this Special Episode where students talk about their experience being a Black student in Engineering. This episode was recorded completely through Zoom and the video of this Live Chat can be found on out YouTube channel.
In this episode, Paul and Audrey talk to Dr. Brandi Jones, Vice Dean for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives at the Viterbi School of Engineering. Dean Jones is responsible for leading and directing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives for Viterbi School of Engineering. We discuss Dean Jones's expertise from leadership roles at highly selective engineering schools and her research on experiences of underrepresented minority students in engineering disciplines. Dean Jones also shares how she pushes Viterbi to be equity-minded and her vision for what is to come.
In this episode, Paul and Audrey chat with Professor Radovich, (BS AE, MS AE, PhD AE), who teaches undergraduate courses ranging from Introduction to Aerospace Engineering to Mechoptronics, a year long laboratory course for juniors in mechanical, aerospace, and astronautical engineering. In this conversation, we talk about Prof. Radovich's background, his passion for connecting for students, and the innovative ways he is teaching a hands-on course remotely. Tune in to learn all about Prof. Radovich!
Tune in to listen to the recording of the August 16th Live Chat all about choosing an engineering major at USC Viterbi. 6 students share their experiences with the process of deciding what engineering major is right for them.
In this episode, Audrey and Luz interview two other Viterbi students, Allison Westley(BME '21) and Prathik Rao (CECS '21) about their first week of school. Tune in to hear all about the first week of online classes during the fall semester and the strategies students have developed to succeed in the online setting!
Note: apologies for the audio issues due to a weak internet connection!
Hear from Loic, Luz, Elena, Cameron and Paul as they talk about their involvements, their concerns about studying engineering, their thoughts on the college application process, and their experiences and worries as Black and Latinx students at Viterbi.
Tune in to listen to the first episode of our Viterbi Voices Live Chat series. During these Live Chats we discuss different experiences of USC Viterbi students. Learn more at viterbi.live/chats .
In this episode, Paul, Audrey, and Sheetal kick-off the sixth season of Viterbi Voices, teasing what is to come for this season!! In this conversation, we catch-up since we last met in May, as well as discuss the statement made by the Viterbi Student Ambassadors emphasizing our commitment to highlight diverse voices through our platforms (full statement linked here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CCTxCgfFxMl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link). We can't wait to share more stories of Viterbi students during Season 6!
In the last episode of Season 5, Audrey talks with three graduating seniors, Rachel, Maddy, and Celeste, to reflect on their time at USC and discuss their future plans. Paul and Audrey also discuss the end of the school year, as well as announcements for the incoming class of 2024 and prospective students. Tune in to hear some wise words from our graduating seniors!!
In this episode, members of our podcast team talk about their experiences switching their majors within the Viterbi School of Engineering at USC
In this episode, Audrey speaks with Lauren, Ava, and Dakota of USC’s Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. Last year, RPL became the first student group to send a rocket to space, but since then, they have been hard at work on a number of different experimental projects. In this episode, we talk not just about RPL's engineering successes but also the warm community among their members. Tune in to learn all about USC RPL!!
This special episode is a roundtable discussion with Paul and three faculty members from the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. In the episode, the professors help to explain the incredibly broad and interdisciplinary field of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the undergraduate curriculum, courses they teach, as well as in-depth conversations about their areas of research.
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and three Computer Science faculty members: Dr. Jeffery Miller, Dr. William G.J. Halfond, and Dr. Cyrus Shahabi. In the episode, Paul and the professors discuss internships, CS theory and hands-on work, the capstone project, programming experience and more. In the episode, they also answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom.
Tune in to learn all about computer science at Viterbi!
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and two faculty members from the Biomedical Engineering Department: Prof. Maral Mousavi and Prof. Eun Ji Chung. In the episode, Paul and the professors answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom, generating a discussion on everything from the distinction between hard sciences and engineering to research in BME on Covid-19.
Tune in to learn all about biomedical engineering!
This episode was recorded April 16th. Updates on USC’s response to Covid-19 can be found here: coronavirus.usc.edu
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and three faculty members from the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department: Prof. James Moore, Prof. Kurt Palmer, and Prof. Yalda Khashe. In the episode, Paul and the professors answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom, generating a discussion on everything from the broad scope of industrial and systems engineering to the special ISE senior year capstone project.
Tune in to learn all about industrial and systems engineering!
This episode was recorded April 16th. Updates on USC’s response to COVID-19 can be found here: coronavirus.usc.edu
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and three faculty members from the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science: Prof. Robert Young, Prof. Iraj Ershaghi, and Prof. Steve Nutt. In the episode, Paul and the professors answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom, discussing everything from research in the Chemical Engineering department to the future of the field.
Tune in to learn all about chemical engineering!
This episode was recorded April 13th. Updates on USC’s response to Covid-19 can be found here: coronavirus.usc.edu
In this episode, Christina speaks with American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists members Jake (President) and Ahmed (Director of Finance) about sustainability at USC, their passion for the environment, and what it's like to live sustainably in Los Angeles! Tune in to learn more about AAEES as an organization and students' views on how USC's initiatives protect the environment.
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and three faculty members from the Astronautical Engineering Department: Prof. Dan Erwin, Prof. David Barnhart, and Prof. Garrett Reisman. In the episode, Paul and the professors answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom, generating a discussion on everything from research in the Astronautical Engineering department and to the profound impact work in space has on earth.
Tune in to learn all about astronautical engineering!
This episode was recorded April 10th. Updates on USC’s response to Covid-19 can be found here: coronavirus.usc.edu
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and three faculty members from the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department: Prof. Paul Ronney, Prof. Charles Radovich, and Prof. Matthew Gilpin. In the episode, Paul and the professors answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom, generating a discussion on everything from the difference between aerospace and mechanical engineering to small-scale combustion research.
Tune in to learn all about aerospace and mechanical engineering!
This episode was recorded April 9th. Updates on USC’s response to Covid-19 can be found here: coronavirus.usc.edu
This special episode is a recording of a roundtable discussion with Paul and three faculty members from the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Prof. Lucio Soibelman, Prof. Amy Childress, and Prof. Felipe De Barros. In the episode, Paul and the professors answer questions from admitted students submitted via Zoom, ranging from a discussion on the differences between civil and environmental engineering to how students get internships.
