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 ‘Magic, Witchcraft and Healing’ in the classroom
USC Dornsife’s Thomas Ward of anthropology covers Vodou, witchcraft and shamanism, while focusing on “white magic” used for holistic healing.
Famed economist helps us know how to be happy
For more than half a century, USC’s Richard Easterlin has delved into the secrets of what does — and doesn’t — bring us joy.
What today’s conspiracy theories have in common with ancient ones
From the Knights Templar to the moon landings and QAnon, conspiracy theories are nothing new. Two USC Dornsife experts offer a look at what’s behind the original “fake news.”
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.”
Once painfully shy, this alum is now USC’s director of belonging
It took a while for Cat Moore to learn how to create meaningful relationships. Now she’s helping USC students overcome the challenges and isolation caused by the pandemic.
USC Dornsife launches first undergraduate civil rights advocacy clinic in U.S.
Led by noted civil rights attorney Olu Orange, the Agents of Change Initiative enables students to participate in key areas of social reform.
Have you been naughty? Then beware: Krampus is coming
With a new movie, a comic book series and Krampus-based festivities growing in popularity, the scary Alpine holiday legend has gained a firm foothold in America.
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.