Viterbi Voices: The Podcast
USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission
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Viterbi Voices: The Podcast explores life at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. It covers classes, student organizations, faculty, research, hands-on projects, and social life outside the classroom. The show features regular discussions and interviews with special guests. It is hosted by Paul Ledesma, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Admission, and current student Hannah Fonseca.
Episodes
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BME 411: All About USC's Biomedical Engineering Emphasis 18.10.2026 1h 21mIn this episode, Dominic (BME '27) sits down with his senior friends Arjun Karnwal (BMEN '27), Amee Van (BME '27), and Sofia Florez (BMEL '27) ask they talk about the different biomedical engineering emphasis USC has to offer: Molecular-Cellular Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and no emphasis. The BME seniors discuss and reflect on classes, experiences, and other opportunities they experienced in their specific emphasis and in the major, concluding with some advic... -
Inside ASPEN: Space Propulsion and Hands-On Engineering at USC 11.10.2026 1hIn this episode, Sophie (CHE '28) sits down with USC Astronautical Engineering students Emma Moreno ('28) and Mia Claire Chang ('27) to explore the Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and Energy Lab, better known as ASPEN. Emma and Mia discuss the team’s work designing, manufacturing, and testing a Hall-effect thruster, along with the simulations and diagnostic tools that make the project possible. They reflect on how they became involved with ASPEN, the welcoming community that encouraged them to... -
Inside Industrial and Systems Engineering: Classes, Careers & College Life 04.10.2026 1h 47mIn this episode, Rianna (ISE ’28) sits down with fellow Industrial and Systems Engineering students, a junior and senior, to talk about their experiences navigating ISE at USC. Together, they discuss their classes, professors, career opportunities, and finding a healthy work-life balance, while also sharing how extracurriculars like Ski Club, ROTC, and Greek life have shaped their college experiences. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! -
Transferring to USC Viterbi: One Year Later 27.09.2026 1h 17mIn this episode, Angelina (CS '28) sits down with fellow Viterbi transfers, Ofek and Turat, to reflect on their journeys one year after transferring to USC. Together, they discuss what they’re grateful for, what they wish they’d done differently, and how transferring has shaped their college experiences. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! -
Seniors Talk: How I Made USC My Home 20.09.2026 58mIn this episode, Satwika (Computer Engineering and Computer Science, 2027) sits down with fellow Viterbi seniors Avni, Malina and Jackie to talk about how they made their college lives feel more like home. From student clubs to one-on-one friendships and everything in between, the four girls discuss how they all found community in different places and in each other. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! -
Bioelectronics, Wearable Health Technology, and the Future of Engineering Education with Yasser Khan 13.09.2026 1h 22mIn this episode, Paul sits down with Yasser Khan, a USC Viterbi professor and electrical engineer, to discuss his journey from studying engineering in Bangladesh to conducting research around the world and ultimately joining USC. Yasser shares how his early experiences in nanotechnology and flexible electronics led him to bioelectronics, where his research now explores wearable, implantable, and ingestible devices that could transform how we understand human health and behavior. He also discu... -
Naval Architecture, Antarctica, and Trusting the Process with Zenzile Moore, BS Civil Engineering ’07 06.09.2026 1h 33mIn this episode, Paul sits down with Zenzile Moore, a USC Viterbi alumna and Civil Engineering graduate from the Class of 2007, to discuss her journey from USC to a career in naval architecture. Zenzi reflects on discovering civil engineering at a young age, finding community and confidence at USC, and the lessons she learned from professors, classmates, and her involvement on campus. She shares how her passion for teaching led her to pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering at MIT and how her caree... -
Landmark Design, Building Los Angeles, and Engineering Leadership with Kristen Sharer, BS Civil Engineering '12 30.08.2026 1h 14mIn this episode, Paul sits down with Kristen, a USC Viterbi alumna and Civil Engineering graduate, to discuss her journey from USC to a career at KPFF. Kristen shares insight into her work as a civil engineer and project manager, including her experience on major Los Angeles projects like the new LACMA building, and reflects on the collaboration and problem-solving that go into bringing complex designs to life. She also looks back on her time at USC, from studying abroad and internships to re... -
Mechanical Engineering, Patent Law, and Digital Health with Gavin, BS Mechanical Engineering '14 23.08.2026 1h 18mIn this episode, Paul sits down with Gavin, a USC Viterbi alumnus and Mechanical Engineering graduate, to discuss his journey from engineering to law and digital health. Gavin reflects on his time at USC, his early career in technology consulting, and how his engineering background ultimately led him to patent law and UC Berkeley School of Law. He also shares insight into his experience in patent litigation and his current role as Head of Legal at a digital health AI startup, while offering a... -
Data Center Energy, Sustainability Science, and Leadership Growth with Allegra Reister, BS Industrial and Systems Engineering '17 16.08.2026 1h 17mIn this episode, Paul sits down with Allegra, a USC Viterbi alumna and Industrial & Systems Engineering graduate from the Class of 2017, to discuss her journey from USC to Google. Ally shares how getting involved on campus shaped her career, reflects on her experiences in consulting, startups, and graduate school, and offers insight into her current role leading energy demand response partnerships at Google. She also shares advice for current students and aspiring engineers navigating the... -
Environmental Engineering, Water Reuse, and Public Health at USC with Prof. Adam Smith 09.08.2026 55mIn this episode, Paul sits down with Adam Smith, an environmental engineering faculty member at USC, to explore his journey from nearly joining the family lumber business to leading groundbreaking research on wastewater surveillance and biological water treatment. They discuss USC's innovative campus monitoring system that tracks COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, and dive into Southern California's urgent water crisis—where 90% of water is imported—and how cutting-edge reuse technologie... -
USC Viterbi Admission: Myths, Facts, and How to Apply 02.08.2026 52mIn this episode, Paul sits down with senior admission staff members Rebecca, Brooke, and Lisa from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering to kick off Season 12 of Viterbi Voices. Together, they tackle everything prospective students need to know about applying to engineering programs for Fall 2027. The team explores why now is the perfect time to study engineering, busts common myths about admission requirements, from GPA expectations to the misconception that you need your entire future mappe... -
Four Years Later: Viterbi Seniors Reflect on USC and What’s Next 26.04.2026 1h 18mIn this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Mitchell (CE ’26), Ishaani (BME ’26), and Anna (CECS ’26) for a senior send-off reflecting on their time at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. From why they chose USC to the experiences that shaped their academic and career paths, they share honest insights into what it’s really like to be a Viterbi student. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! -
Navigating Early Careers in Medical Devices 19.04.2026 1h 7mIn this episode, Dominic (BME '27) sits down with Greg Rosenkranz (BME '26) and Ishaani Pradeep (BME '26) to discuss their early career experiences in the medical device industry from everything ranging from their intern projects to some fun sidequests throughout their work experience! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! -
Hiking and Study Abroad Adventures in Chemical Engineering 12.04.2026 1h 1mIn 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! -
Environmental Engineering & Public Policy 05.04.2026 1h 18mIn 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! -
Circuits and Sisterhood: Engineering and Sorority Life at USC 29.03.2026 1h 27mIn 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... -
The Viterbi Familia 22.03.2026 1h 1mIn 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 heritag... -
Computer Science Organizations @USC: Scope, LavaLab, and Open Alpha 15.03.2026 1h 2mIn 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! -
Inside the Society of Women Engineers Ambassador Program 08.03.2026 1h 1mIn 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 semeste...
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