Guided by a deep commitment to community and family, PASA graduate Ella Rae Bautista Columbres ME ’24 is helping students realize their full potential. Read more of Ella’s story

Research on neurogenerative disorders and the capacity for marine life to withstand warmer temperatures has gotten a boost, thanks to a grant and fellowship awarded to PhD students.

Soon to launch into a career at one of the nation’s top space companies, graduating student Danetti Martino has already gained ground as lead engineer of one of the nation’s top student rocketry labs.

Graduating computer science master’s student Marta Davila Mateu on mastering skating, surfing and theoretical computer science at USC

Mohamad Awada, a graduating Ph.D. student in USC Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, reflects on five years of research developing dynamic environments for modern workspaces.

Academia can be a competitive landscape, but for two doctoral candidates completing their PhD studies in May 2024 at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, it has been an opportunity to lift each other up. The educational journeys of Adriane Clomax (she/her) and Rory O’Brien (they/them) mirrored each other as recipients of the Oakley Fellowship endowed by the USC Provost.

Ever since she was seven years old, Keshia Albrecht seemed destined to work in real estate.  Growing up in the Florida panhandle, Albrecht remembers “For Sale” signs sparking her curiosity as she wondered who was buying and selling the vacant swamp lands.

Victoria Pinkett, hands-on learner and student leader, shares how she’s made the most of her USC experience.

USC Rossier alum Mariah Lora MAT ’24 shares her academic journey from the basketball court and pageant stage to the classroom and commencement podium.

For graduating student Brooke Rios, the path to engineering excellence was discovered in the powerful alliances she forged along the way.

A poet who recently published her first two collections, Class of 2024 graduate Meredith Lapidas also has a background as a contortion artist.

For Alyssa Warburton, life is a dedication to service for her country. First, serving five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and now advocating for veterans in rural Washington state who are struggling to transition to civilian life and at risk for suicide.

Political science major Sophia Perez, fueled by personal experience with housing insecurity, advocates for tenants’ rights.

Graduating computer science senior Carlos Ramirez on the healing power of music, long-awaited family reunions and landing his dream job.

Jaime Gomez, who spent six years in the U.S. Army and 16 years in the business world before becoming a first-generation college student, graduates with honors and an undergraduate degree in history.

Rebekah Edmondson says it was her duty to support the members of a specially trained unit she worked alongside during her multiple deployments to Afghanistan.

Sibo “Carl” Zhou earns degrees in applied mathematics, religion, economics and data science, and global studies, and captures a USC Renaissance Scholar Prize in the process.

From PR to data science, Natalie Fung, a graduating master’s student, on becoming a “double Trojan” after a life-altering accident.

Phong Doozy, a soon-to-be Master of Health Administration, is tasked with using laughter as medicine, putting smiles on the faces of those facing serious injuries or terminal illnesses.

Graduating computer science senior Jevon Torres on leading the National Society of Black Engineers President USC Chapter and carrying the torch

“If [the human touch] works alone, it’s going to be less effective than when it is coupled with this highly valid content provided by AI. Both are indispensable.”

“I think in every aspect of my life, it has been about helping folks create their narrative.”

“I just absolutely loved this idea that we could create a society that wasn’t consuming so much and then having an end of life for product or energy, but more creating a more circular system.”

“I hope to bring the same sensitivity and understanding of students’ needs to my own teaching…Our students are hard-working, talented and have a professional mindset. And the faculty is world-class.”

“Running a nonprofit or being involved in philanthropy doesn’t have to be a full-time job. There are so many resources to help you get started, and even the simplest ideas can have a relatively large impact.”

“I am grateful that the recognition is for work I do every day in my fearless pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.”

“I wholeheartedly believe that the best solutions are generated through the collaboration of a diverse workforce.”

“Being in Los Angeles, I thought taking that policy paper, that white paper idea, and using it visually was really compelling to me. That’s why I got into production. I want the power of film to help solve some of these big problems.”

“We wanted to show USC Kaufman students what kind of dance moves are considered cool, hip and trendy [in K-pop] right now.”

“Once you start giving, it becomes a humbling and gratifying experience that motivates you to give even more and make a positive impact.”

“The link between these injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like CTE and dementia is an urgent research priority.”

“These kinds of innovations, which almost reimagine courts as administrative agencies and service providers, carry the potential to improve access to justice, but also carry new risks.”

“It was challenging at the start, but I believe we’re in a comfortable place now with room to continue to grow and develop. And I look forward, so much, to more collaboration throughout the years.”

This is the moment. It would not be possible before, perhaps because we did not know what is now known, and if we wait much longer, we’re gonna lose the chance.

“I’m going to school with these bright, awesome go-getters. But you can’t separate age from being a veteran and my experiences.”

“These grants show that our faculty are engaged in cutting edge research that has the potential to make major contributions to the field of education. We are extremely proud of those who have received these awards.”

“I think it’s really eye-opening for students to see just how much diversity and variety there can be in these influencer campaigns…But in reality, there’s a lot more choice, variety and often many better ways to spend your money than that.”

“I’ve studied past leaders. I tried to learn from their mistakes and their successes … In order to win this election, you had to be very strategic and motivated.”

“Annenberg gave me all the tools I needed in my toolbox when it comes to communicating…Some of the broadcasting classes helped me realize that I’m constantly selling myself, whether it’s an interview after a game or going to a networking event for business opportunities.”

Soltanolkotabi, the inaugural director of the USC Center on AI Foundations for Science, says his team is working on a new generation of algorithms to ensure this extra reliability.

“It came out of my deciding that I had something to say and this was the way to say it, and it was something that meant something to me…I was slightly terrified that they might not like it. But I really knew what I was doing.”

“We learned a lot about breaking things down and trying to create solutions that were helpful and not just a bandaid.”

“That comes with validation, feeling like people see your whole self and that I can share a more authentic version of myself with people.”

“At USC, you just have this unbelievable university where kids want to come and the education is sought after…USC has such an international footprint to where we can go out and recruit those kids at the highest level.”

“I want to be doing all I can to be a policy advocate and a bridge builder for equitable disaster recovery so that low-income communities — the most vulnerable communities that are impacted by disaster — are able to have the tools to recover.”

“Everything I read about USC Price was perfectly aligned with what I wanted to do, and it seemed like it would give me the knowledge I needed to make bigger leaps forward.”

“I believe that the USC Thornton School of Music is uniquely positioned to take advantage of all of this disruption and all these seismic shifts.”

“I wanted to learn more about how I can improve our health care system and solve the issues I encounter every day at work.”

“They’re asking the right questions, and I think a lot of it stems from their curiosity and their interests. I think it’s also a good way of making an impact on the field, so that’s why I’m a big fan of it.”

“In many labs, when people leave, they go from being a family member to being a competitor — the ‘enemy.’ We’ve tried to minimize that by encouraging scientists when they leave to take their project with them, if they want to.”