Dornsife Dialogues : Recent Episodes
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Dornsife Dialogues, hosted by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, are conversations among leading scholars and distinguished alumni regarding a wide range of topics relevant to our world today.
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What actually happens to a man when he becomes a father — in his brain, his body and his sense of who he is?
Darby Saxbe, professor of psychology at USC Dornsife, draws on the research behind her new book, Dad Brain, to share what science reveals about the ways fatherhood changes men and how being a dad can shape workplaces and society.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
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Life is emerging where scientists once thought it impossible — deep beneath Earth’s surface, under crushing pressure, extreme heat, and total darkness. These discoveries are redefining the limits of biology and expanding the search for life beyond Earth, from Mars to the icy moons of distant planets.
USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock conducts a conversation with USC researcher Karen Lloyd and alumna Laurie Barge exploring how Earth’s most extreme environments are shaping where — and how —scientists search for life beyond Earth, and what these findings reveal about life’s origins and why it matters for humanity’s future.
Featuring:
Laurie Barge, PhD ’09, senior research scientist in astrobiology, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (tentative)
Karen G. Lloyd, professor of earth sciences; Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife; author, Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
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Commemorate California’s 175th anniversary by exploring defining moments that have shaped the Golden State — from its 1850 admission to the Union to today’s tech-fueled transformation. Moderated by historians William Deverell and Elizabeth Logan of USC Dornsife’s Institute on California and the West, this conversation with guest scholars spotlights the forces that shaped significant eras.
Featuring:
- Alice Baumgartner, associate professor of history, USC Dornsife
- Dan Lewis, Dibner senior curator for the history of science & technology, The Huntington
- Nayan Shah, professor of American studies and ethnicity and history, USC Dornsife
- Jill Sohm, professor (teaching) of environmental studies, USC Dornsife
- Peter Westwick, professor of the practice of thematic option and history, USC Dornsife
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
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Quantum computing is set to transform how we solve some of the world's biggest problems, from accelerating medical breakthroughs to tackling climate challenges. But how does it work, and why is it so powerful?
In this Dornsife Dialogues, leaders in the field explained the basics of quantum computing and discussed the incredible potential it holds for shaping our future.
Moderated by Moh El-Naggar, Interim Dean, USC Dornsife; Dean's Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry
With:
- Rosa Di Felice, professor of physics and astronomy and quantitative and computational biology, USC Dornsife
- Daniel Lidar, Viterbi professorship in engineering and professor of electrical engineering systems, USC Viterbi; professor of chemistry, physics and astronomy, USC Dornsife
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
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Danzy Senna, USC Dornsife professor of English and celebrated author of the novel Colored Television, joins her fellow author (and former student) Jonathan Escoffery for a lively discussion of her literary journey, central themes in her work — including mixed-race identity, artistic ambition and bohemianism — and more.
Lauded by The New York Times, The Washington Post and others as one of the best books of 2024 and dubbed “The New Great American Novel” by the Los Angeles Times, Colored Television sets a new standard for contemporary fiction.
Senna is also the award-winning author of Caucasia, Symptomatic and New People, works that have cemented her reputation as a bold, witty voice in American literature. She shares her stories firsthand with Escoffery, an award-winning writer whose critically acclaimed debut novel, If I Survive You, was named “Best Book of 2022” by NPR and a New York Times’ Editors’ Choice.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
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The presidency may be determined by razor-thin margins in swing states this November. Voters from groups traditionally less likely to turn out – such as non-college-educated individuals, low-income Americans and voters of color – could play a pivotal role in the outcome.
Our panel explores the key issues driving engagement among these underrepresented voters, the challenges they may face, such as voter suppression and misinformation, and their potential impact on swing state results.
Moderated by Jane Coaston, contributing opinion writer, The New York Times; fellow, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.
With:
Mike Madrid, political consultant; author, The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy; fellow, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future
Eugene Scott, host, Axios Live; former national political reporter, The Washington Post
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
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A healthy brain is crucial for a long, enjoyable life, and growing evidence suggests that the gut plays a significant role in cognitive function. Beyond that, your gut microbiome influences diverse aspects of health, including mood, nutrition, and numerous chronic diseases.
Listen to this discussion with USC Dornsife researchers to learn about how our diet, gut, and microbiome interact to impact the mind and body throughout life.
Moderated by Dana G. Smith '09, reporter, New York Times
With:
- Scott Kanoski, professor of biological sciences, USC Dornsife
- Lindsey Schier, assistant professor of biological sciences, USC Dornsife
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
As climate change intensifies across the planet, attention is turning toward technologies that offer novel ways to decarbonize our economy and our atmosphere. These include options for capturing, storing, and reusing carbon, and geoengineering techniques that directly manipulate the Earth's climate and environment.