Tune in to learn all about civil and environmental engineering!
This episode was recorded April 8th. Updates on USC’s response to Covid-19 can be found here: https://coronavirus.usc.edu
In this episode, Mahima is celebrating Women's History Month by talking to some of her fellow female engineers. Mahima talks to Jessica and Evie about their involvements, challenges they faced being women in engineering, and most importantly, the uplifting community they've built here at Viterbi.
In this episode, Alex talks with fellow ISE major Nick about his experience with the ISE senior capstone project. Nick and his team are currently working on an optimization algorithm for the Aerospace Corporation. Tune in to find out more about this class unique to the Industrial and Systems engineering major.
Tune into this special episode where Paul gives an update on First Year Admission Decisions. Learn more about virtual information sessions and how you can discover Viterbi remotely!
Note that this was recorded on 3/25. Up to date information on USC's Covid-19 response can be found here: https://sites.usc.edu/coronavirus/.
In this episode, the podcast team discusses the communities we were able to build in USC Housing and share our favorite memories and stories from our first-year housing experiences at USC.
As many of you begin to make your college decisions later this spring, you may be unable to travel to campus. Hopefully, this episode can help illuminate what it is like to live in a dorm and help you make your decision on what sort of housing is best for you.
Please note that this episode was recorded throughout the week of March 9th. While we will try our best to release some regular programming, like this episode, it is important that we continue to provide updates regarding the status of COVID-19 at USC, which can be found here: usc.edu/coronavirus.
Please listen to this update for an update on the University's response to COVID-19. Note that the situation is evolving and that this was recorded on March 12th at 9 AM.
Listen in on a conversation with professor Matthew Whiting about things indie game development at USC! From opportunities within the computer science games major and beyond, learn all about how students go about building new projects and getting involved with the game scene in Los Angeles!
In this episode, Christina speaks with fellow environmental engineers Tadd ('23), Jessica ('22), Ahmed ('21), and Miranda ('20) about their experience at USC and passion for environmental engineering. Tune in to learn more about the major and opportunities as an environmental engineer at USC, and hear some student perspectives on life as an engineer from a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior!
In this episode, Maddie talks to fellow engineers Lindsay, Andrew, and Rhys about USC's unique Thematic Option Honors program. Thematic Option is an interdisciplinary, theme-centered GE replacement program for students passionate about reading and writing. Students discuss what Thematic Option means to them, favorite classes, and how the program has connected with engineering.
In newest installment of our alumni series, Paul and Audrey chat with Dr. Jasmine Thum. Dr. Thum received her BS and MS in biomedical engineering at USC in just four years, then went on to Harvard Medical School to receive her MD. Currently Dr. Thum is in the Nurological Surgery Residency Program at UCLA. Tune in to hear this incredible story combining medicine and engineering.
In this episode, Paul and Audrey talk with Chris Morgan, a USC graduate and current software engineer at Google. Chris graduated with his B.S. in Computer Science in 2004 and received his M.S. in Software Engineering from USC in 2007. He has worked at a variety of companies ranging from software test engineering at Boeing to consulting with Accenture. At USC, Chris was involved in activities including cycling and undergraduate research. Tune into learn about all the incredible things Chris has been involved in from undergrad to today!
In this episode, Audrey profiles Fifi, an Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) student at USC. Fifi explains what ISE is and talks about her experience in the major. As an engineer, Fifi has studied abroad in New Zealand, done research at USC's Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events, managed projects for Engineers Without Borders, and chaired the USC Women in Engineering organization. Last summer, Fifi interned at the aerospace company Moog as a systems engineer and this summer will be interning at the consulting firm West Monroe Partners. Tune in to learn all about Fifi and ISE!
In this episode, Paul and Audrey talk with USC alumna Dr. Tracy Dooley to learn about her career in the healthcare industry. After graduating from USC with a degree in biomedical engineering, Dr. Dooley went on to Stanford University School of Medicine. Excited by the opportunities present in Silicon Valley, Tracy took an investment banking job after earning her MD. Since then, Tracy has worked with companies like Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics and even worked in consulting. Today, Dr. Dooley is a Venture Partner at Avestria Ventures, which invests in early stage life science companies focusing on women's health.
In this episode, Christina chats with four Viterbi students, Nick, Kruthi, Sydney, and Audrey, to discuss fun, non-STEM classes that engineers can take at USC. From general education seminars on Italian organized crime to elective film symposiums, tune in to hear about some exciting classes offered at USC, student experiences in the courses, and how they fit into an engineering course plan!
In this episode, learn all about how to transfer to USC's Viterbi School of Engineering! Paul sits down with Rebecca Beiter, the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, and Angie Solares, the Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Admission, to answer all of your questions about the transfer process. Remember, the transfer deadline is February 1st, so tune in to this podcast and get your applications in!
In this episode, Luz and other members of Society of Hispanic Engineers delve into their experiences with and opportunities at this year's SHPE national convention in Phoenix, AZ. Learn about graduate school opportunities, research competitions, and professional development going on at this ever growing conference and get the lowdown on all things SHPE!
In this episode, Paul and Audrey chat with USC Alumnus Jason Scott, the current head of 3D at Rising Sun Pictures. After graduating from USC with a degree in computer science and a minor in cinema, Jason went on to pursue his lifelong dream of creating special effects for films. A passionate engineer, artist, and manager, he has worked on films such as Ant-Man, Captain Marvel, and recently Ford v Ferrari, and been on Oscar-winning teams.
Tune into this exciting episode to learn more about all the exciting paths you can take with an engineering degree!
(Note—we made a mistake on the episode number recorded during this podcast. This is episode 133, not 135 as the recording states.)
In the first installment of a new series highlighting alumni, we talk with Ali Fakhari, the current managing director of August Venture Partners. Ali graduated from USC Viterbi with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and received his M.B.A from Harvard Business School. Through his professional career, Ali has helped celebrities develop their brands including boxers and artists, such as Beyoncé. In this episode, we discuss Ali's time at 'SC as well as his numerous professional roles ranging from consulting at Bain & Company to interning with Exxon on an oil rig. Tune in for a great episode that illuminates the many professional paths an engineer can take!
