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.

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If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

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!

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Mitchell Kirby (Civil Engineering ’26) who is Founder and President of the Association of Energy Engineers sits down with David Moseley (Environmental Engineering ‘27) the AEE Design Teams Lead & Marine Energy Design Team Lead and Reeth Kawad (Mechanical Engineering ‘26) the AEE Outreach Lead & Wind Design Team Lead to talk about USC’s Hub for all things renewable energy— the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

Founded last December as an official USC Registered Student Organization (RSO) and affiliated with the national AEE professional society, this group has quickly become a hub for students passionate about renewable energy. The conversation dives into what AEE is, what the team has been building in their first year, and their vision for the future.

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Gerson (BME '26) sits down with Dominic (BME '27) and Jaron (BME '26) to chat about their involvement in the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME). They reflect on the impact ASBME has had on their careers and personal lives, all while sharing fun anecdotes. 

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Jessica (AME '28) sits down with Hannah (BME '28) to talk about her role as a Build Lead and Lab Manager of USC's student-led AeroDesign Team. Hannah shares an exclusive insight into the team's aircraft design process, the ins and outs of their lab space, and her path to team leadership as an underclassman. This conversion explores how students interested in hands on experience can get involved in design teams, develop valuable life skills, and still make time to explore vibrant SoCal.  

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Daisy Benitez, an environmental engineer at PepsiCo, to talk about her work in global sustainability initiatives, her journey from engineering student to sustainability professional, and her experiences living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Daisy shares insights on reducing plastic use, developing sustainable packaging, and why sustainability has become a business imperative. Along the way, she reflects on her time at USC and her involvement in SHPE and student leadership. The conversation weaves together career reflections, personal updates, and the evolving landscape of sustainability, offering both inspiration and practical advice for students and professionals alike.

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Paul reconnects with Viterbi alumna Alex Coco, Amazon AIR manager, to discuss his path from earning both a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at USC to building a career in aerospace and logistics. Alex reflects on his professional journey from Boeing to Amazon, the lessons he carried forward from his time at USC, and how he has developed systems to balance work, family, and personal priorities. They also revisit formative study abroad experiences in Italy, the decision to broaden his skill set beyond aerospace, and the importance of self-awareness and communication in professional growth.

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Lauren (Howe) Johnson to reflect on the twists and turns of her USC journey, from navigating indecision around majors to finding unexpected opportunities in engineering, leadership, and travel. Lauren shares how studying abroad in Rome shaped her perspective, how she used data to improve admissions strategy, and what transitioning from consulting to program management at Intuit was like.

Lauren's USC Reaction Picture & 'Bey Day':

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https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_5387.jpeg

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Erik Johnson and Gaurav Sukhatme to discuss the launch of a brand-new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree program coming in Fall 2026. Together, they explore how the program was developed, the three specialized tracks it will offer, and what makes it distinct from computer science and other engineering majors. The conversation also covers AI’s growing role across industries, the importance of ethics in AI education, and how USC is preparing students to become the next generation of AI engineers.

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumna Makana Krulce to explore her journey from studying polymers at USC to working in global pharmaceutical consulting. Makana shares how her hands-on experience in Germany shaped her career, reflects on founding the USC student organization Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology (QUEST), and discusses the challenges of bringing cutting-edge therapies to market. They also dive into the role of chemical engineering in everyday products, from airplane windows to grocery crates, and the impact of AI on the future of healthcare and work.

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

If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.