Setting Up Students for Success

Consistently rated among the nation’s leading institutions of higher education, USC is known for academic excellence, pioneering research opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive student experience and campus environment that attracts students from across the U.S. and worldwide.

(USC Photo)

A Trojan’s Algorithm for Kids’ Cancer

As a junior in biomedical engineering at USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Arjun Karnwal developed a software script adopted by LA hospitals that improves speed and precision in radiation therapy for children with cancer. His work is already making a measurable real-world impact.

Arjun Karnwal

From Duty to Advocacy: A Trojan Shaping Veteran Policy

Ayon, a devoted student pursuing a master’s in public administration at the USC Price School of Public Policy, is working to change federal law so members of the National Guard and Reserves can gain equity in GI Bill education benefits, embodying Trojan service and leadership.

Jose Ayon

Elevating Women: Leading the Trojan MBA Network

Fernanda Salas leads the Graduate Women in Business at USC Marshall School of Business, fostering community, mentorship and global perspectives for 270+ members. A former marketing manager from Chile, she’s building a network where women support one another in business and beyond.

Fernanda Salas

Voices On Stage: Theatre Students Driving Change at USC

The Theatre Students Association at the USC School of Dramatic Arts serves as a conduit between students and faculty and administration, advocating for resources, equity in casting, independent productions and the distinct needs of arts students.

A group of twenty USC students pose together onstage in a theater setting. They’re dressed in a mix of casual and semi-formal outfits, smiling and seated or standing in three rows.

Dual Threat: Student Athlete Balances Baseball & Business at USC

Ethan Hedges, a business major at the USC Marshall School of Business and a standout two-way baseball player (infielder and pitcher), exemplifies Trojan ambition and balance, excelling athletically as the 77th overall pick in the MLB draft while pursuing career readiness and academic success.

Ethan Hedges, USC Marshall student and 77th overall pick to the Colorado Rockies. [Photo courtesy of USC Athletics]

Trojan Research Unlocks Life’s Inner World

A molecular biology PhD student at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is uncovering how microbes in the human gut store energy and adapt to stress, work that could lead to new insights into human health and resilience. This is student-led research advancing global well-being.

Nicolaus Jakowec

Teaching, Learning and Working in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As AI reshapes how we live and work, USC researchers are studying its real-world impacts and helping teachers, clinicians and professionals use new technologies with purpose, ethics and care.

Around the University

USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

USC Kaufman School of Dance’s Fall 2025 BFA Showcase

The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance presents its Fall 2025 BFA Showcase at the Bing Theatre, featuring BFA students performing new and existing works created by USC Kaufman faculty and artists in residence.

Dec. 4-6, various times

USC Roski School of Art and Design

USC Roski Undergraduate Open Studios

Undergraduate students from the USC Roski School of Art and Design open their studios, classrooms, labs and gallery spaces across Roski’s facilities to share works in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography, design, printmaking, performance, comics and more.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2-5 p.m.

USC Thornton School of Music

Winter Choral Festival

The USC Thornton School of Music’s Choral and Sacred Music program presents the Winter Choral Festival at Holman United Methodist Church, featuring seasonal works, readings and carols performed by Thornton’s choirs.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

USC students with hands raised at a spirit rally

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