These methods may provide a critical boost to our attempts to achieve ambitious climate goals. Yet, these solutions are not without their critics, who warn about unforeseen environmental and social repercussions.
Watch this discussion regarding some of the most promising emerging climate technologies, the associated risks, and the urgency of these strategies within the scientific community.
With:
- William Berelson, PhD '85, Paxson H. Offield Professor in Coastal and Marine Systems and professor of Earth sciences, environmental studies and spatial sciences, USC Dornsife
- Anu Khan, entrepreneur in residence, Carbon180
Moderated by:
Joe Árvai, Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology and Director, USC Wrigley Institute for Environment & Sustainability
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
Marking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 75th anniversary, USC Dornsife scholars examine the transatlantic alliance’s evolution from a Cold War bulwark to its current role. Is it time to strengthen, transform, or even retire it?
Our political science and global security scholars convened for a critical dialogue on NATO's relevance and future as the next U.S. presidential election approaches.
With:
- Robert English, associate professor of international relations, Slavic languages and literature and environmental studies, USC Dornsife
- Peter Westwick, professor of the practice of thematic option and history, USC Dornsife
Moderated by:
- Gregory Treverton, professor of the practice of international relations and spatial sciences, USC Dornsife; former chairperson, U.S. National Intelligence Council
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
Join us for a compelling discussion on the enduringly popular playwright, William Shakespeare. Four centuries after his final curtain call, his influence still resonates deeply in our culture, our language, and our understanding of human nature.
We'll explore the man behind the myth, the truths and misconceptions that have shaped his portrayal in popular culture, how race influences the interpretation of his plays, and the indelible mark his words have left on the English language
How did a child from a rural town rise to become the dominant figure of Elizabethan theater? What is it about his work that keeps him at the forefront of literary greatness and cultural relevance? And how might we use his plays to better understand our current moment?
Moderated by:
Andrew Stott, vice provost for academic programs and dean of the graduate school; professor of English, USC Dornsife; author, What Blest Genius? The Jubilee that Made Shakespeare
With:
Bruce Smith, Dean's Professor of English Emeritus, USC Dornsife; author, Phenomenal Shakespeare
Ian Smith, professor of English, USC Dornsife; author, Black Shakespeare: Reading and Misreading Race
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
In this age of constant connectivity, social media has become more than just a means of expressing ourselves and connecting with others. The powerful algorithms that underpin these platforms are shaping how we communicate with others, what information we take in, and our perceptions of events (and ourselves). Its pervasive presence has brought a maze of challenges that have impacted our mental well-being.
Join us for an engaging conversation regarding the intersection of social media and stress and learn valuable insights and actionable steps to achieve a more balanced and stress-resilient relationship with social media.
With:
Julie Albright '96, PhD '01, digital sociologist; lecturer, USC Dornsife and USC Viterbi
Ian Anderson, PhD ‘24; behavioral scientist, Caltech
Moderated by:
Jonas Kaplan, neuroscientist, associate professor of psychology, co-director, Dana and David Dornsife Cognitive Neuroimaging Center at USC Dornsife
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
In a groundbreaking shift, more voters now identify as independent than with any specific political party. This evolution is predominantly driven by millennials and Gen Z voters, who often prioritize issues over party allegiance. Many people also feel a growing disconnect or disillusionment with the traditional parties.
Join us for an enlightening discussion regarding the profound implications of this pivotal change. How could it redefine the political landscape and mold future campaigns? Is this the precursor to the emergence of new political entities?
Join our discussion with:
- Arnon Mishkin, director, FOX News Decision Desk; fellow, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future
- Lisa D. T. Rice, political strategist, keynote speaker, author
- Sara Sadhwani, PhD ’19, assistant professor of politics, Pomona College
Co-moderated by:
- Bob Shrum, director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future
- Mike Murphy, co-director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
Dive deep into the shadows of cinema with us as we explore the captivating world of horror films. Originating from the haunting tales of the late 1800s, the horror genre has not only stood the test of time but has flourished, spawning billion-dollar franchises and passionate fan conventions. But beyond the spine-tingling suspense and heart-pounding scares, what deeper truths do these films unveil about our society?
Discover:
- The hidden allure: Why do audiences keep coming back for more?
- The mirror effect: How do horror movies reflect and respond to societal changes
- Cultural evolution: In what intriguing ways have these films influenced and even redefined societal norms?
