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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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Petroleum Engineering with Professor Iraj Ershaghi

Petroleum Engineering with Professor Iraj Ershaghi

From solar power to fracking to energy development trends and more, Dr. Iraj Ershaghi joins the podcast and tells us all about the evolving field of petroleum engineering, and how an undergraduate engineering degree can lead you to this industry. Dr. Ershaghi is the Director of the Petroleum Engineering Department at USC, and has extensive experience in both research and industry.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:02:0014/12/2016
Code the Change & Using Tech for Social Impact

Code the Change & Using Tech for Social Impact

Code the Change is a student organization that seeks to apply computer science skills to make a social impact. Liam and Alicia talk about the club's current and past projects working with local non profit organizations and give advice for aspiring computer science students.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
42:1905/12/2016
LavaLab & Product Design and Development

LavaLab & Product Design and Development

In Episode 39 Paul and Alex learn more about LavaLab, USC's student-run incubator, from Drake and Aneesha. LavaLab teaches their members how to apply the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation to make their product ideas come to life, and provides tons of resources and guidance along the way.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:5528/11/2016
Society of Women Engineers

Society of Women Engineers

In the first Student Organization episode of Season 2, Paul and Alex talk with Sydney and Jennifer, two leaders in USC's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Sydney and Jennifer tell us how SWE seeks to empower Viterbi's large body of women engineers through their many professional, social, and community outreach activities throughout the year.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:5920/11/2016
Materials Science with Dr. Lessa Grunenfelder

Materials Science with Dr. Lessa Grunenfelder

In Episode 37, Alex and Paul talk to Dr. Lessa Grunenfelder about Viterbi's Materials Science Department, her research in the M.C. Gill Composites Center, and the applications of materials science to all engineering disciplines. Dr. Grunenfelder is a proud Trojan alum with three degrees from USC, and currently teaches multiple undergraduate courses in Materials Science and the Freshman Academy course.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
55:4301/11/2016
Biomedical Engineering with Professor Ellis Meng

Biomedical Engineering with Professor Ellis Meng

In episode 36, Paul and Alex sit down with Professor Ellis Meng who teaches classes in Viterbi's Biomedical Engineering department and serves as the BME Department Chair. Dr. Meng discusses her research in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and gives a great overview of the expansive discipline of biomedical engineering.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
38:2424/10/2016
Electrical Engineering with Professor Shrikanth Narayanan

Electrical Engineering with Professor Shrikanth Narayanan

In episode 35 Alex and Paul talk to Professor Shrikanth Narayanan about Electrical Engineering and his various research projects coordinated through the Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory (SAIL)that he founded in 2000.Learn more about SAIL here: http://sail.usc.edu/index.phpText us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
53:3516/10/2016
Viterbi Facilities and Expansion Projects with Vice Dean Linda Rock

Viterbi Facilities and Expansion Projects with Vice Dean Linda Rock

We're back in full swing with Episode 34 featuring Viterbi's Vice Dean for Administration, Linda Rock. In this episode Paul and Alex talk with Vice Dean Rock about the $50 million expansion efforts that Viterbi has spearheaded over the past decade, as well as upcoming facilities renovation and expansion, including the reimagining of the Science and Engineering Library to include a 10,000+ square foot Maker Space for students and design teams. Be sure to watch the video showcasing the design of the new Library while you listen!Video: https://vimeo.com/165970514Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:17:5630/09/2016
Maria's Summer in Madrid - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 8

Maria's Summer in Madrid - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 8

In the eighth and final episode of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Maria talks with Alex about her summer in Madrid, Spain with the Viterbi Overseas Study Abroad Program and tells him about her international travels, class, and her research back here at USC.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
22:1408/09/2016
Bria's Summer Abroad in Madrid - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 7

Bria's Summer Abroad in Madrid - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 7

In the seventh installment of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Bria tells Alex about her summer abroad taking classes in Madrid, Spain and traveling around Europe with the Viterbi Overseas summer study abroad program! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
23:1006/09/2016
Shana's Microsoft Internship in Seattle - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 6

