Grayson Schmidt
Grayson Schmidt is a writer and multimedia journalist with USC News. He comes to USC with news experience in print, radio and television. He also worked as a crime reporter for three years in Iowa, and is well aware of the irony.
Stories by Grayson Schmidt:
USC Kaufman alums turn their interdisciplinary college experience into a full-fledged art business
Young entrepreneurs learn how to start a small business and thrive while helping today’s USC Kaufman students make their media mark.
The long road from USC architecture project to Joshua Tree National Park
USC School of Architecture faculty and students design and build an iconic public pavilion for Joshua Tree visitors.
USC Dornsife student enjoys up-close view of UN Climate Change Conference
Murad Jah scored a dream assignment for a young environmental scientist. He worked with activists and studied climate change negotiations to prep for the summit underway in Scotland.
A guide to U.S. national parks — courtesy of 30+ USC professors
Douglas Noble knows people from all walks of life appreciate the beauty of the 63 U.S. national parks. He’s bringing that mindset to students at USC — with help from a few dozen colleagues.
Blockchain, the Internet of Things and meat: How a summer road trip led to a fellowship
Three USC undergrads — and sustainability fellowship recipients — believe emerging technologies like crypto could play a vital role in reinforcing the meat supply chain.
USC Shoah Foundation approaches 30 years and begins a leadership transition
Executive Director Stephen D. Smith will step down at the end of 2021 but continue to serve the institute as executive director emeritus.
Undergrads use sustainability fellowship to improve waste disposal for homeless Angelenos
Though Sandra Maestre and Camila Rojas know they can’t solve all of L.A.’s problems, the juniors from Costa Rica and Venezuela are hoping their project can at least address hygiene concerns on Skid Row.
Undergrad sustainability fellow looks to bring urban agriculture to affordable neighborhoods
Urban studies and planning major Baron Zhu is working to see more urban gardens and green spaces in areas with affordable housing around L.A.
Award-winning design from USC architecture professor saves energy while using none
Though Doris Sung has won awards before, she hopes this particular one — the Cooper Hewitt 2021 National Design Award for climate action — will inspire the next generation of architects at USC.
USC team nearly wins it all in Capital One College Bowl championship
After five rounds and 10 weeks of competition, Brendan Glascock, Karan Menon and Ann Nguyen finished second to the trio from Columbia University in Tuesday night’s final showdown.
Trojan traditions serve as a fitting return to normalcy
USC’s many traditions have always been special to Trojans — perhaps never more so than after an absence of a year and a half.
Dramatic arts grad Sara Fox discusses her first Emmy nomination and working in the Star Wars universe
Sara Fox wasn’t sure if costume design was a viable career choice when she entered USC. Now she’s an award-nominated designer on the hit show The Mandalorian.
USC student turns knitting hobby into nonprofit that crafts caps for premature babies
Kathryn Huang and her family didn’t realize that the simple act of learning to knit would ultimately lead to an organization devoted to keeping babies warm in the neonatal ICU.
Nothing but a number: At 37, former Trojan swimmer heads into sixth Olympics
Oussama “Ous” Mellouli is one of only four swimmers in history to participate in this many Olympic Games. But before he made his name as an all-time great, he was a proud All-American at USC.
USC beach volleyball star primed for Olympics breakout
Kelly Claes and her partner, Sarah Sponcil, have already made history as the youngest duo to represent the U.S. in beach volleyball. Now, they’re ready to show the world why they deserve their spot.
Two years later, young girl’s family and USC doctor look back on groundbreaking fetal surgery
When Abby Giron was diagnosed with in utero spina bifida, her family was distraught. Then Ramen Chmait’s innovative surgery changed everything.
How a student project led to autism training at USC’s Department of Public Safety
Master’s students Monica Caris and Riley McGuire just wanted to educate people about autism, but already their capstone project has become part of yearly officer training.
USC community stepping up to support vaccination
From Mark and Marilou Hamill to quarterback Kedon Slovis, the message is clear: Getting vaccinated helps the whole Trojan Family — and a raffle offers new incentives, too.
USC to host online event to commemorate Juneteenth
The event on Saturday will reflect on and celebrate Black heritage through student tributes, artistic performances and various speakers.
Honoring LGBTQ+ achievements: USC kicks off Pride Month with virtual event
The Pride Month Celebration will feature a variety of speakers sharing personal stories of inspirational LGBTQ+ people in their lives or careers.
A commencement two years in the making begins: Classes of 2020 and 2021 walk the Coliseum stage
Friday’s commencement events kicked off a week of ceremonies recognizing USC’s graduating students for their achievements and — most importantly — their perseverance.
Valedictorian Tianna Shaw-Wakeman hopes to leave a lasting impact of sustainability at USC
Though she didn’t set foot on campus until orientation, Shaw-Wakeman quickly got involved in causes aimed at leaving the university — and the world — a little better for the next generation and beyond.
Salutatorian Jake Bubman following family footsteps into legal career
From assisting in immigrant courtrooms to singing with the SoCal VoCals, Bubman has grown into himself during his Trojan tenure — and he’s looking forward to saying goodbye to his peers in person.
Salutatorian Ashwin Bhumbla wants to use his engineering and tech background to make an impact
Through student organizations like Code the Change and Engineers Without Borders, Bhumbla assists underserved communities at home and abroad. He’s also a proud member of the Trojan Marching Band.