In this episode, Christina and other members of the Society of Women Engineers at USC discuss this year's national conference in Anaheim, CA, what they got out of it, and other opportunities in SWE! Join Gabi, Namita, Eve, Beatriz, and Anna to learn more about what conferences are offered for women in engineering and why you should attend one. Tune in to hear more, and for some admissions reminders at the end!
In this episode, Audrey chats with two members from the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering, Maddie and Dominie. We discuss everything from networking to finding a community to hang out with outside of class! Tune in for a great episode and some admission reminders!
Join Maddie, Sam, and Megan on a journey of the many outdoor activities happening at USC and in Southern California's bountiful natural environment. Hear about surfing, climbing, and skiing experiences at USC, and how engineering has made us think differently about each activity.
In this fun and humorous episode, we discuss the story of Professor Andrea Hodge, who currently serves as the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs in addition to her professorship. Today, Professor Hodge heads her research group, the Hodge Materials Nanotechnology Research Group but studied mechanical engineering as an undergrad and earned her PhD in materials science and engineering.
In this episode, Paul sits down with the staff of the Viterbi Admissions Office to answer all your burning admission questions. Paul, Becky, Stacey and Michael talk all about how our admissions process works, how to make your app stand out, and even the Jonas Brothers. Tune in to learn...how to get admitted to Viterbi & more!
Join us as we chat with the president of Code the Change, a Viterbi student run organization, on how the club is working to enable change in all levels, from the individual to the societal!
Paul, Audrey, Celeste (ME '20), and Roxy (EE '20) discuss USC Troy Camp, a student-run philanthropic organization which provides lifelong mentorship to South LA students through extracurricular programming and a week-long summer camp. Celeste and Roxy are current Viterbi Students and Troy Camp Counselors, and Paul is a Troy Camp alumni!
Tune in to learn more about the importance of getting involved in non-engineering orgs, even as a Viterbi student (and for some fun camp stories too!).
Interested in donating or volunteering with Troy Camp? Visit the link below to help out with their largest fundraiser, Pass the Can: https://www.troycamp.org/passthecan.html
In this episode, Audrey (ME '21) and Cami (EE '21) discuss their shared background in art. Both Viterbi students attended art high schools before enrolling at USC. Tune in for a discussion about their experiences combining art with STEM and the importance of different backgrounds in engineering.
In this episode Audrey chats with USC students Celeste, Anthony, and Shreya about their summer internships at Microsoft. Each of these students comes from a different academic discipline (ME, EE, and CS/ Applied Math, respectively), so tune in to gain a variety of perspectives on working in tech today!
In this in-depth conversation with two USC electrical engineering faculty members, Professor Sandeep Gupta and Professor Peter A. Beerel, we discuss everything from quantum computing to why high-schoolers should consider studying electrical engineering. Tune in to learn more about how fundamentally electrical engineers will shape our future.
In this episode, we talk to Camila about her internship this summer at Arup, an engineering, planning, and design firm working on numerous projects within the built environment. We also go into detail about her major, Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Building Science. Tune in for an exciting episode about engineering, the concept of space, and sustainability!
Welcome to Season 5 of Viterbi Voices! In this episode we introduce our new season with some new music and a new co-host. Tune in for an exciting start to the year!
Special thanks to Jacob Dormuth for our new music!
Our season 4 finale, and Rhea's last episode EVER is finally here!! Tune in to hear a relaxed conversation between Rhea and Audrey, our new co-host. Thank you so much to everyone who's been listening for the last two years, onwards and upwards :)
In this episode, Dominie sits down with Jennifer, Lani and Kendall, three students involved with different community service and outreach programs on campus. From educating elementary school kids through BME projects to helping teachers craft STEM-heavy curriculums, Viterbi students love working with the local LA community and giving back. Tune in for a fantastic episode about some of the most rewarding involvements we have on campus!!
Welcome back to another installment of our favorite student-focused series, This Viterbi Life! Tune in to hear about one of the most unique classes all freshmen on campus take, Freshman Academy. Freshman Academy, or ENGR-102, is lead by upperclassmen students, known as Academy Coaches, along with a Viterbi professor-- the class is intended to introduce freshmen to the world of engineering through projects, lectures and activities across all disciplines. Tune in for a great episode by Luz, one of our VSAs and an Academy coach herself!
In the second installment of our Engineering Impact series, we discuss the 2019 Min Family Challenge, an annual social entrepreneurship challenge at Viterbi. This year the challenge takes the form of the course, Innovation in Engineering Design for Global Challenge, which is a civil engineering course open to all undergraduates. As part of the class, students work in teams to create a product that can help alleviate challenges associated with the global refugee crisis. While developing their products, students traveled to Lesbos, Greece to get to know their users and test solutions.
In this episode, Paul brings us a special recording from this weekend's bay area livechat event with some incredible Viterbi alumni. Tune in for some amazing words of wisdom from former Trojans!!
Welcome to another installment of our favorite student-centered series, This Viterbi Life!! In this episode, we interview five seniors and discuss their senior capstone project. At USC, all graduating seniors typically spend 1-2 semesters working on a group project where they either build a product, design a solution to a given problem, do consulting projects for companies in the area, or work on personal projects. Senior capstone takes a lot of different forms major to major, so Rhea sat down with seniors studying five different disciplines to understand how their capstone projects have encapsulated their past four years of engineering education at USC. Tune in for a reflective, technical, fun-filled episode!
This episode is the first installment in our new series, Engineering Impact, which will highlight students, organizations, and people in Viterbi doing work for social good. This week, Audrey profiles the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society’s Student Branch, which is an undergraduate organization that teaches and develops AI applications for social good.
In This Viterbi Life episode, Shuntaro talks to Rhea, Ying, Cami, and Dominie about their spring break plans. These plans range from international travels to visit startups to going home to show some friends around!
In this episode, Dominie talks to Rhea and Nina about their experiences being biomedical engineering and pre-med students. Though both of them decided to take different career paths, they share a passion for engineering and medicine. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode!
In this episode, Paul and Rhea catch up with Dr. Jill McNitt-Gray, a professor in the Biomedical Engineering department and head of the USC Biomechanics Lab. With a background spanning math, athletic training, physical therapy and engineering, Jill has been building her own niche in the Biomechanics world since she started her academic career. Tune in for an insane episode about the intersection of sports, engineering, physics and biology!!