Shana's Microsoft Internship in Seattle - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 6

In part 6 of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Shana tells Alex all about her summer internship with Microsoft in Seattle, Washington working in their Supply Chain and Manufacturing department.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
28:3701/09/2016
Sophie's Internship at Chevron - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 5

Sophie's Internship at Chevron - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 5

In episode 5 of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Sophie tells Alex about her internship with Chevron in Bakersfield, California where she worked in the petroleum industry and even got to visit an oil rig!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
20:1630/08/2016
Clare's Summer Travels and Summer School - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 4

Clare's Summer Travels and Summer School - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 4

In part 4 our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Clare talks with Alex about her summer back home in Chicago where she took a summer class to get ahead of schedule, and traveled around the country to visit her family and friends from USC!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
18:1925/08/2016
Rhea's Summer Research in China - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 3

Rhea's Summer Research in China - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 3

In the third installment of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Rhea tells Alex about her summer in Beijing, China where she conducted bioinformatics research at Tsinghua University through Viterbi's Summer Research Exchange Program.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
29:0223/08/2016
Frankie's Pepsi Internship - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 2

Frankie's Pepsi Internship - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 2

In part 2 of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Frankie talks with Alex about his internship at Pepsi and his summer adventures in LA! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
22:3919/08/2016
Betty's LA Internships - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 1

Betty's LA Internships - Summer 2016 Miniseries Part 1

In the first edition of our Summer 2016 Miniseries, Betty tells us about her internship and spending the summer in LA! Paul and Alex also recognize and thank SC students Curtis Toyota, Thibault Clairis-Gauthier and Harry Zec for the podcast's awesome new intro!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
30:3719/08/2016
Season 2 Intro & Summer Update

Season 2 Intro & Summer Update

Surprise! In our first ever summer episode we catch up with Budde and Paul to hear what they've been up to since the spring semester finished. We also give you a little taste of what to expect in the coming weeks as the podcast travels the world to keep you updated on Viterbi students' summer plans. Get pumped for Season 2!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
16:0130/06/2016
Season 1 Finale

Season 1 Finale

In our final episode of Season 1, we say goodbye to Kelly and introduce our new host for Season 2 - Alex Budde! Kelly lets us know about her post grad plans, Budde covers his internship in Virginia, and we debate Star Wars and places in Europe. Enjoy!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
49:2103/05/2016
Who will be the next host?

Who will be the next host?

When graduation only a few weeks away, it is time to start looking for a new host for Season 2 of Viterbi Voices: The Podcast since Kelly will be graduating soon! In this episode, we get to know three new potential hosts by learning about where they are from, how they picked their major, what they like about Los Angeles, etc! Listen to get to know Budde, Bria, and Vince!VOTE FOR OUR NEXT HOST: http://viterbivoices.usc.edu/podcastText us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
45:5622/04/2016
Spring Live Chat with Alumni 2016

Spring Live Chat with Alumni 2016

Wonder what the alumni from Viterbi are like? Found out during this episode! Paul hosted a chat with Viterbi alumni which covers memories from college, advice to students, where their careers have taken them, and why they love engineering. Check it out!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:07:1912/04/2016
Spring Live Chat with Current Students 2016

Spring Live Chat with Current Students 2016

Missed the Live Chat? No worries, you are in luck! This episode we have a panel of current engineering students answering all sorts of questions from prospective students. Things like where do engineers live, how can you get involved with research, how to get internships, etc. This episode gives a great feel of what it is like to be student in Viterbi!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:07:1807/04/2016
Girls Who Code, Part 2

Girls Who Code, Part 2

For our ongoing series called "Girls Who Code", this episode Paul and Kelly sit down with Ellen, who is a junior studying computer science. We discuss how Ellen fell in love with computer science, the stereotypes of a hacker, favorite programming languages, and Ellen's plans to intern at Amazon.... and is there an intern battle between Microsoft and Amazon? Paul likes to think so.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
38:5530/03/2016
#IGotIntoUSC - Admission Decisions 2016

