Sustainability: Human Factors
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Effective technology is available to move the needle on sustainability. The challenge is to implement these solutions quickly and at scale.
That’s why USC Dornsife is thinking differently. Our researchers explore how to overcome the economic, political, and psychological challenges that stand in the way of a sustainable future.

Where Urban Tree Canopies and Environmental Justice Meet
USC Dornsife researchers aim to bolster urban greenery, lower city temperatures and address longstanding environmental inequities, powered by a $2.9 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund.
Unmasking Horror Movies
Oct. 31, 2023 | Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Originating from the haunting tales of the late 1800s, the horror genre has not only stood the test of time but has flourished, spawning billion-dollar franchises and passionate fan conventions. But beyond the spine-tingling suspense and heart-pounding scares, what deeper truths do these films unveil about our society?
Dive deep into the shadows of cinema with our esteemed panel of experts as they explore the captivating world of horror films.

Curiosity at Work
Stand Out, Together
At USC Dornsife you’ll study the things you love the most. You’ll explore ideas that you’ve never thought about before. You’ll learn how to make sense of the world from all different angles. And, as part of our community, you will help to define a dynamic academic environment focused on improving lives and the world around us.
Meet the Students
USC Dornsife students demonstrate an impressive combination of academic excellence, accomplishment, creativity, and hard work. Each and every student is hand-selected because they bring something special and unique to our community.
A Brighter Future
Isabella Pangilinan Environmental Studies majorUSC Dornsife student Isabella Pangilinan is passionate about finding solutions to some of our world’s most pressing challenges like climate change and social and economic inequity. The multidisciplinary courses offered through her major are preparing her for a career in environmental law.
The Power of “And”
Joshua Senior Biological Sciences major, East Asian Languages and Cultures minorUSC Dornsife student Joshua Senior is studying to become a neurosurgeon. He explains how his liberal arts education at USC Dornsife prepares him for his career goals – and for life.
A Trojan Family Like No Other
Victoria Quon-Chow Human Biology major, Nutrition and Health Promotion minorAs a student at USC Dornsife, Victoria Quon-Chow is bouyed by the support of the Trojan Family as she prepares to become a doctor.
Unprecedented Access to Academic Expertise
Public Exchange fast-tracks collaboration between academic researchers and the public and private sectors to define, analyze, and solve complex problems that organizations face. Through our first-of-kind model, we amplify social impact by making academic expertise more easily accessible than ever before.
“Public Exchange provides the connective tissue that not only identifies appropriate expertise within the university to solve a particular problem, but it takes care of the contracts, project management, and other hurdles that have traditionally made collaboration with researchers challenging.”


Stand Out With Purpose
Discover how USC Dornsife sparks the intellectual and creative energy to forge new connections and find innovative solutions to create a brighter future.
