Viterbi Voices: The Podcast
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).
Episodes
369 episodes
Let’s Talk About “The STEMphony"!
In this episode, Jessica (AME ‘28) sits down with Emma (ASTE ‘28), Norah (ECE ‘28), and Alan (ASTE ‘28) to explore what it's like balancing the rigors of engineering with their passion for music. From acapella rehearsals to band camp, they dive...
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Season 10
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Episode 368
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39:17
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Finding Your Flow in Chemical Engineering
In this episode, Michaela (CHE ‘27) sits down with Zoe (CHE ‘27) to discuss what chemical engineering is really like, keys to success in a challenging major, balancing academics and fun clubs, and finding joy with friends and self-care at USC.
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Season 10
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Episode 368
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46:18
Exploring the Intersectionality between Journalism and Engineering
In this episode, Keilani (CSBA ‘27) talks to Ellis (CS ‘28) about the underlooked significance of journalism and science communications for STEM-related issues applicable to the real world. They discuss how accessible newsletters and publicatio...
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Season 10
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Episode 367
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47:38
Why USC?
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with USC students from various majors and years to unpack their college decision journeys. From the factors that guided their choices to what surprised them most after arriving, they reflect on what drew them...
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Season 10
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Episode 366
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1:03:53
Engineering+ with Minors
In this episode, Sarah talks to 5 BME students (Ishaani '26, Cedric '28, Matthew '26, Hidaya '27, and Dominic '27) about their minors outside of engineering. With minors ranging from Spanish to cinematic arts to human rights, they all have diff...
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Season 10
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Episode 365
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58:36
10th Anniversary Special!
In this special 10th anniversary episode, we reunite with past co-hosts to reflect on our podcast journey. We discuss behind-the-scenes mishaps, what's changed at Viterbi over the past decade, and how the show has evolved. Tune in for a deep di...
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Season 10
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Episode 364
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1:49:16
Viterbi Club Spotlight: CAIS++
In this episode, Hannah (ME '27) sits down with Naina and Jay from CAIS++ to dive into the world of AI for social good. They discuss how the Center for AI in Society Student Branch is using artificial intelligence to tackle real-world problems,...
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Season 10
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Episode 363
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59:47
Research at USC: The CURVE Fellowship
In this episode, Sophie (CHE ’28) and her engineering friends talk about their experience with CURVE, a research opportunity offered by Viterbi. They discuss their first experiences with research, and what it’s like to work in labs on campus. W...
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Season 10
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Episode 362
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53:14
Kyle’s Journey - Four Epic Years of Involvement & All Things Civil Engineering
In this episode, Mitchell Kirby (CE ‘26) got the chance to sit down with Kyle Revale, an inspiring senior studying Civil Engineering. Kyle has a focus on Construction Management and will be graduating with his Master’s in Construction Managemen...
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Season 10
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Episode 361
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48:39
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Early Start: Career Development as an Underclassman
In this episode, Xavier speaks with Christian Corona, a fellow sophomore in civil engineering, talking about how to get an early start on professional opportunities and work on your career as an underclassman. They talk about organizations, car...
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Season 10
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Episode 360
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52:54
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Hobbies and Passions: Life Outside of Engineering
In this episode, Gerson and his biomedical engineering student friends talk about their "5-9s" after their "9-5s." From dancing and music to swimming and investing, they discuss their passions and pursuits beyond the classroom. Tune in for a gl...
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Season 10
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Episode 359
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39:02
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Rocket Propulsion Lab, Space-Related Research & Internships, and USC Sports with Kaleigh Ray (ASTE ’25)
In this episode, Saafiyah chats with Kaleigh Ray (ASTE ’25) about all things Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL). They discuss the teams within RPL that Kaleigh has been a part of, how she got involved, and the records the club has broken. Kaleigh also...
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Season 10
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Episode 358
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54:13
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Environmental Engineering, Design Team Competitions, and Finding Community at USC with Sejal and Ivan (ENE '26)
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with Sejal and Ivan, Environmental Engineering majors at USC. They share their experiences on environmental design competition teams, their involvement in various environmental and identity-based clubs, and h...
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Season 10
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Episode 357
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52:19
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Civil Engineering, The Navy, & the USC MBA for Veterans with Marcelle Phené, MBA '25, CE '10
In this episode, Paul interviews USC alumna Marcelle Phené, a civil engineering graduate who has worked with several companies and served in the U.S. Navy. She shares how her engineering background played a role in her military service and care...
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Season 10
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Episode 356
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1:52:37
Ask Us Anything - First Year Admission LIVE Q&A
To kick off the second half of season 10, our Viterbi admission counselors answer your hard-pressed questions about first-year admission to USC. In this episode, they cover a range of common topics, from providing insights into the application ...
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Season 10
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Episode 355
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1:08:51
Viterbi Club Spotlight: Makers
In this episode, Hansini speaks with three members (Alexandra, Mitch, and Alanna) of Makers, an electronics design team at USC. They talk about their shared experience in the club, experience working on different project teams, and opportunitie...
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Season 10
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Episode 354
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48:28
Early Start: Career Development as an Underclassman
In this episode, Xavier speaks with Christian Corona, a fellow sophomore in civil engineering, talking about how to get an early start on professional opportunities and work on your career as an underclassman. They talk about organizations, car...
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Season 10
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Episode 353
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1:07:33
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The Road to Graduation
Taylor and her senior peers reflect on their past seven semesters at USC, recognize their growth and accomplishments, and share advice for anyone in their academic journey!
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Season 10
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Episode 352
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1:22:01
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Navigating College as an International Student
In this episode, Saafiyah sits down with Joel Etchri, a mechanical engineering student from Macau, as he reflects on his college journey in Los Angeles. Joel opens up about the challenges and rewards of studying far from home, navigating a new ...
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Season 10
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Episode 351
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43:07
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Beyond the Circuit: Unraveling Misconceptions in ECE
In this episode, Cecilia reflects with Leire, Jessica, and Talise on their experiences so far as Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) majors. They discuss what they got wrong and right about their major, and what advice they would give t...
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Season 10
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Episode 350
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57:04
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MEDesign: Why does your heart beat for BME?
In this episode, Ishaani sits down with Matthew (BME '26) and Eddie (BME '26), members of MEDesign, USCs premier medical device design club. Join them as they explore how Biomedical Engineering students in MEDesign are turning their passion for...
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Season 10
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Episode 349
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1:00:57
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Life At USC: Balancing Engineering while Maximizing Your College Experience
In this episode, Karissa speaks with Krishna Srikanth, a fellow Viterbi student, to discuss life at USC while pursuing rigorous majors and minors. They chat about everything related to enjoying life and doing well at USC: social life, clubs, in...
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Season 10
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Episode 348
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1:16:28
Women in Engineering: Voices of Viterbi's Club Presidents
In this episode, Hannah speaks with some of the fabulous women in engineering leading Viterbi Clubs and Organizations. They discuss their time in SWE, CAIS++, ScopeSC, ADT, and Shift along with their experience at Viterbi and beyond!
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Season 10
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Episode 347
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1:24:17
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Exploring Computer Science Programs at Viterbi
In this episode, USC Viterbi students Riya, Cody, Aditya, and Agnes share their experiences in various Computer Science programs. They discuss how they chose the right computer science major for them, their classes, and how they balance their c...
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Season 10
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Episode 346
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46:28
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Recruitment Rewind: Senior Engineers Speak
In this episode, we sit down with a senior Mechanical Engineering student and a senior Industrial Engineering student to discuss their experiences with recruiting in their final year of college. They share valuable insights, strategies, and tip...
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Season 10
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Episode 345
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36:28
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