United Against Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most enigmatic brain afflictions and among the greatest health care challenges facing the nation. USC researchers and clinicians are making groundbreaking strides in the treatment, prevention and care of the disease.
(Illustration/Bratislav Milenkovic)
Top Headlines
Olivia Northcutt-Wyly credits the Swim with Mike Foundation, which raises scholarship money for disabled athletes, with helping her find her way when illness ended her competitive swimming career. The organization’s annual USC fundraiser is this weekend.
Several USC graduate programs rank in the top 20 in the annual report, with USC Chan’s occupational therapy program landing a top ranking.
Generations of USC veterans, service members and ROTC students gather for memorable 17th annual gala
STORY and PHOTOS: LA28 CEO Lt. Gen. Reynold Hoover delivers stirring keynote; 100-year-old World War II veteran George Mullins is a surprise star attraction.
A new National Institutes of Health grant supports the next phase of a national effort to use AI, brain imaging, genetics and data to better classify Alzheimer’s and related diseases, predict progression and identify new treatment targets.
Leading the Way in AI
In institutes, labs and classrooms across the university, USC is setting the pace in artificial intelligence — its development, implementation and potential. Take a look back at five decades of innovations that established USC as a leader in the field — and look ahead at what’s next.
The Driver of Tomorrow’s Tech is Here Today
Not so long ago, artificial intelligence was the stuff of science fiction. Today it’s affecting our lives in countless ways — and USC is leading the revolution.
If using ChatGPT is ‘cheating,’ what about ghostwriting? The old debate behind a new panic
Has our culture’s begrudging acceptance of ghostwriting paved the way for everyone — not just the rich and famous — to offload the hard work of writing? A USC English professor shares her thoughts.
Alumna leverages master’s degree to pivot into AI
Victoria Makanjuola planned to build a career in media and the creative industries. Instead, her USC degree let her move into the tech world.
AI may be making us write — and think — more alike
Large language models may be standardizing human expression and subtly influencing how we think, USC computer science and psychology researchers say.
USC maintains a critical piece of the internet’s phone book — and it just got a boost
The Public Interest Registry makes a gift to the USC Information Sciences Institute in recognition of its nearly 40 years of operating B-Root and pioneering DNS privacy research.
USC dental school taps into AI to help with diagnosis
Faculty members at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC develop three-app system, fueled by a proprietary AI algorithm, to assist clinicians with proper orofacial diagnoses.
The AI writing tool that’s helping soldiers learn more quickly
VIDEO: Researchers at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies have created an tool that is finding use beyond helping soldiers improve critical thinking.
AI for Business summit forecasts future of artificial intelligence in industry
Founders, faculty members and students spoke of balancing new technology integration with human-first workplaces.
New USC degree connects data science with legal applications
An interdisciplinary collaboration between USC Gould and USC Viterbi prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of data, policy and legal analysis.
Is artificial intelligence reliving the dot-com boom (and bust)?
USC experts discuss why “inefficient” AI spending might power future growth.
Partnerships That Strengthen Communities
Community partnerships across USC connect education, service and research to expand opportunity, support future pathways and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond, from college access and hands-on learning to healing, mentorship and care.
High School Students Get Hands-On Health Care Training at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital hosted 16 students from the USC Bovard Scholars program for a day of hands-on training and career exploration. Students practiced skills including CPR, vascular ultrasound and naloxone administration while getting a behind-the-scenes look at careers in health care.
Math and College Immersion Program Supports First-Generation Students
The USC Rossier School of Education welcomed its first Teaching Outstanding Math to Migrant Youth (TOMMY) cohort, bringing more than 70 high school students, all children of migrant farmworkers, to campus for math instruction, mentorship and college immersion. The program was created to build confidence in math and help students see themselves in higher education.
Local Students Explore Biomechanics at USC
The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy hosted 60 students from Eagle Rock High School and the International School of Los Angeles for National Biomechanics Day. The event introduced students to biokinesiology and physical therapy and offered an early look at fields they may not otherwise encounter in high school.
USC Earns National Honor for Community Engagement
The Association of American Medical Colleges honored the Keck School of Medicine of USC with the Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Engagement. The recognition reflects the school’s work with Los Angeles communities through outreach, education, service, research and expanded access to clinical care.
USC Alumni Help Monterey Park Move Forward
Two USC Price alumni are supporting Monterey Park’s recovery after the 2023 tragedy through community events, mental health resources and collaboration with local partners. Their efforts include initiatives such as the Electric Park Festival, designed to bring residents together and support healing.
USC Summer Internship Supports Community College Students in STEM
The USC-Cerritos College Summer Research Internship in Sustainability gives community college students paid, full-time research experience at USC. Supported by Agilent Technologies, the program helps many first-generation students build confidence, gain mentorship and pursue STEM pathways.
A Rare Look at America’s Founding Documents
USC Fisher Museum of Art is welcoming the Freedom Plane National Tour, bringing Southern California a rare chance to experience original founding-era documents up close.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. USC is the only university stop on the national tour.
Festival of Books Returns to USC
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returns to USC’s University Park Campus on April 18–19 for a two-day literary celebration featuring author talks, book signings, activities and more. Open to the public, it’s a weekend for readers of all ages to discover new books and ideas across the USC campus.
Spotlight: USC Leventhal School of Accounting
A global leader in accounting education, the USC Leventhal School of Accounting combines academic excellence with a forward-looking, industry-connected approach. With top-ranked programs, a close-knit learning environment and deep ties to the business community, Leventhal prepares students with the technical expertise, critical thinking and an ethical foundation to lead across accounting, finance and data-driven industries.
Around the University
Chan Research Spotlight Series
The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy continues its Spring 2026 Research Spotlight Series, an ongoing initiative designed to foster knowledge sharing and dialogue around current research within the division.
The next session will take place in Center for the Health Professions Building (CHP 109), with a hybrid option available for attendees.
Monday, April 27, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
