Viterbi Conversations in Ethics Podcast

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, co-hosts Sandra Al Hames and Deep Shah from USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering sit down with guest Maria Elena Minaya Astola, a senior in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Together, they delve into the core values that define ethical engineering—trust, transparency, accountability, and the social impact of engineering decisions.

Maria shares personal insights from growing up around a manufacturing business and reflects on real-life ethical failures, like a tragic infrastructure collapse in Peru, to illustrate the weight of engineering decisions. The discussion spans the responsibilities engineers face—not just as professionals, but as humans working within complex systems, often under pressure from deadlines, corporations, and limited worldviews.

Together, they explore powerful questions:

• Can a brilliant engineer still be a bad one without ethics?
• Is innovation worth it if it harms society or the planet?
• How do engineers uphold safety and truth in the face of pressure?

The conversation is deep, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest—a must-listen for anyone interested in the ethical fabric behind the tech shaping our world.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, hosts Sandra Al Hames and Aryan Shah interview Natalie Maciel, a USC mechanical engineering student talking about the National Academy of Engineering's 14 Grand Challenges. Natalie argues that while engineers should define engineering problems due to their technical expertise, there is value in incorporating diverse, interdisciplinary perspectives. She questions whether the current process excludes valuable insights by being too narrowly defined by engineers alone. Natalie also emphasizes the structural challenges within engineering education and industry that limit engineers' ability to consider broader social, political, and cultural contexts. She advocates for reforming the process of defining grand challenges to include collaboration with non-engineering disciplines without compromising technical rigor, and she supports integrating non-Western moral philosophies into engineering ethics to strengthen the profession’s social responsibility.

We use cosmetics every day, but do we know what’s inside them? Host Deep Shah sits down with Khushi Kapasi, a chemistry major, to uncover the shocking reality of harmful chemicals lurking in beauty products. From reproductive risks to hidden industry loopholes, this discussion will make you rethink what you put on your skin. Are ‘organic’ and ‘clean’ beauty products really safer, or is it all marketing? Find out how to shop smarter and protect your health!

Should engineers feel responsible for the weapons they create? Join host Deep Shah and guest Nicholas Giustiniano, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, as they explore the ethical dilemmas faced by engineers in the defense industry. From patriotism to personal moral conflicts, this episode delves into how young professionals navigate a field where innovation can mean destruction. Are modern weapons making warfare more ethical, or are we losing sight of humanity in the name of national security? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on ethics, responsibility, and the future of defense technology.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, host Deep Shah sits down with Mo Jiang, a sophomore at USC studying computer science and mechanical engineering, to explore the complexities of cloud computing. From defining cloud computing and its functionality to examining key providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, Mo provides a detailed overview of how cloud technology reshapes data processing. The discussion also dives into ethical and security concerns, such as data privacy risks, client responsibilities, and the need for better user education to prevent vulnerabilities. Tune in as we explore the future of cloud computing, its impact on physical hardware, and recommendations for users navigating this evolving landscape.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, host Deep Shah is joined by Michael Wang, a third-year computer engineering and computer science student, to explore the revolutionary concept of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and the ethics surrounding this technology. The conversation delves into Neuralink's advancements, the potential benefits of thought-controlled devices, and the possibility of enhancing human cognitive abilities. Alongside the promise of BCIs, Michael and Deep discuss the ethical and security risks, such as privacy concerns, hacking, and the socioeconomic factors that could lead to unequal access. Join us as we navigate the intricate balance between the incredible potential of BCIs and the responsibilities that come with shaping their future.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, we explore the ethical dimensions of facial recognition technology. Is our privacy at risk in the age of AI-driven identification? Host Deep Shah sits down with expert guest Jenna German to unpack the benefits and dangers of this pervasive technology—from its role in everyday convenience to the risks it poses through surveillance and identity manipulation. What protections do we have against misuse, and how do we balance technological advancement with ethical responsibility? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on whether the convenience of facial recognition is worth the potential cost to our privacy and freedom.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, we delve into the ethical complexities of space exploration and Mars colonization. Are we setting our sights too far with our interplanetary ambitions, or are there more pressing issues on Earth that demand our attention? Join host Deep Shah, along with guests Nakul Malik and James Austin, as they explore what drives humanity's journey beyond Earth and discuss how space technologies could revolutionize sustainability closer to home. Should we redirect the vast resources spent on space exploration to address more immediate concerns on our planet? Tune in and decide for yourself whether humanity’s future lies in the stars or here on Earth.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, we explore the ethical foundations of modern infrastructure. Are we constructing our future on shaky ethical grounds? Host Deep Shah is joined by Karsyn Wendler and Allison Mendoza to discuss the unintended consequences of urban expansion, including increased traffic, displacement, and the impact on historical communities. How can we balance the need for development while preserving community identity and integrity? Tune in as we navigate the complex balance between progress and preservation, questioning whether the infrastructure we build contributes to a fair and accessible future or deepens urban divides.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics podcast, we delve into the intricate world of weapon development through the lens of engineering. Explore how technological advancements shape the tools of warfare and the ethical implications behind every creation. Our guests explore the intersection of technology and morality for the battlefield.