Synopsis
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).
Episodes
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Rockets, Space, and The Rocket Propulsion Lab
04/02/2024 Duration: 55minIn this episode, Maya interviews three members of the Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL), Abbey, Kaleigh, and Meghna, about the organization and their experiences. RPL is a premier rocketry group at USC known for being the first student team to launch a rocket into space. With positions for anyone in any engineering discipline, RPL is a great opportunity for students to acquire hands-on engineering skills and learn about rockets and engineering. Listen to this episode for more information about different teams, opportunities, and lessons from RPL. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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All Thing Housing at USC
29/01/2024 Duration: 36minIn this episode, Lucas speaks with Peyton (ME '24, M.S. ME '24) and Mitch (CE '26) about their experiences with housing at USC. They review different dorms, what they did each year, and different tips and advice for choosing where to live. This is a great episode for prospective and current students deciding where to live at USC. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Firefighting, Startups, and Why USC with Alex Forgosh (CECS '26)
21/01/2024 Duration: 49minIn this episode, Maya has a conversation with Alex Forgosh (CECS '26). They discuss their majors, why they chose USC, the best adjectives to describe Viterbi, and Alex's firefighting technology product, Hatchet. You won't want to miss this *fire* episode.Stay tuned for the end of the episode where Paul speaks about the newly released EA decisions and what they mean for students. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at USC Viterbi with Kevin Henry
14/01/2024 Duration: 01h24minIn this episode, Paul interviews Kevin Henry, senior director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Paul and Kevin discuss the importance of inclusion and diversity at Viterbi, across the engineering field, and beyond. Kevin shares stories about his experience at college, details about his role at USC, and examples of resources and programs to support student success at Viterbi. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Ask Me Anything with Viterbi Admissions
07/01/2024 Duration: 01h14minIn our first episode of 2024, Paul and the Viterbi admissions staff answer last minute questions about applications, admissions, and more. Whether you are currently finishing your application for the next year or thinking about a future application, this episode is a useful one.NOTE: This episode is a recording of the audio from a live event hosted by Viterbi admissions. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Why USC, Internships, and Hot Takes with Ryan Slater (ISE '24)
10/12/2023 Duration: 01h12minJoin us for our last episode of the year! In this episode, Maya speaks to her classmate and long-time Viterbi Voices fan Ryan Slater (ISE '24). They discuss the podcast, why they chose USC, internship experiences, things that surprised them about college, and Taylor Swift! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Bridging Art and Engineering at Viterbi
04/12/2023 Duration: 01h13minIn this episode, Saafiyah speaks with Ava and Aditya about their experiences with pursuing creative studies in addition to being Viterbi students. We discuss how they got involved in their creative discipline, balancing schedules, the culture of different USC programs, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Viterbi as a First-Year
26/11/2023 Duration: 54minIn this episode, Maya speaks with first-year student Kaylena (EnvE '27) about her experience at USC in her first year. They discuss her schedule, expectations coming to USC, her transition from high school, and tips for success!Also in the episode, our hosts Maya and Paul prepare for Thanksgiving break and discuss all things turkey, pie, and traditions. Is it stuffing or dressing? Listen to the end of the episode for the answer and lots of laughs. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Entrepreneurship in Viterbi
20/11/2023 Duration: 34minIn this episode, Sydney (CHE'24), talks with Nikhil Patel (CS'24), Yashvi Jaju (CSBA'24), and Reagan Meek (CS'24) about their experiences working in start-ups. They address how they got involved with entrepreneurship, how Viterbi has prepared them to run a business, and their experience with USC start-up clubs. They also share their own start-up company ideas and what it was like to work in a team setting.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Research: Real Talk
13/11/2023 Duration: 40minIn this episode, Mitch (CE '26) talks with Natalia Higuera (CE '26), Natalie Miller (CE '26), and Lair Champion (ENE '26) about the research they do here at USC. The term "research" is commonly thrown around in college, and this podcast aims to explore what research actually means for these Viterbi students. Mitch and his guests discuss what research really means, how their research pertains to internships, and their own personal and career goals.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Passing the Torch: College Edition
