USC Media and Public Relations

The Washington Post ran an op-ed by USC Dean of Religious Life Varun Soni about “Anomaly,” a graphic novel that explores spiritual themes in a science fiction setting. “By juxtaposing the human and the alien, the terrestrial and the extra-terrestrial, and the ordinary and the extraordinary, science fiction challenges us to reclaim our humanity and ponder our place in the universe,” Soni wrote.

KPCC-FM featured the new Our Savior Church and USC Caruso Catholic Center. Hundreds of worshipers, including USC students and faculty, attended a Mass to consecrate the new church this past Sunday. “The students wanted a church that looks like a church,” said Father Lawrence Seyer of the USC Office of Religious Life. Developer and USC alumnus Rick Caruso was a major donor to the project, the story noted.

L.A. Weekly featured “The International Relations of Middle Earth: Learning From the Lord of the Rings,” a textbook by Patrick James of the USC Dornsife College. James teaches a class on “The Lord of the Rings” and international relations, using the popular work to explain modern unrest and conflict to his students. “What they do see, even if they aren’t fans of ‘Lord of the Rings,’ Middle Earth, is that you can use fantasy to, if you will, think outside of the box,” James said. The story was also covered by World Journal.

L.A. Weekly highlighted “The Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle of the USC Dornsife College, which his nominated in the paper’s tournament to determine the Best L.A. Novel Ever. In Boyle’s book, immigrants and wealthy Angelenos come into conflict after a fire destroys an expensive property. “‘The Tortilla Curtain’ isn’t just populated with people from elsewhere; you might say its main character is the actual social issue itself,” the story stated.

Nature highlighted research by Brandi Reese of the USC Dornsife College on fungi found living in deep-sea mud. “This is adding a new family of potential drugs,” Reese said of the fungi, some of which belong to the genus Penicillium, the source of penicillin. The research, which highlights the extreme environments that can sustain life, may also help pharmaceutical companies develop antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacteria.

Pacific Standard featured research by Gary Painter of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate and a colleague, finding that immigrants are moving to mid-sized cities within the United States. The migration patterns are due to immigrants seeking out pre-established immigrant communities and places with low job competition. “The anticipated rapid growth of U.S. immigrant populations in the coming decades, coupled with their movement into midsize metro areas, has the potential to transform communities,” Painter said.

Variety highlighted Tara Kole of the USC Gould School, who recently renegotiated deals for chef Gordon Ramsay’s four Fox TV programs. She has also made producing deals for “50 Shades of Grey” and structured a deal for the YouTube channel WIGS. Of the latter, Kole said: “It’s an interesting space to be in, because it feels like this is a new frontier.”

CBS Radio interviewed David Cruz of the USC Gould School about the U.S. Supreme Court looking at the issue of gay marriage. Cruz was also cited by CBS News Los Angeles affiliate KCAL-TV and Whittier Daily News.

TechCrunch quoted Anne Peters of the Keck School of USC about online health education programs designed to prevent illnesses like diabetes.

MundoFox Los Angeles affiliate KWHY-TV interviewed Pamela Starr of the USC Dornsife College about the inauguration of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

KPCC-FM interviewed Josh Kun of the USC Annenberg School about the cultural impact of late Mexican singer Jenni Rivera.

LiveScience quoted Thomas Jordan of the USC Dornsife College about a group of scientists in Italy who were sentenced to prison after failing to warn the public of a devastating earthquake.

The New York Times mentioned a forum hosted by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute on State and Global Policy and Verizon on making small businesses more sustainable.

NBC News highlighted a discussion by Roberto Suro of the USC Annenberg School and a colleague on Latino voters in the 2012 election.

New York Daily News highlighted a lecture by Judith “Jack” Halberstam of the USC Dornsife College on Lady Gaga and feminism.

American Public Media’s “Marketplace” mentioned the USC School of Social Work’s military social work program.

Forbes reported that USC was included in an executive compensation list of private universities.

The Hollywood Reporter mentioned the next USC Libraries Scripter Award ceremony, which will mark the award’s 25th year.