USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission

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 - 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).

Author

USC Viterbi Undergraduate Admission

Category

Education

Podcast website

viterbivoices.usc.edu

Latest episode

Apr 26, 2026

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Episodes

Four Years Later: Viterbi Seniors Reflect on USC and What’s Next 26.04.2026

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...

Navigating Early Careers in Medical Devices 19.04.2026

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! Visit Viterbi for Summer 2026 Ther...

Hiking and Study Abroad Adventures in Chemical Engineering 12.04.2026

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! Visit Viterbi for Summer 2026 There's no better way to learn more...

Environmental Engineering & Public Policy 05.04.2026

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! Visit Viterbi for Summer 2026 There's no better way to learn mo...

Circuits and Sisterhood: Engineering and Sorority Life at USC 29.03.2026

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 engin...

The Viterbi Familia 22.03.2026

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 inspi...

Computer Science Organizations @USC: Scope, LavaLab, and Open Alpha 15.03.2026

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! V...

Inside the Society of Women Engineers Ambassador Program 08.03.2026

In this episode, Abigail Combs (ENE '29) sits down with Kilani Grant (ME '29) and Mayte Morales (ME '29) to dive into the world of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)! The trio discusses what SWE is and how students can get involved, with a more detailed conversation about the SWE Ambassador Program. From the inital application process to the day-to-day experience of being an ambas...

Engineers in Club Sports 01.03.2026

In this episode, Mason sits down with Natalie Minkler and Madeline Abu Ghazaleh to talk about what it’s really like balancing engineering with club sports at USC. They dive into how they got involved with club softball, skiing, and sailing, what the tryout and joining processes looked like, and how they manage practices, competitions, and weekend travel on top of a demanding course load. Text us a...

All the Ways to Explore LA 22.02.2026

In this episode of Viterbi Voices, Bethania Dagim (CEE' 28) chats with fellow Viterbi sophomores Shristuti Srirapu (BME' 28) and Joanna Myint (ME '28) about the ways they've explored Los Angeles since they started USC, and how they've balanced making the most of their time in LA as engineering students! They discuss how living in LA influenced their decision to choose USC...

The First-Year Experience at USC 15.02.2026

In this episode, Rianna sits down with Cole Bergevin and Tara Ezhari to talk about what their first-year at USC actually looks like. They share why they chose USC, what housing is really like, how classes are going, and their experiences navigating the social side of college as Viterbi students. From making friends as engineering majors and finding good study spots to how they spend their free tim...

CECS: Computer Engineering/Computer Science @ USC 08.02.2026

In this episode, Kyna sits down with Nelson Vo to discuss how the CECS program is structured at USC, the impact it has on students, and the career paths it can open in industry. They explore why Computer Engingineering/Computer Science is a strong academic option and how students can successfully progress through the program. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! Visit Vit...

Transfer Student Admission FAQ 01.02.2026

In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with USC transfer student Angelina Chou alongside members of the Viterbi admissions team to talk about the transfer student experience at USC. Together, they unpack what it’s really like to transfer into Viterbi, from navigating the admissions process and adjusting academically to finding community and feeling at home on campus. Angelina shares her perspec...

From Singapore to USC to Investment Banking to Corporate Development at Intel with Rahul Dutta, BS Electrical Engineering and Economics '04 25.01.2026

In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Rahul Dutta to talk about his journey from studying electrical engineering at USC to building a career across the military, investment banking, and corporate development at Intel. Rahul shares how his engineering background gave him the versatility to pivot across industries, reflects on USC life and Trojan friendships, and offers insights into...

Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biophysics, Powerlifting, and Music with Dr. Wade Zeno 18.01.2026

In this episode, Paul sits down with Wade Zeno to talk about his journey from chemical engineering to molecular biophysics and academia. Wade shares how he discovered a passion for applying engineering principles to biological systems, discusses his research on proteins, lipids, and drug delivery, and reflects on balancing interdisciplinary interests—from music to fitness—throughout his academic a...

Medical Device Development, Biotechnology, and Leadership Growth with Alex Budde, MS Medical Devices and Diagnostic Engr. '18, BS Biomedical (Mechanical) Engineering '17 11.01.2026

In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumnus Alex Budde to talk about his journey from pre-med to biomedical engineering and his career developing life-saving medical devices at Abbott. Alex shares insights from working on the MitraClip system in the structural heart space, reflects on the importance of hands-on experience in the medical device industry, and discusses how his time at USC h...

Engineering in Society, Technical Communication, and Entrepreneurship with Prof. Elisabeth Weiss 04.01.2026

We're back! In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Elisabeth Weiss, a professor who teaches WRIT 340. They discuss her journey to becoming a professor, the hands-on projects and initiatives she has developed for the course, and why strong writing and technical communication are essential skills for engineers. The conversation is especially meaningful as Hannah reflects on her experien...

Research at USC: MADLab 07.12.2025

In this episode, Karissa (ME '27) sits down with MADLab Researchers Haozheng Ma (3rd Year PhD BME) and Callie Luong (ME '27) to learn more about their paths into biomedical research and how it has transformed their experience here at USC. They discuss what drew them to the MADLab, how they balance time researching with their busy schedules, and provide further insight for anyone interest...

Summer Internship Experience as an Electrical & Computer Engineering Student 30.11.2025

In this episode, Talise (ECE '27) sits down with Jessica (ECE '27) to talk about her summer internship at Northrop Grumman, how USC helped her get the job, succeed in the internship, and how the internship shaped her future at USC. They discuss specific classes at USC and how those skills can be applied to industry jobs, and general advice for students hoping to work in electrical and co...

Engineers Without Borders: Building a Better World Through Engineering 23.11.2025

In this episode, Sophie (CHE '28) sits down with Sidha Kunada (ENE '27) and Taara Shastri (ENE '28) to discusses their involement in Engineers Without Borders, the communities formed through club engagement, and dealing with feelings of accomplishment in projects that can take years to complete. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! Visit Viterbi for Summer...

Exploring Non-Traditional Paths with an Engineering Degree 16.11.2025

In this episode, Sarah (BME '28, pre-med) sits down with Cedric (BME '28, pre-med) and Mattice (CHE ' 28, pre-law) to discuss the ins and outs of pursuing a career path other than traditional engineering with an engineering degree. They discuss the various resources that they utilize here at USC, staying involved within both the engineering and the pre-med or pre-law realms, balanci...

Time Management as a Viterbi Engineering Student 09.11.2025

In this episode, Cecilia Betancourt (ECE '27) sits down with a heavily involved RPL member and ASPEN lead, Autumn Zaretsky (ASTE '27), and discusses what it's like to be heavily involved in campus extracurriculars and what that means for academics. They highlight how to manage your time while simultaneously getting the most you can out of your college experience. Text us a Question...

The Computer Science Spectrum: A Look into the Different CS Majors 02.11.2025

In this episode, Keilani (CSBA '27) sits down with Daisy Fregoso (CS '28) and Sophie Hyun (CS Games '28) to discuss the variety and overlap of the different Computer Science majors and their different experiences and applications. They discuss their various CS classes and interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as how these are all integrated with engineering by design and potential c...

USC Racing: Design, Build, Race, Repeat 26.10.2025

In this episode of USC Racing Spotlight, Naya (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Powertrain Co-Lead, sits down with Katherine (Mechanical Engineering ’26), Project Manager for SCR26, Monica (Mechanical Engineering ’27), Composites Co-Lead, and Caroline (Mechanical Engineering ’27), Powertrain Co-Lead, to dive into the technical and collaborative efforts that define USC Racing. USC Racing is a student-r...

Meeting the Student Leadership of the American Society of Civil Engineers 19.10.2025

In this episode, Xavier (CE '27) sits down with members of the USC chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), including the current president Mitch Kirby (CE '26), project executive Ariana Robles (CE '25), and the leaders of several different design teams. Text us a Question or Comment - it may be on our next episode! Visit Viterbi for Summer 2026 There's no bet...

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