Ian Chaffee
Ian is a former USC media relations specialist.
Stories by Ian Chaffee:
Climate change game-changer? USC scientists find more efficient way to convert methane into useful chemicals
The researchers have found a catalyst that converts methane to olefin, a compound made up of hydrogen and carbon, in a single step.
USC wins Pac-12 Zero Waste Competition for second year
The competition recognizes the university that diverted the most waste from the landfill at select games, as well as innovation in sustainability education.
Internet use at home soars to more than 17 hours per week
USC Annenberg’s Center for the Digital Future reveals facts and figures on the net’s surging impact in America.
Driverless cars are ready to hit the road — but are we ready for driverless cars?
The new year could be the biggest yet for self-driving vehicles, especially in California, but USC experts note their implications could be far-reaching.
Calling on students to develop fresh approaches to total patient care
The USC Iovine and Young Academy is starting work on a new track for students to help patients participate in their own care.
Does Black Friday still matter? You might be surprised
Thanksgiving openings and a new role for Cyber Monday are just a few ways retailers are adapting to our changing shopping patterns.
What airline passengers want most: to get through security quickly
The advantages of programs like TSA Precheck far outweigh feared drawbacks, new study finds.
VR, 360-degree video help journalism students tell stories at USC Annenberg
Robert Hernandez uses cutting-edge tech to teach the next generation of immersive storytellers.
Found in translation: USC scientists map brain responses to stories in three different languages
There is something universal about what happens in the brain when it processes tales, regardless of a person’s origin.
A new miniature solution for storing renewable energy
Novel two-dimensional, metal organic hybrids efficiently conduct charge, eventually storing renewable energy.
Forget about sexism: Now TV coverage of women’s sports is just plain boring
Compared with coverage of men’s sports, women are talked about on local channels and ESPN in a mandatory and dull way, a decades-long USC study finds.
Stakes are high as Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 8
USC digital communications expert Jeffrey Cole says the new device needs to wow its fans or the tech company risks a big loss of momentum.
How transit affects job seekers: The first and last mile to the station make all the difference
Biking or ridesharing to the nearest public transit stop could be crucial for riders with limited access to public transportation, USC study finds.
L.A. will see a partial solar eclipse Monday, but experts see a total opportunity for rare research
Scientists eagerly await “The Great American Eclipse” — and remind us to be sure to view it safely.
Rusting pyrite — ‘fool’s gold’ — in glaciers a sign of increased carbon
Widely varying CO2 levels are nature’s way of self-regulating against future runaway glaciation, USC researchers say.
Secrets of undersea chemical reaction revealed; could they reduce CO2 in the atmosphere?
Scientists speed up a natural process that occurs deep in the ocean, raising the possibility that humans could help the Earth cope with greenhouse gases.
As temps soar, USC experts have hot ideas on what it means for us
Sweltering conditions can have an effect on flights, pollution and your health.
Looking at the blurred lines between political news, reality TV and fake news
USC experts explain how political events become a highly watched spectacle influenced by pop culture and entertainment.
The game changers of E3 2017 push boundaries
World’s pre-eminent trade show for computer and video gaming comes to USC and downtown L.A. to spotlight top talent.
Smiling during victory could hurt your future chances of cooperation, USC researchers find
On the other hand, smiling during a loss tends to boost the odds of success going forward.
Invasion of workplace automation: What happens when a robot has an eye on your job
USC experts in manufacturing, technology, labor, education and business discuss the continued growing pains for work and society in the age of automation.
Trojans, including Will Ferrell, honor Class of 2017: more than 17,000 graduates
The university’s 134th commencement draws more than 60,000 people to the University Park Campus.
Retail armageddon: More bankruptcies in four months than all of 2016
USC experts talk about big changes in the retail market as storefronts close in the face of ‘e-tailers’ and big boxes.
Where have the trees gone? L.A. area’s green cover down dramatically in just 10 years
USC Dornsife researchers say mass-produced dwellings and home expansion have reduced residential green cover as much as 55 percent.