#IGotIntoUSC - Admission Decisions 2016

The last week of March is a very special time - admission decisions for USC are sent out in the mail! Paul and Kelly wanted to do a special episode to talk about these decisions, so we are joined by Matthew O'Pray, associate dean of admission, and Christine Hsieh, associate director of admission. We cover what the admission process is like, opportunities for students who didn't receive admission, and for students who were admitted all the programs available to help you make that decision!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
39:2325/03/2016
Girls Who Code, Part 1

Girls Who Code, Part 1

In our first ever mini series called "Girls Who Code", Paul and Kelly sit down with Shelly and Izzy for Part 1. They are both girls studying computer science and we talk about what it is like to be a girl who codes, computer science classes, hackathons, cyber security, internships, and much more! Check it out!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
43:5117/03/2016
Corpus Callosum & STEM + Art

Corpus Callosum & STEM + Art

Ever have trouble deciding between your scientific side and your creative side? Corpus Callosum is the answer! This episode we sat down with Lili and Megan who are both heavily involved in Corpus Callosum (CoCa), an organization that combines engineering and art. They share with us some cool important projects they have done, the structure of their group, and the importance of embracing both sides of the brain!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:00:1708/03/2016
USC Racing

USC Racing

This episode, Paul and Kelly sit down with Ian, Jason, and Anchal who are the leaders of the USC Racing team. They spend all year designing, constructing, testing, and racing a high performance race car! We discuss the different sub teams, what the competition is like, their favorite cars, and some restaurants around LA.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
54:4022/02/2016
Imaging Informatics & Freshmen Academy with Professor Liu

Imaging Informatics & Freshmen Academy with Professor Liu

This week, Kelly and Paul sit down with Professor Brent Liu from the department of biomedical engineering. With a early background in electrical engineering, he shares his research and experience with imaging processing & informatics. He also is a professor of Freshmen Academy, which is a course all engineering students at USC take to introduce them to the field of engineering.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
53:0410/02/2016
Computational Modeling Cancer Research with Professor Finley

Computational Modeling Cancer Research with Professor Finley

For our 14th episode, Paul and Kelly sit down with Professor Stacey Finley who is a professor in the department of biomedical engineering. She shares with us her research on cancer through computational models, the new class she teaches, her background with chemical engineering, and her love of karaoke. Check it out!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
44:1404/02/2016
Civil Engineering with Professor Soibelman

Civil Engineering with Professor Soibelman

This week Professor Lucio Soibelman, who is the chair of the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, stops by to talk to Paul and Kelly! We discuss how civil engineering is more than just buildings, his research with sensors, battles between architects and engineers, and how his department is the most social!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
54:4528/01/2016
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering with Professor Spedding

Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering with Professor Spedding

Viterbi Voices: The Podcast has made it to the new year! In the first episode of 2016, Paul and Kelly sit down with Dr. Geoff Spedding who is a professor and the chair of the aerospace & mechanical department. We discuss his new themes for the department (biodynamical systems, energy engineering, and exploration technologies), his favorite planes, and how if you love Star Wars you might as well sign up for aerospace engineering right away! Check it out! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
51:4521/01/2016
National Society of Black Engineers

National Society of Black Engineers

For the final episode of this semester, Paul and Kelly sit down with Frankie and Shana who are on the executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). They tell us about what is it like being in a diversity group, all the fun and professional events they put on, how they won the best student chapter in the whole US, and how Frankie doesn't know how to start a fire. Check it out!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
41:0115/12/2015
Environmental Engineering with Professor Kelly Sanders

Environmental Engineering with Professor Kelly Sanders

We have made it to double digits! In episode 10, we sit down with Professor Kelly Sanders from the Sonny Astani Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. She explains her work with sustainability, the concept of the Water-Energy Nexus, her thoughts on the drought in California, and her favorite places to eat around USC! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:2220/11/2015
Hacking Cyber Security & Forensics with Joe Greenfield

