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USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission
Welcome to life at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Classes, student organizations, faculty, research, hands-on projects, and don't forget our social lives outside of class - its all up for discussion with regular appearances and interviews with special guests. Viterbi Voices: The Podcast is hosted by Paul Ledesma (Executive Director, Undergraduate Admission) and current student Saafiyah Patel (Computer Science, Class of 2025).
Total 341 episodes
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Mechanical Engineering Capstone

Mechanical Engineering Capstone

Alex talks to Nick and Tilman about their Mechanical Engineering Capstone project. Nick and Tilman explain what the class is, their experiences in the class and why it is important to have a capstone project.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
47:1606/02/2022
Transfer Student Ask Me Anything

Transfer Student Ask Me Anything

In this episode, Paul and the rest of the admissions team answer any and all questions related to transferring to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:09:2002/02/2022
Sailing Class at USC with Gianna

Sailing Class at USC with Gianna

Steven and Gianna talk about their time taking Nautical Science, NAUT301a, aka sailing at USC. They give a basic class rundown, how it fits in their schedules, and what other fun classes are offered at USC. Additionally, there is a spotlight on personal growth during college and a teaser to see if Steven will ever get in his first fight.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:00:2831/01/2022
Civil and Environmental Engineering Roundtable

Civil and Environmental Engineering Roundtable

In this episode, Chris talks with Elyse, Manny, Ashley, and Tadd about being a student of the Civil/Environmental Engineering Department at USC. They discuss the different tracks/emphases available to students, some of their favorite classes, clubs and organizations, and potential career paths for civil/environmental students at USC.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:05:5523/01/2022
Back To School Spring 2022 with Cameron and Maya

Back To School Spring 2022 with Cameron and Maya

In this episode, we kick off the second half of season 7 with a little back to school conversation with Cameron and Maya! We discuss what we did over break, goals for the new year, and other USC happenings.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
50:5017/01/2022
Rocket Propulsion Lab & Liquid Propulsion Lab Crossover with Francisco and Cori

Rocket Propulsion Lab & Liquid Propulsion Lab Crossover with Francisco and Cori

In this episode, Mark speaks with with Cori and Francisco all things astronautical engineering. We dive into two student design teams on campus, the Rocket Propulsion Lab and the Liquid Propulsion Lab, learn about student experiences in those clubs and much more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:16:1006/12/2021
LGBTQ+ Students in Engineering Live Chat

LGBTQ+ Students in Engineering Live Chat

In this live chat, Derek discusses the LGBTQ+ community at Viterbi and USC with Gus, Kate, Chris, and Elissa. They discuss LGBTQ+ resources, events, student life, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:02:1501/12/2021
Athletes in Engineering with Penelope Hocking

Athletes in Engineering with Penelope Hocking

In this episode, Peyton speaks with USC women's soccer player Penelope Hocking about her experiences studying Computer Science and playing division 1 soccer. We discuss time management, internships, favorite classes, the recruiting process, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
31:3428/11/2021
Navigating USC as an Out of State Student with Elena, Alana, and Mary

Navigating USC as an Out of State Student with Elena, Alana, and Mary

In this episode, Elena speaks with Mary and Alana about navigating life at USC as an out-of-state student. They touch on topics concerning how they looked for universities to how they brought over their belongings from another coast.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:13:0422/11/2021
Black Students in Engineering Live Chat

Black Students in Engineering Live Chat

In this hour long talk, we discuss our experiences as Black engineers at Viterbi. We answer questions about how we wanted to become engineers, why Viterbi, the resources we've used to find belonging as Black engineers and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:13:3720/11/2021
Pt 2 D&D Viterbi Zombie Apocalypse with Shannon, Neha, Jordan, and Paul

Pt 2 D&D Viterbi Zombie Apocalypse with Shannon, Neha, Jordan, and Paul

In this episode, Neha, Jordan, and Pail continue their adventure at the zombie apocalypse right where they left off last time with Neha facing off the Viterbi zombies! Join our brave engineers while they navigate this Dungeons & Dragons campaign set up by the incredible Dungeon Master, Shannon. If you haven't yet, make sure you listen to Part 1 first and see if they can save the day!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:11:1415/11/2021
Pt 1 D&D Viterbi Zombie Apocalypse with Shannon, Neha, Jordan, and Paul

