In this episode, Maya speaks with her roommate Claire Smerdon (CSBA '24, M.S. CS '25) about her experience with the computer science and business curriculum and in-class projects at USC. They walk through different project and theory-based courses and outline different projects Claire worked on. They also address common concerns about varying levels of engineering experience amongst students Viterbi.

What would your computer science classes be like at Viterbi? Will you be challenged? Will you be successful with no prior engineering experience?
 
Listen to this episode for Maya and Claire's experience and advice!

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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, Grace sits down with seniors Amanda, Isabella, and Allison to reflect on their self-care journey during their four years at USC. Together they discuss healthy habits, maintaining relationships, self-care on a daily and weekly basis, and more! 

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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, Aisha speaks with fellow biomedical engineer Veda Bansal (BME '24) about transitioning to USC as an international student and switching from biology to engineering. As a senior, Veda also speaks about how keeping an open mind in college led to a more fulfilling life/career trajectory and how new experiences have impacted her future plans. Tune in for advice on going to USC as an international student, choosing a major,  and navigating life. Hint: not having everything figured out is okay!

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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, Maya speaks with current Viterbi students (Peyton (ME '24), Nick (ASTR '24), Jeet (ME '25), and Ayomide (ISE '26)) about their summer internships this past summer. The group of students interned at a wide range of companies: Apple, Boeing, ARCO/Murray, Deloitte, and Medtronic. They explain their different processes to acquire their internships and what they did in their roles. Tune in for great advice, funny stories, and a crash course on all things engineering internships!

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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 speaks with Will McGarey (CHE '13) about his time at Viterbi and since graduating. They speak about his experience minoring in theatre, studying chemical engineering, working at various consulting companies, and founding an LGBTQ+ organization on campus.  Tune in for a great conversation with useful advice and fun stories!

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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 interviews former student (and co-worker) Brenton Caldwell (BME '14, M.S. ENG MGT '15) about his time at USC and life after graduating. They discuss biomedical engineering, healthcare consulting, product management, and moving across the country for college. Brenton and Paul also share great advice, memories, and recommendations with listeners. 

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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, Maya interviews current Viterbi graduate student, Tadd Long (CE '23, M.S. EnE '24). Tadd graduated with his undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and he is currently enrolled in the progressive degree program to receive a M.S. in environmental engineering. They discuss his experiences in both fields of engineering, internships in environmental and civil engineering, environmental clubs on campus, the progressive degree program, and climbing mountains!

Post-production update: Tadd has climbed a total of twelve 14ers this summer, exceeding his goal mentioned in the episode. 

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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 interviews Dr. Greg Sinclair (CHE '14) about his work, life, time at USC, his Ph.D. from Purdue University, and everything in-between (including the Trojan Marching Band!). They speak about nuclear engineering, fission versus fusion, research, and becoming a scientist as an engineer. Listen to the episode to learn tons about experiences, projects, and careers in the chemical and nuclear engineering fields.

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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 the Viterbi Admissions team celebrate the opening of the common application for Fall 2024 applicants. They discuss frequently asked questions, helpful reminders, and application tips. For anyone looking to apply to the Viterbi school of engineering at USC, this episode will be helpful and entertaining. 

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

Join Maya, Paul, and two current Viterbi engineering students -- Celine and Grace -- in this extra-special bonus episode discussing the Oppenheimer and Barbie movies. They share their perspectives as engineers on the topic of ethics, scientific discovery, identity, and representation as shown in the two films. 





Episode artwork photo credit: @JustRalphyyy/Twitter

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

If you are thinking about applying for Fall 2026, check out all of our events for you at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/events.  Virtual, On-Campus, and Near You - Live Chats with Students, Faculty Roundtables for Your Major, Info Sessions, and our Large Open House on October 19!

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.