Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

In this episode, Dominic (BME '27) sits down with his senior friends Arjun Karnwal (BMEN '27), Amee Van (BME '27), and Sofia Florez (BMEL '27) ask they talk about the different biomedical engineering emphasis USC has to offer: Molecular-Cellular Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and no emphasis. The BME seniors discuss and reflect on classes, experiences, and other opportunities they experienced in their specific emphasis and in the major, concluding with some advice they wish they knew before deciding on their emphasis.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Sophie (CHE '28) sits down with USC Astronautical Engineering students Emma Moreno ('28) and Mia Claire Chang ('27) to explore the Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and Energy Lab, better known as ASPEN. Emma and Mia discuss the team’s work designing, manufacturing, and testing a Hall-effect thruster, along with the simulations and diagnostic tools that make the project possible. They reflect on how they became involved with ASPEN, the welcoming community that encouraged them to stay, and how hands-on experiences complement what they learn in the classroom. The conversation also explores their aspirations in the space industry, th...

In this episode, Rianna (ISE ’28) sits down with fellow Industrial and Systems Engineering students, a junior and senior, to talk about their experiences navigating ISE at USC. Together, they discuss their classes, professors, career opportunities, and finding a healthy work-life balance, while also sharing how extracurriculars like Ski Club, ROTC, and Greek life have shaped their college experiences.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Angelina (CS '28) sits down with fellow Viterbi transfers, Ofek and Turat, to reflect on their journeys one year after transferring to USC. Together, they discuss what they’re grateful for, what they wish they’d done differently, and how transferring has shaped their college experiences.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Satwika (Computer Engineering and Computer Science, 2027) sits down with fellow Viterbi seniors Avni, Malina and Jackie to talk about how they made their college lives feel more like home. From student clubs to one-on-one friendships and everything in between, the four girls discuss how they all found community in different places and in each other.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Paul sits down with Yasser Khan, a USC Viterbi professor and electrical engineer, to discuss his journey from studying engineering in Bangladesh to conducting research around the world and ultimately joining USC. Yasser shares how his early experiences in nanotechnology and flexible electronics led him to bioelectronics, where his research now explores wearable, implantable, and ingestible devices that could transform how we understand human health and behavior. He also discusses his approach to engineering education, the growing role of AI in the classroom, and why giving students hands-on opportunities to build and experiment is essential for...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Zenzile Moore, a USC Viterbi alumna and Civil Engineering graduate from the Class of 2007, to discuss her journey from USC to a career in naval architecture. Zenzi reflects on discovering civil engineering at a young age, finding community and confidence at USC, and the lessons she learned from professors, classmates, and her involvement on campus. She shares how her passion for teaching led her to pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering at MIT and how her career eventually took an unexpected turn into designing ships, barges, and other floating structures. Zenzi also...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Kristen, a USC Viterbi alumna and Civil Engineering graduate, to discuss her journey from USC to a career at KPFF. Kristen shares insight into her work as a civil engineer and project manager, including her experience on major Los Angeles projects like the new LACMA building, and reflects on the collaboration and problem-solving that go into bringing complex designs to life. She also looks back on her time at USC, from studying abroad and internships to research and VSA, and offers advice for students on staying curious, seeking hands-on experience, and learning...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Gavin, a USC Viterbi alumnus and Mechanical Engineering graduate, to discuss his journey from engineering to law and digital health. Gavin reflects on his time at USC, his early career in technology consulting, and how his engineering background ultimately led him to patent law and UC Berkeley School of Law. He also shares insight into his experience in patent litigation and his current role as Head of Legal at a digital health AI startup, while offering advice for students exploring unconventional career paths and figuring out what comes next.Text...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Allegra, a USC Viterbi alumna and Industrial & Systems Engineering graduate from the Class of 2017, to discuss her journey from USC to Google. Ally shares how getting involved on campus shaped her career, reflects on her experiences in consulting, startups, and graduate school, and offers insight into her current role leading energy demand response partnerships at Google. She also shares advice for current students and aspiring engineers navigating their own career paths.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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 insi...

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...

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. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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 w...

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!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

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.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!<...