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Arabs in California
The Arbeely family, pictured here in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1881, were the first Syrian family to immigrate to the United States, having arrived three years prior. By 1890, most had moved to Los Angeles. (Photo/Courtesy of Habeeb and Dania Arbeely)

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.

ArtsScience/Technology
Assal Habibi musical training brain development
Assal Habibi has done extensive research on how musical training is beneficial for brain development. Her latest study focuses on children who are learning music and speak more than one language, as compared to children who know just one language. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

USC research reinforces music’s impact on the developing brain

A $450,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health will help USC Dornsife’s Assal Habibi advance her studies into how musical training boosts childhood brain development.

Health
Jamil Samaan wants to see more Syrian American doctors
After experiencing language barriers, economic disadvantage and lack of access to mentorship on his journey to becoming a doctor, Jamil Samaan created the Syrian American Association of Science and Health to help immigrants like himself. (Photo/Courtesy of Jamil Samaan)

Graduating medical student turns academic success into opportunity for Syrian Americans

For the Syrian-born Jamil Samaan, graduating Saturday from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, more Syrian Americans in science means better care within his community.