Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 preparing the next generation of engineers. 

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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 discusses her work on an ice-strengthened barge for McMurdo Station in Antarctica, the surprising versatility of an engineering degree, and why students should embrace uncertainty, ask for help, and trust the process as they navigate their own paths.

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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 to ask the right questions.

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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.

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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.

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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 insights on working at the intersection of public health, sustainability, and infrastructure.

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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 balancing academics with campus life, or just trying to figure out how to navigate the Common App, this episode has you covered. Tune in to hear insider perspectives on USC's holistic review process and discover why engineering might be the perfect fit for problem solvers from all backgrounds.

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