Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

In this episode, Michaela (CHE '27) sits down with Savannah (CHE '27) to discuss the balance needed to study chemical engineering, getting help in a small major, studying abroad at USC, and finding time for fun hobbies- including tips for hiking around LA. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Alex (CE '27) sits down with Sam (ENE '27) and Ellis (CE ‘28) to discuss environmental engineering at USC, taking your learning outside the classroom and into the community, and bridging the gap between environmental engineering and policy.  Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Ashley Harkness (ME ’29) sits down with Ari Abramovich (ASTE ’27) and Mia Menard (ME ’29) to discuss what it’s like to be engineers in sororities. They dive into the recruitment process, explaining how being a Potential New Member differs from being an Active member, and they address and debunk common misconceptions about sorority life. They also share how they balance being engineering students with being in a sorority, proving that it’s possible to do both. Tune in to learn more about being an engineer in Greek life at USC and to hear advice for incoming Viterbi students who are interested in rushing! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Matthew, David, and Fio share their journeys as freshman engineers navigating their first year at USC. They move beyond the traditional student narrative to discuss the power of the 'Viterbi Familia,' highlighting how programs like the Viterbi Summer Institute (VSI) and organizations like SHPE created a vital support system before classes even began. Tune in for an inspiring look at how these students are thriving at Viterbi while staying deeply rooted in their latino heritage! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Angelina sits down with Tiffanie Lim from LavaLab, Alicia Grechu from Open Alpha, and Anay Mody from Scope to highlight their respective computer science organizations at USC. Together, they break down what it was like joining, what they do, what they love, and what they have learned during their time in their clubs. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Abigail Combs (ENE '29) sits down with Kilani Grant (ME '29) and Mayte Morales (ME '29) to dive into the world of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)! The trio discusses what SWE is and how students can get involved, with a more detailed conversation about the SWE Ambassador Program. From the inital application process to the day-to-day experience of being an ambassador, they share their personal journeys and offer their thoughts for anyone looking to apply in future semesters. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Mason sits down with Natalie Minkler and Madeline Abu Ghazaleh to talk about what it’s really like balancing engineering with club sports at USC. They dive into how they got involved with club softball, skiing, and sailing, what the tryout and joining processes looked like, and how they manage practices, competitions, and weekend travel on top of a demanding course load. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode of Viterbi Voices, Bethania Dagim (CEE' 28) chats with fellow Viterbi sophomores Shristuti Srirapu (BME' 28) and Joanna Myint (ME '28) about the ways they've explored Los Angeles since they started USC, and how they've balanced making the most of their time in LA as engineering students! They discuss how living in LA influenced their decision to choose USC and the experiences they've had in their 2 years since starting. They also talk about misconceptions people have about LA, how to make time to explore, why balancing classes and other involvements is key, and give their hot takes on the best matcha spots! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Rianna sits down with Cole Bergevin and Tara Ezhari to talk about what freshman year at USC actually looks like. They share why they chose USC, what housing is really like, how classes are going, and their experiences navigating the social side of college as Viterbi students. From making friends as engineering majors and finding good study spots to how they spend their free time, this conversation shares honest advice for prospective and incoming students navigating their first year. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Kyna sits down with Nelson Vo to discuss how the CECS program is structured at USC, the impact it has on students, and the career paths it can open in industry. They explore why Computer Engingineering/Computer Science is a strong academic option and how students can successfully progress through the program. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with USC transfer student Angelina Chou alongside members of the Viterbi admissions team to talk about the transfer student experience at USC. Together, they unpack what it’s really like to transfer into Viterbi, from navigating the admissions process and adjusting academically to finding community and feeling at home on campus. Angelina shares her perspective on making the transition from another university, while the admissions team offers insight into how USC supports transfer students and what they look for in applicants. Whether you’re considering transferring or just curious about how Viterbi helps students thrive after arriving at USC, this episode offers an honest and informative look at the process. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Rahul Dutta to talk about his journey from studying electrical engineering at USC to building a career across the military, investment banking, and corporate development at Intel. Rahul shares how his engineering background gave him the versatility to pivot across industries, reflects on USC life and Trojan friendships, and offers insights into the evolving semiconductor landscape and what it’s like working in the heart of the tech ecosystem. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Paul sits down with Wade Zeno to talk about his journey from chemical engineering to molecular biophysics and academia. Wade shares how he discovered a passion for applying engineering principles to biological systems, discusses his research on proteins, lipids, and drug delivery, and reflects on balancing interdisciplinary interests—from music to fitness—throughout his academic and professional career. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Alex Budde to talk about his journey from pre-med to biomedical engineering and his career developing life-saving medical devices at Abbott. Alex shares insights from working on the MitraClip system in the structural heart space, reflects on the importance of hands-on experience in the medical device industry, and discusses how his time at USC helped shape both his professional path and life beyond campus. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

We're back! In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Elisabeth Weiss, a professor who teaches WRIT 340. They discuss her journey to becoming a professor, the hands-on projects and initiatives she has developed for the course, and why strong writing and technical communication are essential skills for engineers. The conversation is especially meaningful as Hannah reflects on her experience as one of Professor Weiss’s students in the class. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Karissa (ME '27) sits down with MADLab Researchers Haozheng Ma (3rd Year PhD BME) and Callie Luong (ME '27) to learn more about their paths into biomedical research and how it has transformed their experience here at USC. They discuss what drew them to the MADLab, how they balance time researching with their busy schedules, and provide further insight for anyone interested in joining a research lab at USC! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Talise (ECE '27) sits down with Jessica (ECE '27) to talk about her summer internship at Northrop Grumman, how USC helped her get the job, succeed in the internship, and how the internship shaped her future at USC. They discuss specific classes at USC and how those skills can be applied to industry jobs, and general advice for students hoping to work in electrical and computer engineering industry roles. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Sophie (CHE '28) sits down with Sidha Kunada (ENE '27) and Taara Shastri (ENE '28) to discusses their involement in Engineers Without Borders, the communities formed through club engagement, and dealing with feelings of accomplishment in projects that can take years to complete. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Sarah (BME '28, pre-med) sits down with Cedric (BME '28, pre-med) and Mattice (CHE ' 28, pre-law) to discuss the ins and outs of pursuing a career path other than traditional engineering with an engineering degree. They discuss the various resources that they utilize here at USC, staying involved within both the engineering and the pre-med or pre-law realms, balancing their course loads, and advice that they have for students considering a similar pathway. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.

In this episode, Cecilia Betancourt (ECE '27) sits down with a heavily involved RPL member and ASPEN lead, Autumn Zaretsky (ASTE '27), and discusses what it's like to be heavily involved in campus extracurriculars and what that means for academics. They highlight how to manage your time while simultaneously getting the most you can out of your college experience. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! If you're planning on applying as a First-Year student for Fall 2026, go to https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=492 to start your application now!  More on deadlines and how we run admission is at https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/apply.