In this episode, Shuntaro dives into the Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competitions with discussions with Siena, a member of Team Marlink that focuses on communication with Automated Underwater Vehicles and also Nash a member of Team MuscleMeter. Tune in for a fantastic episode about how Viterbi Students use their passions to tackle some of the most pressing issues of the world!
In this episode, Daniel visits Professor Trina Gregory, the Associate Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at USC, and also a lecturer in the ITP department within Viterbi. Tune in for a fantastic episode about all of the different competitions and opportunities USC students have to create their own startups, find funding, and seek out alumni and mentors to bring their ideas to life.
In the latest installment of our This Viterbi Life Series, Audrey sits down to speak with Laurence and Elliott, two engineers on the SC Climbing Team. The two joined the team their freshman year and have since found a tight-knit community and a way to stay active through the group.
Photo Credit: Jack Green
In this episode, Paul and Rhea interview Professor Mark Redekopp, one of the CS and EE professors here on campus. Tune in for a great conversation about intro classes, what it's like transitioning into the real world of engineering, and how critical an EE background is for success in industry.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Povinelli, a professor in the Electrical Engineering department and Physics-Astronomy department here at USC. She has an incredible academic background in pure physics, and has since made waves in the EE world with her groundbreaking nanophotonics research. Join us for a conversation with her about how her career began, and where she sees the future of concentrated laser beams.
Welcome back to campus USC! Kicking off this semester with a new podcast episode with a little bit of insight on life AFTER college with Kaitlin and Maggie from the Viterbi Career Connections Office. Tune in for a stellar episode about placement after graduation, employers that come to campus, Viterbi engineers' salaries and opportunities on campus to build your professional network.
In this episode of our This Viterbi Life series, Shuntaro talks to Kristina, Luann, Catherine, and Vanessa about their unique experiences at national conferences. These conferences range from the Biomedical Engineering Society Conference to the Grace Hopper Conference to the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers conference where students throughout the nation come together to develop their passions and themselves!
Welcome to another installment of this Viterbi Life!! This episode was put together by Audrey, one of the new members of our podcast team and an active member of RPL, USC's rocket design team. Tune in for a passionate conversation about space, the interdisciplinary nature of RPL, and of course, building the fastest rockets designed by an undergraduate group worldwide.
We have a whole new episode of Office Hours, brought to us by Dominie! Tune in for a fun conversation about nuclear medicine and medical imaging with one of the newest faculty members in the Biomedical Engineering department, Professor Cristina Zavaleta.
HAPPY 100TH EPISODE!!!! In this extraordinarily special episode, Rhea interviews Kelly Lynch, the first host of Viterbi Voices, and Alex Budde, the second host. She speaks with Paul about the past, present and future of the podcast, and introduces the new 2018-2019 team-- stay tuned for a fantastic episode filled with jokes, stories, music and more.
In this episode, Paul and Rhea sit down with Becky and Stacey from the USC Viterbi Admission department to answer some of the most commonly asked questions from high school students and parents. Tune in for advice on your application, how our admissions process works, and how to make your app stand out!
Hey y'all, we got a special bonus episode coming at you this week! Thanks so much to those of you who tuned into our fall 2018 livechat, where some USC Viterbi students sat down and answered some of YOUR questions, we had a fantastic time. To those of you who couldn't make it, we're bringing you the same livechat in PODCAST FORM! Throw it on in the car, on your way to school, wherever-- hope you enjoy, and we can't wait to answer more of your questions as application season continues to ramp up!!
In our 5th installment of Office Hours, Daniel visits one of his favorite former professors and current director of the Engineering Management Masters program, Professor Geza Bottlik. Tune in for a wonderful conversation drawing on Professor Bottlik’s decades of industry experience, covering everything about project management, and the value of engineers in leadership roles.
In this episode, Paul and Rhea chat with Dr. Krishna Nayak, one of our faculty in the Electrical Engineering department. Dr. Nayak's specialty is medical imaging, and his research in revolutionizing MRI technology has received multiple grants and awards. Tune in for an insightful episode about all kinds of medical imaging, Dr. Nayak's nontraditional college experience, and the incredibly important role of electrical engineer's in today's tech-centric world.
special bonus episode alert!!! We've got a special ~Thursday~ episode coming at you, featuring some of our listeners and favorite people in the world: trojan families. In this episode, Paul and Rhea hang out at the Viterbi Dean's Breakfast event, and hang out with parents of some viterbi students. Tune in to hear their advice for prospective students, their thoughts on USC so far, and Rhea's first fan encounter.
In one of the most fun, all-encompassing episodes we've ever had on the podcast, Paul and Rhea sit down with Professor Garrett Reisman, one of our new faculty in the astronautical engineering department. Tune in for an incredibly engaging conversation about his academic background, his dreams for space, his space walks, his time at spacex, and so so so much more!!!
In this episode, Paul and Rhea sit down with Dr SK Gupta, the Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing here at USC Viterbi. Tune in for a conversation about all the cutting edge innovation happening in the manufacturing space, from robots teaching themselves to 3D print machine parts to AR interfaces and training tools. Check out videos, photos and more on Dr Gupta's work at cam.usc.edu!!
In this episode, we interview Dr. Andrew Goodney, one of our Computer Science faculty members, and a fellow trojan! Tune in for an episode about some unusual intersections between electrical engineering and computer science, Dr. Goodney's experience in the entertainment industry, and a fascinating exploration of the field of acoustic tomography.
In this episode, Daniel visits Dr. Andrea Armani's office hours for a chat about science communication, the idea of making scientific research widely accessible to the public. Tune in for an informative episode about the importance of knowing your audience, communicating effectively, and what engineers can learn from business majors.
Welcome back to campus Trojans!! We continue season four with our first official episode back on campus. Tune in for a relaxed episode with Rhea about admissions events and fall updates from Paul Ledesma, Director of Viterbi Undergraduate Admissions, and Michael Cox, our new Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
In this episode we explore the construction industry with Miles Kay through a different perspective of an Industrial Systems Engineering major. Learn about his experience working this summer at Kiewit and how he was able to land an internship right after freshman year!
