Susan Bell
Susan Bell is USC Dornsife’s senior writer. She covers a wide variety of USC Dornsife-related news from research to the humanities and is a contributing features writer for USC Dornsife Magazine. An internationally published journalist, she has written extensively on French politics and culture for The Times of London, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times. Her articles have also been published in Wallpaper, Marie-Claire and The Los Angeles Times. Interests include architecture, design, history and photography.
Stories by Susan Bell:
Exploring the evolution — and contradictions — of an early female ad exec
USC’s Ellen Wayland-Smith chronicles the life of Jean Wade Rindlaub, who used her influential career on Madison Avenue to advocate that women stay in the kitchen.
Virginia Tufte, 101, gifted teacher at USC Dornsife for a quarter of a century
One of the most celebrated scholars of her time, her fields of expertise were Renaissance poetry, Milton, the history and grammar of English and literature by and about women.
USC professor wins California Supreme Court case regarding police misconduct
Olu Orange, civil rights lawyer and director of the USC mock trial program, won the reinstatement of an $8 million damages verdict to the family of a Black man killed by sheriff’s deputies.
David Eggenschwiler, 83, longtime English instructor known for his energetic teaching style and wit
Known affectionately by his students as “the Eggman,” the USC Dornsife emeritus associate professor was widely appreciated for his talent, dedication, energy and enthusiasm — qualities for which he was recognized with awards for teaching excellence.
USC-trained epidemiologist leads COVID-19 contact tracing efforts in New York City
“Disease detective” Neil Vora is helping the Big Apple prevent a coronavirus resurgence by quickly identifying and controlling new cases.
From the Italian Renaissance to the stars, an exciting approach to fulfilling GEs
Two new USC Dornsife general education courses offer students a richer, broader way to learn and to acquire diverse academic skills.
From sorority member to spy: USC alum reveals an unexpected career
Tracy Walder revisits how she went from USC Dornsife history major to CIA operative combatting global terrorism.
From pain and intimidation to purpose and belonging: One first-gen student’s journey
As a teenager, Jasmin Sanchez suffered a painful medical emergency that taught her to stand up for herself. Now she’s a USC Dornsife undergrad determined to advocate for others.
How Dad inspired me: Professors reflect on their fathers’ influence
With Father’s Day on our minds, seven USC faculty members share touching stories of how their dads helped shape who they are today.
Former child actor has been recast as an assistant professor at USC
A child actor who played Julius Rottwinkle in the movie Matilda, Leor Hackel has joined USC Dornsife as an assistant professor of psychology.
Renowned architecture critic and L.A.’s chief design officer joins USC
Christopher Hawthorne, the former architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times, will make his 3rd LA Project a cornerstone of USC Dornsife’s Academy in the Public Square initiative.
How Arab Americans found identity and belonging in California
A new book from USC Dornsife’s Sarah Gualtieri counters a long-held stereotype of Arab Americans as outsiders, exploring how they were integrated into Southern California.
Not your typical paleontologist: USC alum takes pride in breaking molds
After earning her PhD in Earth sciences from USC Dornsife, Jingmai O’Connor has carved out an award-winning career as a paleontologist in China.
An increasing number of Americans don’t believe in protecting racist speech
USC researchers have found that Americans’ tolerance for harmful and undermining racist speech has declined, particularly among younger people, liberals and the college educated.
As the black church shifts toward gender equality, USC lends faith communities a guiding hand
After the explosive impact of #MeToo, concerns about the #ChurchToo movement have inspired USC Dornsife’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture to assist in reshaping the patriarchal culture of the African American church.
Sunken pleasure boats reveal the hidden history of California and beyond
USC undergraduates are helping to preserve a vital part of California’s heritage by documenting sunken vessels at the recently created underwater trail in Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay.
Michael Appleman, devoted teacher and celebrated biochemist, 85
The university mourns the distinguished author, researcher and professor who spent more than 35 years at USC Dornsife.
USC faculty members receive Guggenheim Fellowships
USC Dornsife’s Susanna Berger of art history and Robin Coste Lewis of English have been selected from among nearly 3,000 applicants.
Unpacking the mysteries of beatboxing: Linguists and engineers team up
Beatboxers expertly manipulate their vocal tracts to make sounds unknown in any language. Through the use of cutting-edge MRIs, USC researchers plan to find out how they do it.
Meet Trojan Tara Campbell, California’s youngest-ever female mayor
Alumna was elected mayor of her hometown, Yorba Linda, at the age of 25, just two years after graduating.
Scientists use satellite technology to detect and ultimately prevent genocide
At USC Dornsife’s Spatial Sciences Institute, Andrew Marx uses satellites and data such as crowdsourced mapping to analyze and inform human migration and refugee policy.
Shedding light on the short- and long-term effects of detention, deportation
USC doctoral student Blanca Ramirez researches how families cope when a parent is detained or deported by immigration authorities.
Human trafficking research shows problem looks the same, whether in U.S. or Middle East
As National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is marked Jan. 11, USC Dornsife scholars explore the worldwide abuse of migrant workers that subjects millions to misery, injustice and poverty.
Students get insights into inner workings of the nation’s legal system
Undergrads with an eye on careers in law get a head start by taking USC Dornsife’s advanced course in legal writing.