06/11/2023 Duration: 49minIn this episode, Celine (BME '24) speaks with Dominic (BME '27), Gerson (BME '26), Anthony (BME '24), and Grace (ECE '24) about their college experiences so far! Underclassmen in this episode express various obstacles that they have experienced in their time in college, while seniors shed some wisdom gained from their four years at USC. Listen to this conversation to hear more about how both groups are thinking about research, classes, housing, and living life in your 20's.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Meeting MechEs
30/10/2023 Duration: 48minJoin us on this podcast to hear what different mechanical engineers at Viterbi are doing, and how you can make your experience at Viterbi what you want it to be!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Progressive Degree Program Overview
22/10/2023 Duration: 58minIn this episode, Lucas speaks to Shelby & Christian about USC's progressive degree program, discussing the process of starting as a Viterbi undergrad and pursuing a Masters in either Viterbi or the Marshall School of Business.Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Finding Balance as an Engineering Student
15/10/2023 Duration: 34minIn this episode, hear Viterbi student Salma speak about what it's like to balance clubs, courses, and extracurriculars as a Viterbi Student! A special guest talks about this topic in real-time and shares some of their experiences as a member of several clubs in Viterbi. This episode also touches on how to balance self-care and social life in addition to school work and several ways to achieve this. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Biomedical Engineering Research at USC
09/10/2023 Duration: 54minIn this episode, Mateo speaks with Celine and Jaya about their experiences in biomedical engineering research at USC. We discuss their current and past projects, how to get involved, their future plans in research, and more!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Computer Science Projects at USC with Claire Smerdon (CSBA '24, M.S. CS '25)
01/10/2023 Duration: 40minIn this episode, Maya speaks with her roommate Claire Smerdon (CSBA '24, M.S. CS '25) about her experience with the computer science and business curriculum and in-class projects at USC. They walk through different project and theory-based courses and outline different projects Claire worked on. They also address common concerns about varying levels of engineering experience amongst students Viterbi. What would your computer science classes be like at Viterbi? Will you be challenged? Will you be successful with no prior engineering experience? Listen to this episode for Maya and Claire's experience and advice!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Self-Care in an Engineer's World
23/09/2023 Duration: 36minIn this episode, Grace sits down with seniors Amanda, Isabella, and Allison to reflect on their self-care journey during their four years at USC. Together they discuss healthy habits, maintaining relationships, self-care on a daily and weekly basis, and more! Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Being an International Student, Changing Directions, and Discovering Consulting with Veda Bansal (BME '24)
17/09/2023 Duration: 54minIn this episode, Aisha speaks with fellow biomedical engineer Veda Bansal (BME '24) about transitioning to USC as an international student and switching from biology to engineering. As a senior, Veda also speaks about how keeping an open mind in college led to a more fulfilling life/career trajectory and how new experiences have impacted her future plans. Tune in for advice on going to USC as an international student, choosing a major, and navigating life. Hint: not having everything figured out is okay!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Summer Internships as a Viterbi Student
10/09/2023 Duration: 48minIn this episode, Maya speaks with current Viterbi students (Peyton (ME '24), Nick (ASTR '24), Jeet (ME '25), and Ayomide (ISE '26)) about their summer internships this past summer. The group of students interned at a wide range of companies: Apple, Boeing, ARCO/Murray, Deloitte, and Medtronic. They explain their different processes to acquire their internships and what they did in their roles. Tune in for great advice, funny stories, and a crash course on all things engineering internships!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!
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Chemical Engineering, Theatre, Consulting, and the LGBTQ+ Community with Will McGarey (CHE '13)
03/09/2023 Duration: 01h31minIn this episode, Paul speaks with Will McGarey (CHE '13) about his time at Viterbi and since graduating. They speak about his experience minoring in theatre, studying chemical engineering, working at various consulting companies, and founding an LGBTQ+ organization on campus. Tune in for a great conversation with useful advice and fun stories!Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode!