Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

Hosted by USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission

Technology Education Science

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Episodes

411

Latest episode

Aug 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

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!

August 16, 2026Episode 4081 hr 17 min

Data Center Energy, Sustainability Science, and Leadership Growth with Allegra Reister, BS Industrial and Systems Engineering '17

In 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 their own career paths. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

August 9, 2026Episode 40755 min

Environmental Engineering, Water Reuse, and Public Health at USC with Prof. Adam Smith

In 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 technologies are transforming wastewater into drinking water. Adam shares candid career advice for aspiring engineers and reveals what makes USC's boutique environmental engineering program unique, from lightning-round campus favorites to insights on working at the intersection of public health, sustainability, and infrastructure. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

August 2, 2026Episode 40652 min

USC Viterbi Admission: Myths, Facts, and How to Apply

In 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 mapped out, and walks through the application process step by step. Whether you're curious about what it takes to succeed in engineering, worried about balancing academics with campus life, or just trying to figure out how to navigate the Common App, this episode has you covered. Tune in to hear insider perspectives on USC's holistic review process and discover why engineering might be the perfect fit for problem solvers from all backgrounds. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

April 26, 2026Episode 4051 hr 18 min

Four Years Later: Viterbi Seniors Reflect on USC and What’s Next

In 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!

April 19, 2026Episode 4041 hr 7 min

Navigating Early Careers in Medical Devices

In 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!

April 12, 2026Episode 4031 hr 1 min

Hiking and Study Abroad Adventures in Chemical Engineering

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!