Pt 1 D&D Viterbi Zombie Apocalypse with Shannon, Neha, Jordan, and Paul

In this episode, Neha, Jordan, and Paul do something a little different by playing a Viterbi-inspired Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Shannon, the Dungeon Master, has an incredible zombie apocalypse story prepared for our engineers to navigate and try to solve. Make sure to tune in for this two-episode event and see what happens when zombies overrun Viterbi!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:04:1407/11/2021
Progressive Degree Programs with Irene and Frankie

Progressive Degree Programs with Irene and Frankie

In this episode, Olivia chats with Frankie and Irene about their progressive degree programs. We talk about what exactly this program is, why we chose to apply, the kinds of classes we take, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
41:5231/10/2021
Viterbi Start-Ups with Cyprien and Talha

Viterbi Start-Ups with Cyprien and Talha

In this episode, Maya speaks with Cyprien and Talha about their experiences with entrepreneurship as undergraduate students at Viterbi. We discuss the process of developing a start-up at Viterbi, the resources available at USC, and how to balance school and work.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
44:5024/10/2021
Computer Science Specializations Roundtable

Computer Science Specializations Roundtable

In this discussion, Jordan interviews Isaac, Helen, Georgia, and Jevon about their computer science specializations. We break down each of the computer science majors at Viterbi, our experiences in the department, and how we chose our majors!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:5717/10/2021
LatinX Students in Engineering Live Chat

LatinX Students in Engineering Live Chat

In this hour long talk, we discuss out experiences as LatinX engineers at Viterbi. We answer questions about how we wanted to become engineers, why Viterbi, the resources we've used to find belonging as LatinX engineers and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:02:4313/10/2021
Quarantine Projects with Reuben and Jack

Quarantine Projects with Reuben and Jack

In this episode, Matthew talks with Reuben and Jack about the projects they worked on over quarantine. Reuben talks about the struggles of building his own fully functional laser harp while Jack describes his research into whiplash and the advancements made in the field.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:00:0709/10/2021
Pt 2 Filmmaking, Rap Music, and Product Development at Apple with Alumnus Robert Wright

Pt 2 Filmmaking, Rap Music, and Product Development at Apple with Alumnus Robert Wright

In part 2 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumnus Robert Wright (Electrical Engineering ’08, M.S. ’09) about his experiences at USC and working for Apple. We discuss how to be a leader and company culture.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:08:5506/10/2021
Pt 1 Filmmaking, Rap Music, and Product Development at Apple with Alumnus Robert Wright

Pt 1 Filmmaking, Rap Music, and Product Development at Apple with Alumnus Robert Wright

In part 1 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumnus Robert Wright (Electrical Engineering ’08, M.S. ’09) about his experiences at USC and working for Apple. We discuss choosing a major, finding creative outlets, and finding your path.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
59:2103/10/2021
Women in Engineering Live Chat

Women in Engineering Live Chat

In this hour long talk, we discuss out experiences as women engineers at Viterbi. We answer questions about how we wanted to become engineers, why Viterbi, the resources we've used to find belonging as women engineers and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:02:0001/10/2021
NBC College Bowl Championship with Karan Menon

NBC College Bowl Championship with Karan Menon

In this episode, Paul and Emily talk to Karan Menon, a USC student and captain of USC's college bowl team this past season. Karan reflects on his experiences as a champion of the National Geographic Bee, founder of USC's quiz bowl team, and student studying computer science. Furthermore, we discuss how he brought his team to the final championship of NBC's College Bowl and talk about some behind the scenes action on set.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
55:4027/09/2021
Pt 2 Solving Impossible Problems for Disney and Apple with Alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni

Pt 2 Solving Impossible Problems for Disney and Apple with Alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni

In part 2 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni (ISE ’03) about her experiences working at Apple, Disney, and UPS. In this episode specifically, we discuss work-life balance and mindfulness.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:09:1822/09/2021
Pt 1 Solving Impossible Problems for Disney and Apple with Alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni

Pt 1 Solving Impossible Problems for Disney and Apple with Alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni

In part 1 of this two episode interview, Paul interviews alumna Dr. Kristin Sahyouni (ISE ’03) about her experiences working at Apple, Disney, and UPS. We discuss tackling hard problems, work-life balance, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and much more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:16:1319/09/2021
Meet the Majors Live Chat

