Viterbi Voices: The Podcast

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).

Episodes

April 26, 2026 79 mins

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. 

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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! 

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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.

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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. 

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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 stud...

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March 22, 2026 61 mins

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 ...

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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.

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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 ambassador, they share their personal journeys and offe...

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March 1, 2026 78 mins

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.

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February 22, 2026 63 mins

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 and the experiences they've had in their 2 years since start...

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February 15, 2026 83 mins

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 time, this conversation shares honest ...

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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.

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February 1, 2026 87 mins

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 perspective on making the transition...

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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 the evolving semiconductor landscap...

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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 and professional career.

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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 helped shape both his professional p...

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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 experience as one of Professor Weiss’s stu...

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December 7, 2025 94 mins

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 interested in joining a research lab at USC!

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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 computer engineering industry roles.

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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.

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