In this episode, Rhea chats with Luz Camacho, a rising sophomore at USC and a total rockstar. She spent the first half of her summer interning at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, and is now living in the Bay Area, working at Facebook! Tune in for a fun conversation about how Luz got not just one but TWO amazing internships after just one year at USC.
In this episode, our third episode of the Summer Series, Shuntaro talks to Tim Marino about his 3-part internship within the oil industry . Learn about his experience in the fields of Wyoming and his path of bringing together a passion for energy and finance!
Join Rhea, Rachel and Audrey as they talk about the 2018 Viterbi Overseas program in Florence, Italy!! Tune in for a fun conversation about food, Beyonce, more food, traveling around Europe, and more about this super unique study abroad experience.
We are kicking off the summer series with a "This Viterbi Life" episode featuring Jose as he talks about his experience working at a co-op at Johnson and Johnson and how other Viterbi students get involved in industry before they graduate!
Welcome back to Viterbi Voices, the podcast!! We took a short break after finals to rest, travel, and get settled into our summer, but we are back and better than ever. We're kicking off Season 4 with some life updates from Rhea, Shuntaro and Paul, a quick preview of our upcoming summer content and some early advice for our newest crop of prospective students. We are SO excited to kick off Season 4, we hope you are too!!!!
Join Shuntaro in our SEASON FINALE episode as he talks to Nathan, Celeste, Martin and Nikita about their experiences in the entrepreneurship community here at USC. Nathan and Celeste enrolled in BUAD 301, a technology and entrepreneurship class offered by the Marshall School of Business as an elective, Martin is co-president of SparkSC, an entrepreneurship community on campus, and Nikita founded her own jewelry company while studying biomedical engineering at Viterbi. Tune in for a fun conversation with engineers handling ~the business side~!
In this episode, our third installment of Office Hours, Daniel visits Dr. Kelly Sanders, one of our amazing faculty members in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering here at USC Viterbi! Tune in for a thorough conversation about the water-energy nexus, green power, and the past, present and future state of our earth.
In this episode, Camila interviews Arynn and Juan about their experiences in undergraduate labs here at USC. Arynn works on developing lasers in the Armani lab during the school year, while Juan spent last summer in Dr. Pirbazari's lab doing research on groundwater contaminants. Tune in for an educational, relaxed conversation about getting involved in research, the value of hands-on work and all the other benefits that come out of working in a lab as an undergrad!
In our second installment of our new series Office Hours, Daniel visits Dr. Charles Radovich for a conversation about the future of transportation. Tune in for a great discussion about self-driving cars, space travel, and the possibilities of hyperspeed transport.
In this episode, Paul and Rhea sit down with Professor Noah Malmstadt from the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering. Tune in for a thorough conversation about what constitutes the field of chemical engineering, Dr. Malmstadt's research in membrane architecture and microfluiditics, and what lead him to ultimately pursue academia.
In this episode, Paul and Rhea chat with Dr. Paul Giuliano, a professor in our astronautical engineering department, engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a fellow Trojan! Dr. Giuiliano was actually one of the founding members of our incredible Rocket Propulsion Lab, one of the most popular design teams on campus. Join us for a relaxed conversation about everything space, from science fiction movies to satellite constellations in orbit.
In this episode, Ying interviews three Viterbi students about their involvements with the music and dance communities on campus. Tune in for a fun conversation with Catherine, Pia and Priscilla about their experiences playing in a jazz combo, dancing in a hip-hop group, and playing for the FAMOUS trojan marching band!!!!
In this episode, Camila interviews some current USC students on their college decision process. Tune in to hear some fun conversations and personal stories about why these students chose to join the Trojan Family!!
Join Paul Ledesma, Rebecca Beiter and Matthew O'Pray as they discuss the decisions you've all been waiting for, the newly admitted class of 2022!! Tune in to hear about the admission process, what goes into reading an application, some logistics for our admitted students, and our upcoming on-campus programs for our future Trojans!
This is our first installment in our brand new series, Office Hours! Join host Daniel Donchev as he discusses personalized medicine, nanomaterials and the future of medical research with Dr. Eun Ji Chung. This series will focus on short, in-depth, technical conversations with USC faculty, covering a variety of topics; keep an eye out for future episodes like this one!
In this episode, our fourth installment in our This Viterbi Life series, Shuntaro talks to Sarah, David and Matt about their involvements in sports at USC. Listen on to hear about how athletics shaped these students' lives.
In this episode, Paul and Rhea sit down with Professor Trina Gregory, a professor in the Information Technologies Program here at USC, and the director/creator of the minor in Mobile App Development. Tune in for a really fun conversation about all things technology, ranging from the creation of the internet to VR and AR, tons of coding languages and Professor Gregory's hilarious iPhone ringtone.
In this episode, Paul and Rhea talk to Jules, Emma and Bailey from USC's chapter of Queers in Engineering, Science and Technology, otherwise known as "QuEST." As one of our diversity organizations, QuEST provides resources for individuals seeking both social and professional opportunities as a queer engineering student, as well as a warm, welcoming community. This was one of my personal favorite episodes to record, major shoutout to Emma, Bailey and Jules for bringing their stories, experiences and warm enthusiasm to Viterbi Voices!! Tune in for a wonderful conversation about identity, the value of strong communities and friendship on campus, and a little bit of fun small-town history!!
In this episode, Paul and Rhea sit down with Christina Mireles Martin, the Associate Director of Student Engagement at USC Viterbi, or as she likes to call it, the Associate Director of fun!! Tune in to hear what student involvement looks like at USC, from maintaining over 1000 clubs and organizations, to empowering Trojans to get out of their comfort zone and really experience college through events and administrative outreach.
In this episode, Rhea invites 3 of her peers involved with the USC iPodia program, a unique global initiative at the Viterbi School of Engineering. By creating a global community inside the classroom, iPodia allows students to learn applicable real-world skills in business, engineering and project management, while interacting with students from around the world- tune in to hear how the class works, and how students got to go on a field trip to Greece!!
In this episode, we talk to a few USC Viterbi students about their holiday plans! Tune in to hear about international adventures, bowl games, relaxing with family and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
Paul and Rhea talk to Yingyu and Marsela, two of the founders of Athena Hacks, an all-female hackathon based here at USC. Tune in to hear about how they started this massive project, gender empowerment in the CS community, how a hackathon works, and where they hope to take Athena Hacks in the future!
