We are SC Stories
We Seek Collaboration. We Solve Challenges. We Support our Community. We Spark Creation. We Spur Curiosity. We Shatter Conventions. We Secure Championships. We are Sustainability Conscious. We are Student Centered. We Are SC.
And here are our stories.
- From student to science communicator
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
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
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
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, 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
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. - USC Dornsife honors scholars with 2024 Communicator of the Year Award
The prestigious award recognizes individuals who excel as “public scholars,” sharing their expertise to benefit society. - Marine microbiologist awarded prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship
USC Dornsife scholar Julia Schwartzman joins a select group of science luminaries that includes nearly 60 Nobel laureates. - When words fail, she just builds
“I have really bad dyslexia,” she said, “and have struggled with that for a long time – ever since elementary school. Words don’t do a good job of conveying anything, really. And so I’ve kind of switched to physical things because I feel like I can convey and understand a lot more from looking, feeling and making.” - Alumni providing care and pursuing change
Three USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology master’s graduates use their expertise and leadership not only to care for older adults but also to advocate for better aging policies. - An unforgettable moment
Andrea Woywitka DDS ’26 has earned the top Friends of Dentistry Scholarship — an award of $50,000 that will help her realize her dreams of giving back to underserved populations. - Three families, one mission
With a passion for USC and a shared commitment to education, these families are ensuring future teachers feel the Trojan spirit. - Lifting others as she climbs
Guided by a deep commitment to community and family, PASA graduate Ella Rae Bautista Columbres ME ’24 is helping students realize their full potential. - 2 prestigious grants fund PhD research in marine and molecular biology
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. - First-Gen Student Leads the USC Liquid Propulsion Lab
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. - Sticking the Landing: Marta Davila Mateu
Graduating computer science master’s student Marta Davila Mateu on mastering skating, surfing and theoretical computer science at USC - No More Burnout: Mohamad Awada Wants to Optimize your Workspace
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. - Social work doctoral graduates awarded prestigious postdoc fellowships for novel research approaches
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. - Price student and Air Force vet begins new real estate career
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. - From the Maker Space to SpaceX: Why Engineering is Far More than Fundamentals
Victoria Pinkett, hands-on learner and student leader, shares how she’s made the most of her USC experience. - ‘You don’t have to fit in the box that society puts you in’
USC Rossier alum Mariah Lora MAT ’24 shares her academic journey from the basketball court and pageant stage to the classroom and commencement podium. - Propelled by Mentorship, an Astronautical Engineer’s Path To Success
For graduating student Brooke Rios, the path to engineering excellence was discovered in the powerful alliances she forged along the way. - The USC Viterbi ISE Graduate Weaving Words and Limbs
A poet who recently published her first two collections, Class of 2024 graduate Meredith Lapidas also has a background as a contortion artist. - Social work graduate determined to help fellow veterans thrive in rural communities
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. - Once unhoused and despite a family loss, USC Dornsife senior graduates and heads to Yale law school
Political science major Sophia Perez, fueled by personal experience with housing insecurity, advocates for tenants’ rights. - Conducting My Life: Carlos Ramirez
Graduating computer science senior Carlos Ramirez on the healing power of music, long-awaited family reunions and landing his dream job. - 40-something single father, Army vet and lifelong USC fan earns bachelor’s degree
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. - Veteran graduate completes educational mission following leave of absence to evacuate female Afghan soldiers
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. - International student graduates with 4 bachelor’s degrees from USC Dornsife
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. - Changing Course: Natalie Fung
From PR to data science, Natalie Fung, a graduating master’s student, on becoming a “double Trojan” after a life-altering accident. - USC Price grad clowns around to help hospital patients
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. - Carrying the Torch: Jevon Torres
Graduating computer science senior Jevon Torres on leading the National Society of Black Engineers President USC Chapter and carrying the torch - New Dynamic Duo? AI and People Skills Are Changing Business
“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.” - As a Nonprofit Executive Director, Graduate Alum Amplifies Black Voices in Entertainment
“I think in every aspect of my life, it has been about helping folks create their narrative.” - More Help, Less Waste: Alum Develops Popular Compost Service
“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.” - Eye on AI
“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.” - How the One Bicycle Foundation helps orphans around the world get to school
“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.” - Shaun Harper and Royel Johnson named Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Visionaries by the Los Angeles Times
“I am grateful that the recognition is for work I do every day in my fearless pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.” - Anita Sengupta is on a Mission to Decarbonize Aviation
“I wholeheartedly believe that the best solutions are generated through the collaboration of a diverse workforce.” - USC Price grad and Marine vet makes documentary on opioid crisis
“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.” - South Korean dance star Aiki brings K-pop moves to USC Kaufman
“We wanted to show USC Kaufman students what kind of dance moves are considered cool, hip and trendy [in K-pop] right now.” - Eye Care Without Borders: Philanthropic Couple Gives USC Ophthalmology Residents Opportunity to Rotate in India
“Once you start giving, it becomes a humbling and gratifying experience that motivates you to give even more and make a positive impact.” - Alumna brings connection between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury to light in documentary
“The link between these injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like CTE and dementia is an urgent research priority.” - Professor Adam Zimmerman elected to American Law Institute
“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.” - Professor bonds social work with dentistry
“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.” - Key takeaways from climate communicator in residence Sylvia Earle
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. - Bridging cultural gulf and a generation gap, Green Beret veteran stands out in class
“I’m going to school with these bright, awesome go-getters. But you can’t separate age from being a veteran and my experiences.” - USC Rossier celebrates four new federal grants this fall
“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.” - Professor Rob Kozinets delivers a new expanded playbook on influencer relations
“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.” - Buu Van Nygren EdD ’21 elected to Navajo Nation president
“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.”