Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

Hosted by USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission

Technology Education Science

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Episodes

409

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

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!

April 5, 2026Episode 4021 hr 18 min

Environmental Engineering & Public Policy

In 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!

March 29, 2026Episode 4011 hr 27 min

Circuits and Sisterhood: Engineering and Sorority Life at USC

In 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 more about being an engineer in Greek life at USC and to hear advice for incoming Viterbi students who are interested in rushing! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

March 22, 2026Episode 4001 hr 1 min

The Viterbi Familia

In 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 heritage! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!

March 15, 2026Episode 3991 hr 2 min

Computer Science Organizations @USC: Scope, LavaLab, and Open Alpha

In 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!