In this episode, Paul and Rhea talk to Dr. Eun-Ji Chung, professor of biomedical engineering here at USC. On campus, Dr. Chung runs a research lab involved with everything stem cell work, to nanomedicine, to highly specialized drug delivery techniques. Tune into a fun conversation about Dr Chung's experiences moving to LA, Paul's figurine collection, holidays at Disneyland, and of course, some biomedical research along the way.
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Armani about her background, her experiences in every field of science, and her path to becoming a chemical engineering professor here at USC. We also talk about her incredible interdisciplinary lab, where she is simultaneously creating switches to make internet faster, attempting to cure cancer, and fabricate better materials. Finally, we talk about the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, which will foster biomedical discovery, innovation and real-world solutions to fast-track detection and cures for diseases ranging from microbial infections to Alzheimer’s and cancer. Dr. Armani's lab will be moving to this building in December, and she will be serving as director of the entire clean room facility.
In this episode, Rhea, Naish, Michael and Sophie ask Paul some of your burning questions about the application process, busting some myths about admission along the way. Catch us talking about the infamous quick take section of USC's app, the importance of "the essay," if an interview helps or hurts, and whether you really need straight A's to get a shot at studying engineering.
In this episode, we talk to Kate, Cameron and Ayman about their experiences in the field of Cybersecurity and Forensics. Listen in to hear about how they got involved in cybersecurity in the first place, the future of digital hacking, and some best practices for protecting your private information online.
In this episode, Rhea talks to four freshmen about their first month here at USC. Join her for a discussion about adjusting to college life from high school, living in dorms on campus, meeting new people and favorite memories in these few weeks alone, both on and off campus.
In this episode, two students, Daniel and Yifang, discuss their involvements with IEEE, the USC chapter of the worldwide professional organization for electronics and electrical engineers. We talk about their potential career paths, the programming their organization puts together, and how every buzzy tech word essentially begins with electrical engineers.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Paul Ronney about his experiences at five different academic institutions, his opinions on the future of mechanical engineering, his time at NASA, and why he loves being a Trojan.
In this episode, Suveena talks with Ellen and Daisy about what they're up to after graduating this past spring. Tune in to hear about Ellen's work at Amazon, Daisy's fellowship in New Mexico, and some sage career advice from our favorite alumni.
In this episode, we chat about our collective experiences at the 2017 Global Grand Challenges Summit in Washington DC, hosted by the National Academy of Engineering. Tune in to hear about cutting edge research, networking at the Institute of Peace, and dealing with awful, sticky humidity in our nation's capital. PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: learn more about the Grand Challenges here: http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/ could maybe possibly help on your SC supplement :^)
In this episode, we invite Jose, Siena and Shuntaro to the podcast to talk about their experiences with the Viterbi Overseas Program this summer in Rome. Hear them talk about the classes they're taking, their (mildly embarrassing) attempts at Italian, and their adventures in Rome, throughout Italy, and all over Europe. Special Bonus: this episode was actually recorded in Rhea's apartment in Rome!
In this episode, we hear from Suveena, Michael and Michelle about their projects at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, and how so many different types of engineering can collaborate at one of the country's biggest space centers. From navigating their first corporate internship, to what they're doing on the weekends, hear about how Michael, Suveena, and veteran JPL intern Michelle's summers have been truly out of this world.
Welcome back listeners! In this episode, we kick off season 3 with Rhea and Paul, discussing how their summers are going, the current happenings at the USC admission office, and of course, Rhea's adventures abroad. Check out our first track, and be sure to come back next week for our summer mini-series, featuring our VSA's!!! Subscribe, comment below, let us know what you want to hear, and as always, fight on!
In the final episode of Season 2 we say goodbye to Alex and hello to Rhea, the new Viterbi Voices Podcast co-host! The crew discusses highlights from this past year, plans for the future of the podcast, and exciting news about the newly admitted class! Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, stay tuned for Season 3 coming soon!
In the second installment of This Viterbi Life Clare interviews some students to get their perspectives on Greek Life. Can you be Greek as an engineer? Do you have to be Greek at USC? Listen on to hear more about how both Greek and non-Greek engineering students have made the most of their college experiences.
Dean of the Viterbi School of Engineering, Dr. Yannis Yortsos, joins the podcast for an awesome conversation about his engineering background, the programs and initiatives he has spearheaded during his time as Dean, and his vision for the future of the Viterbi School and for the discipline of engineering as a whole. Follow Dean Yortsos on Twitter at @DeanYortsos !
Matt and Christine from the Viterbi Office of Admission join us for a very special episode about one of the most anticipated topics of the year: admission decisions! Listen on to hear details about the admission process, opportunities for students who didn't receive admission, and the amazing on and off-campus programs we have planned to help you make your college decision!
The Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering is a student organization focused on providing academic, social and professional opportunities to students interested in the field of biomedicine. USC's ASBME chapter also hosts the Makeathon every spring, a weekend long medical device design competition that gives students the ability to gain hands-on experience designing and developing medical devices. Find out more at http://www.asbmeusc.com/
The Viterbi Voices Podcast proudly presents a brand new miniseries: This Viterbi Life. In the first installment we feature Rhea as she tells us her study abroad story and interviews other students about their study abroad experiences. Stay tuned for more miniseries episodes coming soon!
The Viterbi Student Engagement and Career Connections Office offers USC engineering students opportunities to prepare for and obtain internships, co-ops and full time jobs. The office organizes professional workshops, resume reviews, networking events, the Viterbi Career Fair and much more. To learn more about SECC visit https://viterbicareers.usc.edu/
Makers is a student organization that uses interdisciplinary electrical engineering skills to collaborate, tinker, and build. Their members come from a wide range of engineering backgrounds, and have built products such as a smart mirror and a quadcopter.
Scope is one of USC's newest Computer Science student organizations that offers a collaborative community for students to build and learn cool things with great people. Zac and Kelly tell us about the process of starting Scope, the awesome projects the club is working on, and the community they hope to continue fostering.
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is a student organization that seeks to empower, motivate, and inspire the hispanic student body of the Viterbi School of Engineering. They focus their events on community outreach, professional development, and academic excellence, and offer a tight-knit social community for their members.