With:
- Leo Braudy, University Professor; professor of English, USC Dornsife
- Rebekah McKendry, producer, director, writer; adjunct assistant professor, USC School of Cinematic Arts
- Anna Zlokovic '14, writer, director "Appendage"
Moderated by:
Karen Tongson, professor, gender & sexuality studies, English, and American studies & ethnicity, USC Dornsife
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
We hear a lot about how automation will reshape human life in the age of artificial intelligence. From revolutionary new techniques in health care to job losses in creative industries, our world may look radically different in the near future. Alongside these great transformations comes a great amount of anxiety about our place in this world.
We usually pay the most attention to the impact of AI on work, but what about political and social life? What does intellectual property look like when AI can generate new media? How will diverse communities and groups face the urgent need to reevaluate our relations with the tools we have created? How might governments and other political actors respond?
Join our live discussion for the answers to these questions – and yours – from our panel of experts.
With:
-Ziyaad Bhorat, Visiting Scholar at the Center on Science, Technology, and Public Life, USC Dornsife; Associate Director, USC Center on Generative AI and Society
-Jennifer Petersen, Associate Professor of Communication; Director of the Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology Studies, USC Annenberg
Moderated by:
Andrew Lakoff, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology; Director of the Center on Science, Technology, and Public Life, USC Dornsife
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
Peter Kuhn, a founding member of the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, discusses breakthrough technology in the fight against cancer in the latest Dornsife Dialogues. Kuhn serves on President Biden's "cancer moonshot" initiative which is working to reduce the national death rate from cancer by 50%.
In this discussion with distinguished cancer researcher Amy Ross PhD ‘86, Kuhn shares the latest science and the future of early breast cancer detection using a simple blood draw. The simplicity of the blood draw with the sophistication of today’s understanding of breast cancer through advanced mathematics can bring confidence to the 70 million women in the U.S. who are at risk of breast cancer.
Learn how USC Dornsife is making a difference in the fight against cancer with:
Peter Kuhn, Dean’s Professor of Biological Sciences, USC Dornsife and cancer physicist. Learn more about his work.
Amy A. Ross PhD '86, cancer researcher (ret.), USC Board of Trustees member
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
As Earth's temperature rises due to the effects of climate change, cooling the air in our lived environments is increasingly crucial. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about health, productivity, and survival.
Dependence on conventional air conditioning systems presents a paradox – while it offers immediate heat relief for those who have it, it contributes to global warming through high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. So, how do we meet the growing demand for cooling – here in L.A. and around the world – in a manner that is sustainable, energy-efficient, and accessible to all? And how can we reduce the cooling demand through smarter design, behavior change, and innovative technologies?
Join us as we explore these questions and delve into the latest research on sustainable cooling solutions with:
Tony Atti '00, Ph.D in Chemistry, alumnus of USC Dornsife Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute and CEO of Phononic, which is working to reinvent cooling.
John P. Wilson, director of USC Spatial Sciences Institute, professor of architecture, civil & environmental engineering, computer science, population and public health sciences, sociology and spatial sciences, project lead of the USC Urban Trees Initiative
Moderated by: Alex Cohen, host of Spectrum News 1's Inside the Issues with Alex Cohen
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
Considering AI tools can now effectively mimic human communication, robots can ace the Turing test, and lobsters and crabs have been classified by some nations as sentient, the topic of consciousness has never been more timely or interesting.
Join this fascinating discussion on the latest developments and research regarding consciousness, including philosophical and scientific approaches to consciousness, the relationship between consciousness and the brain, and the potential implications of recent discoveries on our understanding of the human mind.
Speakers:
Antonio Damasio, David Dornsife professor of neuroscience; director of the USC Dornsife Brain and Creativity Institute. Author of numerous books, including Feeling and Knowing: Making Minds Conscious (2021).
Tok Thompson, professor (teaching) of anthropology and communication at USC Dornsife. Author of Posthuman Folklore (2019) which explores new concepts of personhood and The Truth of Myth (2020) which explores how fundamental narratives shape how we think of the world.
Moderated by: Jonas Kaplan, neuroscientist, associate professor of psychology and co-director the Dana and David Dornsife Cognitive Neuroimaging Center at USC Dornsife.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
For nearly 200 years, stand-up comedians haven’t just been reflecting society, they’ve been influencing it through pointed social commentary. Join us for a discussion about the evolution of the art form, some of the most influential comedians, the growing challenge of censorship, and much more.
Featuring:
Lanita Jacobs, associate professor of American studies and ethnicity and anthropology at USC Dornsife. Author of To Be Real: Truth and Racial Authenticity in African American Stand-Up Comedy
Wayne Federman, adjunct professor at USC School of Dramatic Arts. Author of The History of Stand-Up: From Mark Twain to Dave Chappelle. Emmy-winning producer of George Carlin's American Dream.