Meet the Majors Live Chat

In this Live Chat, Jordan, Shannon, Olivia, and Hari discuss their majors, favorite classes, and tips to balancing student life at USC. Learn more at viterbi.live/chats.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:12:1916/09/2021
Freshman Academy

Freshman Academy

In this episode, Mahima talks to Trisha, a Freshman Academy coach, about her work in ENGR 102: Freshman Academy. We talk about this unique course, the roles that coaches play, and the lasting impact this course has had on our time at Viterbi.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
22:5813/09/2021
Summer Internships with Natalie and Paul

Summer Internships with Natalie and Paul

In this episode, Alex talks to engineering students Paul and Natalie about their internships this past summer. We talk about networking, the interview process, and how USC helped prepare us for these positions!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:5205/09/2021
All Thing Viterbi Live Chat

All Thing Viterbi Live Chat

During this hour long event, we will be talking about our lives as students at USC Viterbi. We are here to answer the questions you may have about classes, students orgs, free time, and what life is *really* like as an engineering student.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:0302/09/2021
Application Process Stories with Cameron and Chris

Application Process Stories with Cameron and Chris

In this episode, Emily talks with Chris and Cameron about their college application process. We talk about how we approached it, what we thought about some of the myths, how we were able to be successful in the process, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:23:3329/08/2021
Welcome Back to USC

Welcome Back to USC

Today Steven and Natalie talk about the return of students to USC campus. Some highlights include talking about USC football/gameday, the opening of the Baum Family Makerspace, and some student perspectives on welcome week and their freshman experience.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:00:1623/08/2021
Startups, Systems Engineering, & Hat Design With Alumna Jacquie Lowe, ISE ’16

Startups, Systems Engineering, & Hat Design With Alumna Jacquie Lowe, ISE ’16

In this episode, Paul talks to alumna Jacquie Lowe (industrial and systems engineering class of 2016) about life post graduation. We discuss her experience at USC along with her passion for startups and entrepreneurship.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:13:3715/08/2021
Class Schedule Tips with Sheetal and Gianna

Class Schedule Tips with Sheetal and Gianna

In this episode, Emily speaks with Sheetal and Gianna about their experiences with classes at USC. We discuss balancing schedules, study tips, favorite classes, getting to know professors, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:17:0208/08/2021
Season 7 Kick Off!

Season 7 Kick Off!

In this episode, we kick-off season 7 with a new student co-host and revamped music! Listen in to hear about we've been up to this summer and plans for this upcoming year!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
13:3002/08/2021
Season 6 Conclusion and Host Hand Off

Season 6 Conclusion and Host Hand Off

In the last episode of Season 6, and Audrey's last episode ever, we introduce the new host of Viterbi Voices - Emily! Paul and Audrey also reflect on the past two seasons and we look ahead to the next one with Emily.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
29:1213/05/2021
The Viterbi Class of 2021

The Viterbi Class of 2021

In this episode, Audrey interviews her fellow Viterbi Student Ambassadors from the Class of 2021: Dominie, Sheetal, Cami, Miranda, Steven, Christina, and Luz. The group discusses lessons learned, favorite memories, and our plans after college. Congratulations to the USC Viterbi Class of 2021, and for one last time, fight on (forever)!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:38:0112/05/2021
USC and LA Dining Experience

USC and LA Dining Experience

In this episode Steven talks to Matt and Max about everything food related around USC. They dive into the dining hall experience, the many dining options around USC and LA, and their experience cooking on their own.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
55:0308/05/2021
Freshmen Roundtable Part 1

Freshmen Roundtable Part 1

Join Mahima as she talks to freshmen students at Viterbi about their decision making process, their first year online, GESMs, Freshmen Academy and more.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
47:2326/04/2021
The Faces Behind refresh LA

The Faces Behind refresh LA

In this episode, join Mahima as she talks to the team behind refresh LA, a student startup founded in CE 486: Innovation in Engineering and Design for Global Crises. Mahima talks to Mallika, Elina, Dea, and Elisa about refresh LA's beginnings, progress, team and what it's been like balancing this new enterprise as full time students.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
49:0118/04/2021
Troy Camp with Juan

Troy Camp with Juan

In this episode, Emily speaks with Juan about his experiences with USC Troy Camp. We discuss how Troy Camp fosters longterm mentorship both in-person and online and its effect on the counselors, campers, and Los Angeles community.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
45:2612/04/2021
Virtual Design Competitions