Design for America is a student organization that employs design thinking to solve social issues and make a meaningful impact. Jeremy and Brianna tell us about some of DFA's projects working with Fiat and Spam, and their visions for the future of the innovation community at USC.
The USC Solar Car team is one of Viterbi's student-run design teams, and their goal is to create a fully functional solar car to enter into the 2017 World Solar Challenge. Listen to learn more about the design process, industry connections, and their plan for the week long cross-continental solar car race.
http://www.uscsolarcar.com/
Want to make a impact on the world using your engineering knowledge? Engineers Without Borders gives students the opportunity to do so by pairing with communities around the globe to solve real world issues with sustainable, equitable, and economical solutions. EWB's USC chapter is currently working on projects in Guatemala and at the San Diego Zoo, which you can learn more about in the episode!
From solar power to fracking to energy development trends and more, Dr. Iraj Ershaghi joins the podcast and tells us all about the evolving field of petroleum engineering, and how an undergraduate engineering degree can lead you to this industry. Dr. Ershaghi is the Director of the Petroleum Engineering Department at USC, and has extensive experience in both research and industry.
Code the Change is a student organization that seeks to apply computer science skills to make a social impact. Liam and Alicia talk about the club's current and past projects working with local non profit organizations and give advice for aspiring computer science students.
In Episode 39 Paul and Alex learn more about LavaLab, USC's student-run incubator, from Drake and Aneesha. LavaLab teaches their members how to apply the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation to make their product ideas come to life, and provides tons of resources and guidance along the way.
In the first Student Organization episode of Season 2, Paul and Alex talk with Sydney and Jennifer, two leaders in USC's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Sydney and Jennifer tell us how SWE seeks to empower Viterbi's large body of women engineers through their many professional, social, and community outreach activities throughout the year.
In Episode 37 Alex and Paul talk to Dr. Lessa Grunenfelder about Viterbi's Materials Science Department, her research in the M.C. Gill Composites Center, and the applications of materials science to all engineering disciplines. Dr. Grunenfelder is a proud Trojan alum with three degrees from USC, and currently teaches multiple undergraduate courses in Materials Science and the Freshman Academy course.
In episode 36, Paul and Alex sit down with Professor Ellis Meng who teaches classes in Viterbi's Biomedical Engineering department and serves as the BME Department Chair. Dr. Meng discusses her research in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and gives a great overview of the expansive discipline of biomedical engineering.
In episode 35 Alex and Paul talk to Professor Shrikanth Narayanan about Electrical Engineering and his various research projects coordinated through the Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory (SAIL)that he founded in 2000.
Learn more about SAIL here: http://sail.usc.edu/index.php
We're back in full swing with Episode 34 featuring Viterbi's Vice Dean for Administration, Linda Rock. In this episode Paul and Alex talk with Vice Dean Rock about the $50 million expansion efforts that Viterbi has spearheaded over the past decade, as well as upcoming facilities renovation and expansion, including the reimagining of the Science and Engineering Library to include a 10,000+ square foot Maker Space for students and design teams. Be sure to watch the video showcasing the design of the new Library while you listen!
Video: https://vimeo.com/165970514
In the eighth and final episode of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Maria talks with Alex about her summer in Madrid, Spain with the Viterbi Overseas Study Abroad Program and tells him about her international travels, class, and her research back here at USC.
In the seventh installment of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Bria tells Alex about her summer abroad taking classes in Madrid, Spain and traveling around Europe with the Viterbi Overseas summer study abroad program!
In part 6 of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Shana tells Alex all about her summer internship with Microsoft in Seattle, Washington working in their Supply Chain and Manufacturing department.
In episode 5 of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Sophie tells Alex about her internship with Chevron in Bakersfield, California where she worked in the petroleum industry and even got to visit an oil rig!
In part 4 our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Clare talks with Alex about her summer back home in Chicago where she took a summer class to get ahead of schedule, and traveled around the country to visit her family and friends from USC!
In the third installment of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Rhea tells Alex about her summer in Beijing, China where she conducted bioinformatics research at Tsinghua University through Viterbi's Summer Research Exchange Program.
In part 2 of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Frankie talks with Alex about his internship at Pepsi and his summer adventures in LA!
In the first edition of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Betty tells us about her internship and spending the summer in LA! Paul and Alex also recognize and thank SC students Curtis Toyota, Thibault Clairis-Gauthier and Harry Zec for the podcast's awesome new intro!
Surprise! In our first ever summer episode we catch up with Budde and Paul to hear what they've been up to since the spring semester finished. We also give you a little taste of what to expect in the coming weeks as the podcast travels the world to keep you updated on Viterbi students' summer plans. Get pumped for Season 2!
In our final episode of Season 1, we say goodbye to Kelly and introduce our new host for Season 2 - Alex Budde! Kelly lets us know about her post grad plans, Budde covers his internship in Virginia, and we debate Star Wars and places in Europe. Enjoy!
When graduation only a few weeks away, it is time to start looking for a new host for Season 2 of Viterbi Voices: The Podcast since Kelly will be graduating soon! In this episode, we get to know three new potential hosts by learning about where they are from, how they picked their major, what they like about Los Angeles, etc! Listen to get to know Budde, Bria, and Vince!
VOTE FOR OUR NEXT HOST: http://viterbivoices.usc.edu/podcast
Wonder what the alumni from Viterbi are like? Found out during this episode! Paul hosted a chat with Viterbi alumni which covers memories from college, advice to students, where their careers have taken them, and why they love engineering. Check it out!
Missed the Live Chat? No worries, you are in luck! This episode we have a panel of current engineering students answering all sorts of questions from prospective students. Things like where do engineers live, how can you get involved with research, how to get internships, etc. This episode gives a great feel of what it is like to be student in Viterbi!
For our ongoing series called "Girls Who Code", this episode Paul and Kelly sit down with Ellen, who is a junior studying computer science. We discuss how Ellen fell in love with computer science, the stereotypes of a hacker, favorite programming languages, and Ellen's plans to intern at Amazon.... and is there an intern battle between Microsoft and Amazon? Paul likes to think so.
