USC Viterbi student wins prestigious astronaut scholarship
Alara Berkmen in lab

Alara Berkmen, a USC Viterbi senior studying biomedical engineering, recently won the prestigious 2025 Astronaut Scholarship award for her research in pediatric cancers. She received $15,000 toward her USC tuition and will have access to extensive mentorship, professional development and networking.

USC students win first place in international design for freedom competition
Three USC students standing outside in front of a tree holding Architecture design

Three fifth-year Bachelor of Architecture students from the USC School of Architecture  — Natalie Darakjian, Noelle Osborne, and Reed Wilson — have won first place in the 2025 Design for Freedom Student Competition in the category of Material Research.

USC Rossier doctoral student Zuriel Oduwole nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Zuriel Oduwole

The internationally lauded 23-year-old filmmaker, education advocate and policymaker came to USC to deepen her understanding of leadership and organizational change.

The twins making waves at USC Dornsife
Sarah and Amelia Batt in swim gear

From record-breaking open-water swims to navigating their father’s cancer diagnosis, incoming freshmen Amelia and Sarah Batt are diving into life on campus, bringing resilience, curiosity and a passion for discovery to their next chapter.

From student to science communicator
Srikar Kolluru Headshot

USC Dornsife graduating senior Srikar Kolluru spent his undergraduate years translating scientific research into compelling stories — and inspiring his peers to do the same.

The biomedical engineer inspired by her grandfather to make a difference
Lauren Tomita with her grandfather Charles Tomita.

Class of 2025 graduate Lauren Tomita is driven to support others, taking on a student leadership role as president of the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering.

How Alex Gasca went from building islands on earth to infrastructure for space
Alex Gasca in standing front of a building

Gasca recognized that the construction industry was comparatively slow to integrate new technology, and he knew he had to sharpen his skillset if he planned to enter a new field.

MASM graduate is part of a transformation in senior living
Lourdes Bustamante Headshot

With undergraduate and graduate degrees from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Lourdes Bustamante is on track to become a senior living leader.

The USC sophomore whose algorithm is helping pediatric cancer patients
Arjun-Karnwal Headshot

Arjun Karnwal, an undergraduate student in the Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, developed a software script that can significantly improve the way radiation treatments are conducted.

Four USC students receive CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Awards
Four USC students, Dutch Hansen (top left), Aryan Gulati (top right), Hao Jiang (bottom left) and Ryan Wang (bottom right)

The CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions for undergraduate computing research in North America. The award spotlights students who demonstrate exceptional potential in computing research fields.