Hacking Cyber Security & Forensics with Joe Greenfield

Probably our scariest podcast.... ever. Joe Greenfield, Senior Lecturer in the USC Viterbi Information Technology Program (ITP) scares the living daylights out of us as he details the current state of hacking, cyber security, and digital forensics. As a professional with years of experience and a current practitioner, Joe tells us about USC Viterbi's commitment to teach application based approaches to fighting cyber crime and providing a defense to hackers around the world. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:02:4816/11/2015
3D Printing & 3D4E

3D Printing & 3D4E

Join us for this episode as we speak with Jordan and Alison, who are both heavily involved with 3D For Everyone, aka 3D4E. 3D4E is a project based organization that exposes students to anything and everything related to 3D printing. We cover everything from how the printers themselves actually work, to cool projects like USC Freehand and the scale model of the USC campus, and even settle the debate of Star Wars vs Star Trek. Check it out!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
52:0702/11/2015
USC Troy Camp

USC Troy Camp

Being an engineer doesn't mean our lives are all-engineering-all-the-time! We are involved across campus in a variety of activities, including service opportunities. This episode explores one of the coolest ways to give back and make a #ViterbiImpact: USC Troy Camp. We sat down with Lindsey "Shortcake" and Nausher "Manatee" to talk about this student-run philanthropic organization that provides life-long mentorship to local kids in the Los Angeles area. The highlight of the organization is putting on a full fledged, week long summer camp full of nature, activities, and friendship. Fun fact: Paul was the Director of Troy Camp back in his time at USC.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
44:4027/10/2015
Computer Science with Professor Sukhatme

Computer Science with Professor Sukhatme

During our 6th episode, we sit down with Gaurav Sukhatme, our first Viterbi faculty member to be on the podcast! Dr. Sukhatme is the chair of the computer science department, teaches a variety of undergraduate classes, and is involved with research in robotics. During our chat we discussed the structure of the computer science department at USC, the history of the computing field, programming experience, cool classes offered, and common misconceptions about computer science!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
58:4220/10/2015
Internships & Career Fair Fall 2015

Internships & Career Fair Fall 2015

This week, Kelly and Paul hit the streets and are podcasting live at the Fall 2015 Viterbi Career Fair! In order to make you feel like you are at the career fair, we interviewed a wide variety of students and company representatives from the nearly 200 companies who participated. Listen to learn more about what the job search is like, some cool companies that are recruiting on campus, and all the opportunities available to engineering students specifically!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
30:1813/10/2015
Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab

In our fourth episode, Kelly and Paul sit down with Preston and Brad, who are both studying aerospace engineering and extremely involved with Rocket Lab, aka Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, aka RPL ... they go by many names! Rocket Lab is trying to be the first student group to launch a rocket into space, so we discuss everything that goes into making a rocket: the design process, past attempted launches, the characteristics of the rockets, and even some cool explosions. After listening, you will really understand why rocket science is so hard!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
55:5702/10/2015
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

It's our 3rd episode! Kelly and Paul chat with Adena and Calvin from the enterpreneurial student organization, SparkSC. While this one is a bit longer - its a great talk. We get into all things related to entrepreneurship and innovation at USC: hackathons, 1000 Pitches, HackSC, Design for America, Corpus Collosum, LavaLab and even a little bit about Paul's guilty pleasure: Ghost Adventures.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
01:04:2322/09/2015
ASCE & Civil Engineering

ASCE & Civil Engineering

In our second episode Kelly and Paul are chatting about all things Civil & Environmental Engineering with current students Lucy, Erin, and Nick, current seniors in Civil Engineering (Building Science). As part of the American Society of Civil Engineers Student chapter they compete in the Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge competitions each year.... and we even have a fun little story about Sylvester Stallone!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
32:1714/09/2015
Welcome & Hello

Welcome & Hello

The first episode of Viterbi Voices: The Podcast. (its our first one, so cut us some slack) Paul Ledesma, Director of Undergraduate Engineering, and Kelly Lynch, a senior in Civil Engineering (Building Science) talk about creating the new podcast, introduce the ideas for upcoming episodes and more. Paul discusses the beginning of the admission season, and a few events coming up this weekend. Kelly talks about her summer internship and starts to stress out about her plans for after undergrad.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
27:2405/09/2015