From USC student to the U.S. Foreign Service
Betty Thai earned a fellowship that could lead to a job as a U.S. diplomat, an ideal fit for the first-generation college student who wants to help solve global challenges.
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Life expectancy declines for Americans without a four-year college degree
Even before the pandemic, adults with a bachelor’s degree were living approximately three years longer than adults without one, according to a USC-Princeton study.
Bob Hertel, 91, member of USC’s 1951 College World Series team and father of 2 USC stars
His son Rob was the Trojans’ starting quarterback in 1977 and also was a three-year baseball starter; son Rick was USC’s designated hitter in 1977.
How a Hollywood hitmaker-turned-professor brought virtual filmmaking to USC
Gail Katz has produced smash successes like Air Force One and The Perfect Storm. Now, she’s helping students at the USC School of Cinematic Arts embrace a new era of filmmaking.
USC welcomes activists, entertainers and scholars to celebrate Women’s History Month
Speakers throughout the month include Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend co-creator Rachel Bloom and the daughters of Malcolm X and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
With the monthlong commemoration underway, get to know some of these trailblazing Trojan women.
Women’s history at USC stretches back to the university’s beginnings
Women and women’s groups played a big role in USC’s early history — including supplying USC’s first valedictorian.
Meet Adela Steinman, the lone woman in the engineering school’s Class of 1947
Adela Steinman was the lone female graduate in the School of Engineering’s 251-member Class of 1947, and one of the first women to earn a bachelor of engineering degree from USC
The First Woman to Fly a 747 Keeps Breaking Barriers
Angela Masson paved the way for women in the commercial cockpit — and she holds four USC degrees.
The Strong Women Who Broke Ground (and Barriers) at the USC School of Cinematic Arts
A 28-year partnership between Elizabeth Daley and Marlene Loadvine helped shoot the school to the top.
She Empowers Women with Loved Ones in Prison
Essie Justice Group helps launch community leaders ready to advocate for and support other women.
USC welcomes activists, entertainers and scholars to celebrate Women’s History Month
Speakers throughout the month include Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend co-creator Rachel Bloom and the daughters of Malcolm X and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
The New Yorker
The musicological zest of Switched on Pop
The popular podcast’s cohosts — Nate Sloan of the USC Thornton School of Music and his friend, songwriter Charlie Harding —were inspired by their own deep analysis of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” They decided to record their conversations — and the rest is podcast history.
KCRW-FM
Some states are dropping mask requirements, but is now the right time?
California has made a dent in new COVID-19 cases after the winter surge, but people need to remain cautious. “This does not mean that we can throw our masks away and start attending large parties,” says Rita Burke of the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “We still have to be vigilant and practice what our public health experts have told us.”
The Conversation
Why repressive Saudi Arabia remains a U.S. ally
Holding considerable economic and strategic clout, Saudi Arabia is still considered an ally of the United States despite a track record of human rights violations, USC Dornsife’s Jeffrey Fields explains.
Last
How planting tropical fruit trees could help fight California wildfires
When USC Viterbi’s Barath Raghavan sees housing developments up against the wilderness, he envisions banana orchards between the two — orchards that could be an effective fire deterrent.
Los Angeles Times
How L.A. County can improve its vaccine distribution process
With additional supplies on the way, Felipe Osorno of Keck Medicine of USC says the state and county need to commit to equitable distribution. In an op-ed, he notes that residents of Latino, Black and poor communities are disproportionately dying from the disease compared to those who live in white, affluent communities.
The Washington Post
Reliving the Capitol trauma during impeachment, and beyond
The pain and discomfort that those trapped in the Capitol felt on Jan. 6 may linger. The experience could permanently affect their ability to do the work they were sent to Washington to do, says Professor Steve Hydon of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.
Deadline.com
USC dominates DGA Student Film Awards honoring diverse filmmakers
The Director Guild gives out 16 awards — eight in the West region and eight in the East — and USC students won all but two of the western regional honors.
NBC News
Black Lives Matter movement nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Recognizing the movement — co-founded by Patrisse Cullors, a 2019 graduate of the USC Roski School MFA Art program — “will send a powerful message that peace is founded on equality, solidarity, and human rights,” wrote a Norwegian lawmaker.
Los Angeles Times
Why the mob thought attacking the Capitol was their ‘1776 moment’
The storming of the Capitol illustrates how the language of patriotism and revolution has been co-opted to excuse behavior that could be described as inciting an insurrection, USC Gould’s Franita Tolson writes in an op-ed.
MarketWatch.com
The U.S. is overlooking a powerful tool to loosen the COVID-19 vaccine logjam
Local pharmacies are ideally suited for the job, notes Dean Vassilios Papadopoulos of the USC School of Pharmacy. For starters, they’re convenient — and neighborhood pharmacists often already have a relationship with their customers.
Business Insider
Months after George Floyd’s death, companies are still ‘diversity washing’ instead of making actual changes
While some companies are making real progress, an op-ed from USC Marshall’s Susan Harmeling and a colleague issues a warning: Some overtures may be nothing more than slogans for an Instagram feed or cynical marketing opportunities.
