
Viterbi Voices: The Podcast
byUSC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission
EducationScienceTechnology
Welcome to life at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Classes, student organizations, faculty, research, hands-on projects, and don't forget our social lives outside of class - it's all up for discussion with regular appearances and interviews with special guests. Viterbi Voices: The Podcast is hosted by Paul Ledesma (Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Admission) and current student Hannah Fonseca (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2027).
Episodes(40 episodes)
Season 12 - Episode 400
The Viterbi Familia
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!
Published: Mar 22, 2026Duration: 1h 1m 20s
Season 12 - Episode 399
Computer Science Organizations @USC: Scope, LavaLab, and Open Alpha
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!
Published: Mar 15, 2026Duration: 1h 2m 7s
Season 12 - Episode 398
Inside the Society of Women Engineers Ambassador Program
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!<...
Published: Mar 8, 2026Duration: 1h 1m 14s
Season 12 - Episode 397
Engineers in Club Sports
In this episode, Mason sits down with Natalie Minkler and Madeline Abu Ghazaleh to talk about what it’s really like balancing engineering with club sports at USC. They dive into how they got involved with club softball, skiing, and sailing, what the tryout and joining processes looked like, and how they manage practices, competitions, and weekend travel on top of a demanding course load.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Mar 1, 2026Duration: 1h 18m 18s
Season 11 - Episode 396
All the Ways to Explore LA
In this episode of Viterbi Voices, Bethania Dagim (CEE' 28) chats with fellow Viterbi sophomores Shristuti Srirapu (BME' 28) and Joanna Myint (ME '28) about the ways they've explored Los Angeles since they started USC, and how they've balanced making the most of their time in LA as engineering students! They discuss how living in LA influenced their decision to choose USC and the experiences they've had in their 2 years since starting. They also talk about misconceptions people have about LA, how to make time to explore, why balancing classes and other involvements is key, and give their hot takes on...
Published: Feb 22, 2026Duration: 1h 2m 38s
Season 11 - Episode 395
The First-Year Experience at USC
In this episode, Rianna sits down with Cole Bergevin and Tara Ezhari to talk about what their first-year at USC actually looks like. They share why they chose USC, what housing is really like, how classes are going, and their experiences navigating the social side of college as Viterbi students. From making friends as engineering majors and finding good study spots to how they spend their free time, this conversation shares honest advice for prospective and incoming students navigating their first year.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Feb 15, 2026Duration: 1h 22m 45s
Season 11 - Episode 394
CECS: Computer Engineering/Computer Science @ USC
In this episode, Kyna sits down with Nelson Vo to discuss how the CECS program is structured at USC, the impact it has on students, and the career paths it can open in industry. They explore why Computer Engingineering/Computer Science is a strong academic option and how students can successfully progress through the program.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Feb 8, 2026Duration: 1h 1m 59s
Season 11 - Episode 393
Transfer Student Admission FAQ
In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with USC transfer student Angelina Chou alongside members of the Viterbi admissions team to talk about the transfer student experience at USC. Together, they unpack what it’s really like to transfer into Viterbi, from navigating the admissions process and adjusting academically to finding community and feeling at home on campus. Angelina shares her perspective on making the transition from another university, while the admissions team offers insight into how USC supports transfer students and what they look for in applicants. Whether you’re considering transferring or just curious about how Vite...