Virtual Design Competitions

In this episode, Chris talks to Dominie, Natalie, and Shannon about their involvement in engineering design competitions. Dominie participated in the American Society of Biomedical Engineers' Make-A-Thon, Natalie on the Design Build Team for the Associated Schools of Construction, and Shannon in the Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition. After a brief introduction of the competition's details, I discussed with them how both their teams and the competitions themselves had to adapt to COVID-19 and the virtual setting of college activities.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
49:0605/04/2021
All Things Viterbi Live Chat

All Things Viterbi Live Chat

Tune into this live chat where sophomores and juniors specifically speak with Cameron on All Things Viterbi! Learn about life at USC and engineering at Viterbi from underclassmen who were in your shoes not too long ago.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:03:1701/04/2021
#IGotIntoUSC - Admission Decisions Fall 2021

#IGotIntoUSC - Admission Decisions Fall 2021

In this episode, Paul gives detailed guidance on first-year admissions decisions, which Viterbi will release on March 30th! Tune in to learn more insight on the admission process and how to access your decision. Thank you to everyone for applying, and congratulations to those who will soon be admitted.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
41:2128/03/2021
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

In this episode, Cameron talks with Cheyenne, the current President of USC's National Society of Black Engineer's chapter, a professional organization on campus to support Black/African American engineers.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
49:0715/03/2021
Baum Maker Space

Baum Maker Space

In this episode, Natalie talks with Viterbi faculty who have worked closely on the construction of the Baum Maker Space, a multifunction design lab open to all Viterbi undergraduates.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
37:0807/03/2021
Writing for Engineers

Writing for Engineers

In this episode, we get the chance to explore the upper division writing class for engineers dubbed WRIT 340. We chat with Professor Elisa Warford to discuss the need for engineers with strong communication skills and how these skills specifically impact emerging technologies.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
31:1428/02/2021
Love at Viterbi Part 2

Love at Viterbi Part 2

In the second episode of our Valentine’s Day edition of Viterbi Voices, Paul and Audrey chat with Lydia and Peter who met while studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at USC and are now married. After graduation, Lydia worked in the oil and gas industry and currently works at Apple. Peter worked as a consultant at Capgemini after graduation and now works in business operations at Zendesk. Tune in to hear the story of how Peter and Lydia met and their tips for successful professional careers.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:20:0514/02/2021
Love at Viterbi Part 1

Love at Viterbi Part 1

In this special Valentine's Day edition of Viterbi Voices, Paul and Audrey chat with Claire and Ryan, who not only got their degrees but also found love at Viterbi! Claire studied Biomedical Engineering at USC and Ryan studied Electrical Engineering. The couple, now married, met in an electrical engineering course, and after graduating in 2012, they have led successful careers in consulting and tech start-ups. Tune in tomorrow to hear from another amazing couple in Love at Viterbi Part 2.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:17:0413/02/2021
Female Leadership in Viterbi

Female Leadership in Viterbi

Join Dominie as she talks with Glory and Leena about what it's like to be a president of a Viterbi student organization. Dominie is the president of a professional organization called the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering, Glory is the president of a student-run product incubator called LavaLab, and Leena is the president of an artificial intelligence club called CAIS++. Tune in to hear about their thoughts on impactful leadership.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
40:1208/02/2021
Celebrating 200 Episodes with Rhea!

Celebrating 200 Episodes with Rhea!

This week we are releasing our 200th episode of Viterbi Voices! To mark this milestone, Audrey chats with the former host, Rhea. They reflect on the development of the podcast, and discuss what Rhea has been up to since graduating with her degree in Biomedical Engineering in 2019!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
40:2301/02/2021
How to Succeed in Online Classes

How to Succeed in Online Classes

In this episode, Audrey, Sheetal, Alex, and Christina discuss the academic tools and methods that have helped them overcome the challenges of online learning. Tune in to hear tips on taking engineering classes via Zoom (hint - we have found keeping our cameras on helps us stay engaged!).Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
46:2725/01/2021
Study Abroad for Engineers Live Chat

Study Abroad for Engineers Live Chat

Check out last week's Live Chat where Viterbi students talk about their experiences in various study and travel abroad programs through USC! Our next and final live chat of the series will be all about the transfer student experience on January 24th, 2021.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:06:1412/01/2021