U.S. News & World Report
Stressed out in lockdown, America’s young adults are overeating
Nearly half of those surveyed said they were using food to cope with the pandemic, said Tyler Mason of the Keck School of Medicine of USC. And women were more likely to be doing so.
Master’s student and aspiring dietitian aims to promote healthy habits
Alicia Miller plans on working with women and children in underserved communities after completing her master’s program at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
DEI Week brings author of How to Be an Antiracist to USC
This year’s 90 virtual events include a lecture by National Book Award winner and antiracist activist Ibram X. Kendi.
In Xi Chen’s work, stem cell research begins with more than a few dozen eggs
The postdoctoral researcher’s work began with chicken eggs, and could lead to lab-generated food lines and shedding light on birds’ biological diversity.
Fruit flies can regenerate their hearing cells — can that help people?
A USC study may provide a new way to understand and develop treatments for the hundreds of millions of patients worldwide who live with hearing and balance disorders.
Following along on the journey of a budding developmental biologist
Tracy Tran found the high expectations in the USC Stem Cell lab of Andy McMahon became a driving force for her to learn and do more.
Three students share what ‘the Black family’ means to them
Jakaiya Burke, Natalie Hart and Lawrence K. Rolle offer up their personal connection to the 2021 Black History Month national theme.
USC Annenberg celebrates 50th anniversary
School benefactor and USC Trustee Wallis Annenberg joins Dean Willow Bay and former deans Peter Clarke, Geoffrey Cowan and Ernest J. Wilson III to commemorate the school’s remarkable history.
Tips for maintaining motivation and mental energy as the pandemic drags on
USC experts emphasize the value of practicing self-care, taking breaks as needed and trusting in good habits to help us make it through this pandemic.
Broad Clinical Fellows take a stem cell-based approach to liver disease and bone loss
This year’s fellows — including physician-scientists Johanna Ascher Bartlett, Kevin Collon and Allen Zhong at USC — are using stem cell research to develop treatments for patients of all ages.
Can we predict which COVID-19 patients will end up in the ICU?
USC researchers created an algorithm that uses five biomarkers to determine which COVID-19 patients will need intensive care after hospitalization.
Animator Yoo Lee shines in stop motion
After 20 years in the fashion industry, Lee began making DIY stop motion music videos to entertain her young daughter. Now Lee is a standout film student.
USC researcher wants to talk to Black menthol smokers — and retailers
Sabrina L. Smiley of the Keck School of Medicine is investigating the behavioral and social consequences of restrictions on sales of flavored tobacco products in unincorporated areas of L.A. County.
Ella F. Fitzgerald Scholarship advances equity and diversity in musical theater
Funded by the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, this endowed award is a first for the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ Musical Theatre program.
USC announces 2021 football schedule
Non-conference games feature BYU, Notre Dame and San Jose State in the Trojans’ first all-Saturday schedule in more than a decade.
USC scientists may have unlocked kelp’s potential as a major biofuel source
Using a “kelp elevator,” researchers at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies were able to grow the biofuel crop in large quantities in the open ocean.
Curtis Roseman, 79, specialist in population geography and human migration
An emeritus professor of geography, Roseman also pioneered the USC Dornsife Geography Department’s highly entertaining “Downtown L.A. Walking Tour.”
At USC Annenberg, former Coast Guard officer supports fellow veterans — and her career goals
Athena Fleming, a veteran and student in the online Master of Communication Management program, dreamed of attending USC after attending basketball camps taught by alumna Cheryl Miller.
Alcohol and tobacco sales climbed during early months of COVID-19 pandemic
Keck Medicine of USC study finds dramatic increases among younger adults, ethnic minorities, those with younger children or large families, and people with higher incomes.
Phoebe S. Liebig, 87, celebrated gerontology educator and policy expert on aging
Along with her work at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Liebig spent two years as a senior economics policy analyst for the AARP Public Policy Institute.
Student group explores how mental health is portrayed on TV and in film
Two communications majors at USC Annenberg teamed up to create the Mental Health Content Collective to further the dialogue about mental health and entertainment.
COVID-19: County guidelines allow some additional campus activities
Openings — all using reservation system — include: Cromwell Field and outdoor tennis practice courts; music and dance practice rooms, studios and maker spaces (limited use); and, starting March 15, some operations at Doheny and Leave libraries.
New lab space promotes ‘happy collisions’ among scientists
Dedicated space for the Convergent Science Institute in Cancer initiative aims to get biologists, physicists and chemists collaborating on cutting-edge ideas that benefit patients.
USC Price School alum returns to teach workforce skills
Dan Mirakhor is using his real-world experience to help Trojans learn how to use data analytics software in health policy.
Want to unite the country? Learn to argue better
Political polarization has skyrocketed while online debate frequently devolves into childish — and sometimes dangerous — attacks. A little philosophy could help us make sense of it all.