Published: Feb 1, 2026Duration: 1h 26m 41s
Season 11 - Episode 392
From Singapore to USC to Investment Banking to Corporate Development at Intel with Rahul Dutta, BS Electrical Engineering and Economics '04
In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Rahul Dutta to talk about his journey from studying electrical engineering at USC to building a career across the military, investment banking, and corporate development at Intel. Rahul shares how his engineering background gave him the versatility to pivot across industries, reflects on USC life and Trojan friendships, and offers insights into the evolving semiconductor landscape and what it’s like working in the heart of the tech ecosystem.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Jan 25, 2026Duration: 1h 32m 51s
Season 11 - Episode 392
Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biophysics, Powerlifting, and Music with Dr. Wade Zeno
In this episode, Paul sits down with Wade Zeno to talk about his journey from chemical engineering to molecular biophysics and academia. Wade shares how he discovered a passion for applying engineering principles to biological systems, discusses his research on proteins, lipids, and drug delivery, and reflects on balancing interdisciplinary interests—from music to fitness—throughout his academic and professional career.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Jan 18, 2026Duration: 1h 32m 53s
Season 11 - Episode 391
Medical Device Development, Biotechnology, and Leadership Growth with Alex Budde, MS Medical Devices and Diagnostic Engr. '18, BS Biomedical (Mechanical) Engineering '17
In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Alex Budde to talk about his journey from pre-med to biomedical engineering and his career developing life-saving medical devices at Abbott. Alex shares insights from working on the MitraClip system in the structural heart space, reflects on the importance of hands-on experience in the medical device industry, and discusses how his time at USC helped shape both his professional path and life beyond campus.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Jan 11, 2026Duration: 1h 24m 13s
Season 11 - Episode 390
Engineering in Society, Technical Communication, and Entrepreneurship with Prof. Elisabeth Weiss
We're back! In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Elisabeth Weiss, a professor who teaches WRIT 340. They discuss her journey to becoming a professor, the hands-on projects and initiatives she has developed for the course, and why strong writing and technical communication are essential skills for engineers. The conversation is especially meaningful as Hannah reflects on her experience as one of Professor Weiss’s students in the class.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Jan 4, 2026Duration: 1h 41m 33s
Season 11 - Episode 389
Research at USC: MADLab
In this episode, Karissa (ME '27) sits down with MADLab Researchers Haozheng Ma (3rd Year PhD BME) and Callie Luong (ME '27) to learn more about their paths into biomedical research and how it has transformed their experience here at USC. They discuss what drew them to the MADLab, how they balance time researching with their busy schedules, and provide further insight for anyone interested in joining a research lab at USC!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Dec 7, 2025Duration: 1h 34m 8s
Season 11 - Episode 388
Summer Internship Experience as an Electrical & Computer Engineering Student
In this episode, Talise (ECE '27) sits down with Jessica (ECE '27) to talk about her summer internship at Northrop Grumman, how USC helped her get the job, succeed in the internship, and how the internship shaped her future at USC. They discuss specific classes at USC and how those skills can be applied to industry jobs, and general advice for students hoping to work in electrical and computer engineering industry roles.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Nov 30, 2025Duration: 1h 17m 51s
Season 11 - Episode 387
Engineers Without Borders: Building a Better World Through Engineering
In this episode, Sophie (CHE '28) sits down with Sidha Kunada (ENE '27) and Taara Shastri (ENE '28) to discusses their involement in Engineers Without Borders, the communities formed through club engagement, and dealing with feelings of accomplishment in projects that can take years to complete.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Nov 23, 2025Duration: 58m 55s
Season 11 - Episode 386
Exploring Non-Traditional Paths with an Engineering Degree
In this episode, Sarah (BME '28, pre-med) sits down with Cedric (BME '28, pre-med) and Mattice (CHE ' 28, pre-law) to discuss the ins and outs of pursuing a career path other than traditional engineering with an engineering degree. They discuss the various resources that they utilize here at USC, staying involved within both the engineering and the pre-med or pre-law realms, balancing their course loads, and advice that they have for students considering a similar pathway.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Nov 16, 2025Duration: 1h 0m 20s
Season 11 - Episode 385
Time Management as a Viterbi Engineering Student
In this episode, Cecilia Betancourt (ECE '27) sits down with a heavily involved RPL member and ASPEN lead, Autumn Zaretsky (ASTE '27), and discusses what it's like to be heavily involved in campus extracurriculars and what that means for academics. They highlight how to manage your time while simultaneously getting the most you can out of your college experience.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Nov 9, 2025Duration: 1h 8m 22s
Season 11 - Episode 384
The Computer Science Spectrum: A Look into the Different CS Majors
In this episode, Keilani (CSBA '27) sits down with Daisy Fregoso (CS '28) and Sophie Hyun (CS Games '28) to discuss the variety and overlap of the different Computer Science majors and their different experiences and applications. They discuss their various CS classes and interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as how these are all integrated with engineering by design and potential career options.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Nov 2, 2025Duration: 1h 15m 13s
Season 11 - Episode 383
USC Racing: Design, Build, Race, Repeat
In this episode of USC Racing Spotlight, Naya (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Powertrain Co-Lead, sits down with Katherine (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Project Manager for SCR26, Monica (Mechanical Engineering ’27), Composites Co-Lead, and Caroline (Mechanical Engineering ’27), Powertrain Co-Lead, to dive into the technical and collaborative efforts that define USC Racing.USC Racing is a student-run design team with 25+ years of racing pedigree that competes annually at the Formual Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) competition in Michigan. Together, they explore the team’s design philosophy, engineering challenges, and the invaluable experience gained through designing, building, and racing a 1-of-1 prototype formula-style race car.Text...
Published: Oct 26, 2025Duration: 1h 19m 7s
Season 11 - Episode 382
Meeting the Student Leadership of the American Society of Civil Engineers
In this episode, Xavier (CE '27) sits down with members of the USC chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), including the current president Mitch Kirby (CE '26), project executive Ariana Robles (CE '25), and the leaders of several different design teams.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
Published: Oct 19, 2025Duration: 1h 13m 56s