Cruz Arroyo, PhD Candidate in English at USC Dornsife, studying the fictionality of stand-up comedy.
Moderator: Kirstin Eggers, assistant professor of theatre practice in comedy performance at USC School of Dramatic Arts. Actor, writer, and comedic performer.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
For many, the start of a new year signals a renewed interest in healthier eating. But what does that mean today? The research regarding what — and when — we should eat has evolved quite a bit. Learn from our experts about how people of all ages can improve their health through better eating. Including tips on what foods to eat — and when — for a longer life.
Featuring:
Valter Longo, professor of gerontology and biological sciences, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. He is the bestselling author of The Longevity Diet.
Maryann Pentz, Sidney R. Garfield Chair in Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Moderator: Laura Sanders '08, senior writer covering neuroscience at Science News
Watch the discussion on YouTube.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
At times revered and at other times persecuted, witches and the phenomenon of witchcraft span global cultures and centuries of history, remaining popular even today. But what exactly is a witch and what do they practice? Were those famously persecuted for witchcraft throughout Europe and colonial America really witches? And, what’s up with those pointy hats?
USC Dornsife scholars traced the history of witches, and the changing ways art and literature has depicted them for this special Halloween Dornsife Dialogues event.
Participants:
Deborah Harkness, professor of history at USC Dornsife and bestselling author and producer of A Discovery of Witches.
Lisa Bitel, Dean’s Professor of Religion and professor of religion and history at USC Dornsife and an expert on medieval history.
Moderator: Peter Mancall, USC Dornsife historian and Andrew W. Mellon Professor of the Humanities
Watch the discussion on YouTube.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
To become the major metropolis it is today, Los Angeles periodically engaged in less than reputable means to secure the water it desperately needed -- particularly for a city built on a semi-arid coastal plain, surrounded by desert on three sides and an ocean on the fourth.
From the freshwater battle to obtain drinking water and irrigation to the saltwater battle regarding the Port of Los Angeles and control over its lucrative trade potential, the city’s history is fraught with “water wars.”
What lessons can we learn from a time, more than 100 years ago, when L.A.’s water was an even more hotly contested commodity than it is today and access to it was associated with class and privilege, as depicted in the iconic film Chinatown?
Participants:
William Deverell, USC Dornsife professor of history, spatial sciences and environmental studies.
Geraldine Knatz '77, '79, USC Dornsife alumna, professor of the practice of policy and engineering at USC Price School of Public Policy and USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and former executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.
Moderator: Alex Cohen, host of Spectrum News 1's "Inside the Issues with Alex Cohen".
Watch the discussion on YouTube.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
The birth of the universe and two of the most spectacular gravitational extremes, the Big Bang and black holes, are the focus of this fascinating discussion between two of USC Dornsife's leading scholars.
They also answered viewer questions including: Is it possible to travel through time via black holes? Is there a multiverse? What is dark matter? What is string theory? What are your expectations regarding the new Webb telescope and how it will advance our understanding of the universe?
Participants:
Amber D. Miller, USC Dornsife Dean – Miller is a cosmologist who is working with a team to build and deploy a new telescope in the Atacama Desert in Chile to study the universe when it was less than a second old. Her PhD dissertation was the first to provide evidence that the geometry of the universe was flat.
Nicholas Warner, Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Mathematics. Warner is using string theory to attempt to resolve the paradoxical behavior of black holes that requires us to re-think our understanding of gravity and perhaps the structure of space-time.
Moderator: Moh El-Naggar, Dean's Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Professor of Physics and Chemistry. El-Naggar explores how microbes exchange electrical charges with the goal of developing new, sustainable energy sources.
Watch the discussion on YouTube.
Read about the Big Bang, black holes, and much more in the Cosmos Issueof the USC Dornsife magazine.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.
What are some of the ways in which the health and lives of many Americans are in jeopardy simply because they’re Black? And what are some of the things the public can do to help change that?
Listen to this engaging discussion regarding the truth of being Black in America among scholars of psychology and law; an advocate for transgender equality; and a USC pastor who is also a program manager with the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture.
Participants:
April Thames, Professor-in-Residence, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles
Jody Armour, USC Gould’s Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law
Blossom Brown, advocate for transgender equality with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and board member of Black LGBTQ+Activists for Change
Moderated by: Najuma Smith-Pollard, program manager for USC Dornsife’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture
Watch the discussion on YouTube.
Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues and sign up for the next live event here.