The last week of March is a very special time - admission decisions for USC are sent out in the mail! Paul and Kelly wanted to do a special episode to talk about these decisions, so we are joined by Matthew O'Pray, associate dean of admission, and Christine Hsieh, associate director of admission. We cover what the admission process is like, opportunities for students who didn't receive admission, and for students who were admitted all the programs available to help you make that decision!
In our first ever mini series called "Girls Who Code", Paul and Kelly sit down with Shelly and Izzy for Part 1. They are both girls studying computer science and we talk about what it is like to be a girl who codes, computer science classes, hackathons, cyber security, internships, and much more! Check it out!
Ever have trouble deciding between your scientific side and your creative side? Corpus Callosum is the answer! This episode we sat down with Lili and Megan who are both heavily involved in Corpus Callosum (CoCa), an organization that combines engineering and art. They share with us some cool important projects they have done, the structure of their group, and the importance of embracing both sides of the brain!
This episode, Paul and Kelly sit down with Ian, Jason, and Anchal who are the leaders of the USC Racing team. They spend all year designing, constructing, testing, and racing a high performance race car! We discuss the different sub teams, what the competition is like, their favorite cars, and some restaurants around LA.
This week, Kelly and Paul sit down with Professor Brent Liu from the department of biomedical engineering. With a early background in electrical engineering, he shares his research and experience with imaging processing & informatics. He also is a professor of Freshmen Academy, which is a course all engineering students at USC take to introduce them to the field of engineering.
For our 14th episode, Paul and Kelly sit down with Professor Stacey Finley who is a professor in the department of biomedical engineering. She shares with us her research on cancer through computational models, the new class she teaches, her background with chemical engineering, and her love of karaoke. Check it out!
This week Professor Lucio Soibelman, who is the chair of the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, stops by to talk to Paul and Kelly! We discuss how civil engineering is more than just buildings, his research with sensors, battles between architects and engineers, and how his department is the most social!
Viterbi Voices: The Podcast has made it to the new year! In the first episode of 2016, Paul and Kelly sit down with Dr. Geoff Spedding who is a professor and the chair of the aerospace & mechanical department. We discuss his new themes for the department (biodynamical systems, energy engineering, and exploration technologies), his favorite planes, and how if you love Star Wars you might as well sign up for aerospace engineering right away! Check it out!
For the final episode of this semester, Paul and Kelly sit down with Frankie and Shana who are on the executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). They tell us about what is it like being in a diversity group, all the fun and professional events they put on, how they won the best student chapter in the whole US, and how Frankie doesn't know how to start a fire. Check it out!
We have made it to double digits! In episode 10, we sit down with Professor Kelly Sanders from the Sonny Astani Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. She explains her work with sustainability, the concept of the Water-Energy Nexus, her thoughts on the drought in California, and her favorite places to eat around USC!
Probably our scariest podcast.... ever. Joe Greenfield, Senior Lecturer in the USC Viterbi Information Technology Program (ITP) scares the living daylights out of us as he details the current state of hacking, cyber security, and digital forensics. As a professional with years of experience and a current practitioner, Joe tells us about USC Viterbi's commitment to teach application based approaches to fighting cyber crime and providing a defense to hackers around the world.
Join us for this episode as we speak with Jordan and Alison, who are both heavily involved with 3D For Everyone, aka 3D4E. 3D4E is a project based organization that exposes students to anything and everything related to 3D printing. We cover everything from how the printers themselves actually work, to cool projects like USC Freehand and the scale model of the USC campus, and even settle the debate of Star Wars vs Star Trek. Check it out!
Being an engineer doesn't mean our lives are all-engineering-all-the-time! We are involved across campus in a variety of activities, including service opportunities. This episode explores one of the coolest ways to give back and make a #ViterbiImpact: USC Troy Camp. We sat down with Lindsey "Shortcake" and Nausher "Manatee" to talk about this student-run philanthropic organization that provides life-long mentorship to local kids in the Los Angeles area. The highlight of the organization is putting on a full fledged, week long summer camp full of nature, activities, and friendship. Fun fact: Paul was the Director of Troy Camp back in his time at USC.
During our 6th episode, we sit down with Gaurav Sukhatme, our first Viterbi faculty member to be on the podcast! Dr. Sukhatme is the chair of the computer science department, teaches a variety of undergraduate classes, and is involved with research in robotics. During our chat we discussed the structure of the computer science department at USC, the history of the computing field, programming experience, cool classes offered, and common misconceptions about computer science!
This week, Kelly and Paul hit the streets and are podcasting live at the Fall 2015 Viterbi Career Fair! In order to make you feel like you are at the career fair, we interviewed a wide variety of students and company representatives from the nearly 200 companies who participated. Listen to learn more about what the job search is like, some cool companies that are recruiting on campus, and all the opportunities available to engineering students specifically!
In our fourth episode, Kelly and Paul sit down with Preston and Brad, who are both studying aerospace engineering and extremely involved with Rocket Lab, aka Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, aka RPL ... they go by many names! Rocket Lab is trying to be the first student group to launch a rocket into space, so we discuss everything that goes into making a rocket: the design process, past attempted launches, the characteristics of the rockets, and even some cool explosions. After listening, you will really understand why rocket science is so hard!
It's our 3rd episode! Kelly and Paul chat with Adena and Calvin from the enterpreneurial student organization, SparkSC. While this one is a bit longer - its a great talk. We get into all things related to entrepreneurship and innovation at USC: hackathons, 1000 Pitches, HackSC, Design for America, Corpus Collosum, LavaLab and even a little bit about Paul's guilty pleasure: Ghost Adventures.
In our second episode Kelly and Paul are chatting about all things Civil & Environmental Engineering with current students Lucy, Erin, and Nick, current seniors in Civil Engineering (Building Science). As part of the American Society of Civil Engineers Student chapter they compete in the Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge competitions each year.... and we even have a fun little story about Sylvester Stallone!
The first episode of Viterbi Voices: The Podcast. (its our first one, so cut us some slack) Paul Ledesma, Director of Undergraduate Engineering, and Kelly Lynch, a senior in Civil Engineering (Building Science) talk about creating the new podcast, introduce the ideas for upcoming episodes and more. Paul discusses the beginning of the admission season, and a few events coming up this weekend. Kelly talks about her summer internship and starts to stress out about her plans for after undergrad.