Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

Hosted by USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission

Technology Education Science

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Episodes

420

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

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 - it's all up for discussion with regular appearances and interviews with special guests. Viterbi Voices: The Podcast is hosted by Paul Ledesma (Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Admission) and current student Hannah Fonseca (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2027).

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 4181 hr 29 min

Trojans Talk Transit: Inside the Institute of Transportation Engineers

In this episode, Bethania Dagim (CEE ’28) sits down with fellow Viterbi juniors Mila Mattson (ISE ’28) and Juliet Chang (ISE ’28) to learn more about the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) at USC! They discuss what the organization does, how they all got involved, how they’ve been able to apply their ISE coursework, and all the fields students can get involved in within Transportation Engineering. They also reflect on their time at USC so far, what they’d do differently, and how they plan to make the most of their last few years in Vitebri! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

October 18, 2026Episode 4171 hr 21 min

BME 411: All About USC's Biomedical Engineering Emphasis

In 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 advice they wish they knew before deciding on their emphasis. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

October 11, 2026Episode 4161 hr 0 min

Inside ASPEN: Space Propulsion and Hands-On Engineering at USC

In 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 stay, and how hands-on experiences complement what they learn in the classroom. The conversation also explores their aspirations in the space industry, their involvement in research, design teams, and activities beyond engineering, and the opportunities USC provides students to pursue a wide range of interests. Emma and Mia offer advice for prospective and current students on trying new things, asking questions, and getting involved, even without previous experience, and share why sometimes the best approach is simply to “do it scared.” Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

October 5, 2026Episode 4151 hr 47 min

Inside Industrial and Systems Engineering: Classes, Careers & College Life

In 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!

September 27, 2026Episode 4141 hr 17 min

Transferring to USC Viterbi: One Year Later

In 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!

September 20, 2026Episode 41358 min

Seniors Talk: How I Made USC My Home

In 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!

September 13, 2026Episode 4121 hr 22 min

Bioelectronics, Wearable Health Technology, and the Future of Engineering Education with Yasser Khan

In 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 discusses his approach to engineering education, the growing role of AI in the classroom, and why giving students hands-on opportunities to build and experiment is essential for preparing the next generation of engineers. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

September 6, 2026Episode 4111 hr 33 min

Naval Architecture, Antarctica, and Trusting the Process with Zenzile Moore, BS Civil Engineering ’07

In 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 career eventually took an unexpected turn into designing ships, barges, and other floating structures. Zenzi also discusses her work on an ice-strengthened barge for McMurdo Station in Antarctica, the surprising versatility of an engineering degree, and why students should embrace uncertainty, ask for help, and trust the process as they navigate their own paths. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

August 30, 2026Episode 4101 hr 14 min

Landmark Design, Building Los Angeles, and Engineering Leadership with Kristen Sharer, BS Civil Engineering '12

In 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 research and VSA, and offers advice for students on staying curious, seeking hands-on experience, and learning to ask the right questions. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

August 23, 2026Episode 4091 hr 18 min

Mechanical Engineering, Patent Law, and Digital Health with Gavin, BS Mechanical Engineering '14

In 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 advice for students exploring unconventional career paths and figuring out what comes next. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!