Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

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 (Director, Undergraduate Admission) and current student Rhea Choudhury (Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2019).

  • 40 minutes 1 second
    Season 9 Finale & Host Hand-Off

    Join us for Maya's last podcast as our co-host! Maya and Paul wrap up season 9 of the Viterbi Voices podcast and introduce the next co-host... Saafiyah! They talk about plans for the future, plans for the podcast, and Taylor Swift (as always!). 

    See you all in August!

    26 April 2024, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    How to Dominate College: A Reflection From Soon-to-Be Graduates

    In this episode, USC Viterbi seniors Maya (ISE '24), Nick (ASTR '24), Peyton (ME '24), and Victoria (ME '24) reflect on their past 4 years at USC. They discuss what they thought they would do, what they actually did, and how they planned and prepared for college. Planning is second-nature for these students as engineers, but this episode proves that plans almost always change and flexibility is necessary to "dominate" college. Tune in as these students discuss important lessons they learned and what advice they would give to incoming first-years. 

    21 April 2024, 1:00 am
  • 35 minutes 36 seconds
    Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Projects: A Suspension System for Rovers on Mars

    In this episode, Peyton is joined by her senior design team members Misha and Pono. They discuss a novel suspension system they designed for Martian rovers during their mechanical engineering degree capstone course at USC. Listen in as they discuss their journey ideating, designing, building, and testing, well as presenting at the AIAA aerospace conference.

    15 April 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 46 minutes
    Cybersecurity, Social Media Influencing, Tech. Consulting and Solving Complex Problems with Caitlin Sarian (BS Mech. Engr., MS Engr. Mgmt)

    In this episode, Paul interviews Viterbi alum Caitlin about her career and time at USC. Caitlin speaks about moving around in her career through cybersecurity, consulting, and social media influencing. Listen for a great conversation with cybersecurity tips, learning, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of Caitlin... also known as Cybersecurity Girl!


    6 April 2024, 12:00 am
  • 54 minutes 23 seconds
    Black Student Lives in Engineering at USC Viterbi

    In this episode, Taylor interviews Carlton (CSBA '27), Cecil (Mech '24, M.S. Aero '25), Eliana (ISE '26), and Rachel Amir (BME '24) about their lives and time at Viterbi. They discuss why they chose USC,  involvements , finding community at Viterbi, DEI programs and initiatives, and advice for current and incoming students. Lessons and advice in this podcast are important and applicable for any incoming student regardless of identity. 

    31 March 2024, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 40 minutes
    Environmental Remediation, Decarbonization, and the Department of Energy with Bria Jamison (ENE '18, MS Green Technologies, '19)

    In this episode, Paul speaks with Viterbi alumna Bria Jamison (ENE '18, MS Green Technologies, '19) about her career as an environmental consultant, an engineer, and a fellow at the Department of Energy. They discuss the discipline of environmental engineering, the complexities of the field, and current environmental work being done in the government. Listen to learn about all things environmental engineering and how Bria Jamison is making a difference.

    24 March 2024, 6:00 pm
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    Student Wellness & Adjusting to New Challenges in College with Lorena Duran, LCSW, Ed.D.

    In this episode, Paul speaks with Lorena Duran (LCSW, Ed.D.) from USC about student wellness at for engineering students in Viterbi. Wellness is a priority at USC to encourage students to do their best work and be their best selves. They discuss specific programs, resources, and strategies to help students adapt to college and thrive at USC.  

    17 March 2024, 9:00 pm
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Our Advice to Incoming First-Years: A Senior Perspective

    In this episode Celine (BME '24) speaks with her friends Anthony (BME '24), Kara (BME '24), and Matt (BME '24) about life lessons they've learned throughout their four years of college. They give advice to any incoming first-year students about academics, making friends, and learning how to go with the flow.

    10 March 2024, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    Startups, Transferring, and 'The Bachelor' with Anshay Saboo (Computer Science)

    In this episode, Saafiyah speaks with Anshay as he reflects on his time at USC. We discuss his experience with transferring, entrepreneurship endeavors, senior year bucket lists, 'The Bachelor,' and more!

    4 March 2024, 3:00 am
  • 1 hour 29 minutes
    Parenting Through College Decisions and Beyond

    Parents of prospective Viterbi students, this episode is for you! 

    In this episode, current Viterbi students, Maya and Grace, interview their parents to highlight the parent perspective and experience of the college application process, college decisions, and sending their student off to college. The parents share personal stories, lessons learned, and advice for parents of prospective and future USC students. For any parent with questions about how to navigate this period and help their student, listen to this fun episode for laughs, wisdom, and family-time. 

    26 February 2024, 1:00 am
  • 45 minutes 35 seconds
    Generative AI, Industrial Engineering and Data Science, and Being a Twin at USC with Charlie (ISE '24, M.S. DSCI '24)

    Join us for an episode of twinning in ISE at USC! In this episode, Maya interviews her twin brother, Charlie (ISE '24, M.S. DSCI '24), who shares insights into his academic journey, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. Charlie explains his data science projects (including a teaching assistant chat bot), his choice to pursue a Master's degree, his undergraduate research experience, and his role on the club basketball team.  Maya and Charlie and clear examples of how interests and involvement can vary, even for students in the same major and coming from the same background. 

    18 February 2024, 5:00 pm
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