Thinking Ahead
At USC Dornsife, “What if?” becomes what’s next.
Our researchers take the lead in fields that are just beginning to reveal tremendous promise. By investing in emerging areas of scholarship — from quantum computing to climate change communication to the frameworks for developing ethical A.I. — new possibilities become more than aspirations; they unfold in real-time, right here.
Oct. 23: From Gold Rush to Gigabytes
Join us as we commemorate California’s 175th anniversary by exploring defining moments that have shaped the Golden State — from its 1850 admission to the Union to today’s tech-fueled transformation.
Moderated by historians William Deverell and Elizabeth Logan of USC Dornsife’s Institute on California and the West, this live conversation with guest scholars will spotlight the forces that shaped significant eras.
L.A. Could See Damaging “Supershear” Earthquake, Scientists Warn
Researchers at the Statewide California Earthquake Center based at USC Dornsife say powerful, fast-moving quakes could strike the Golden State, urge stronger building codes and better monitoring.
L.A. Could See Damaging “Supershear” Earthquake, Scientists Warn
Harnessing AI for Good
Humankind has arrived at an exciting moment: The intersection of the physical world with both human and artificial intelligence. But while AI increasingly affects our way of living, who determines how the future plays out?
Technology is only part of this story. Deeper questions — questions that will define our relationship with AI — call for a wide range of expertise.
At USC Dornsife, researchers refine AI while interrogating it. From drug discovery to systems optimization to AI ethics and safety, our challenge is to make sure that what comes next reflects the best of who we are.
Want to Save an Endangered Species? Start with the Right DNA Blueprint
Most species still lack their own sequenced genome. New research led by USC Dornsife shows that when studies rely on similar but different species, findings from genetic data can be distorted by up to 60% — putting vulnerable species at greater risk.
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. 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.
Stand Out With Purpose
Support from USC Dornsife alumni enables graduate students to attend science conferences and present their research to the broader scientific community.
USC Dornsife
Jane Goodall, renowned conservationist, primatologist and USC Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, died at 91.
Her connection to USC Dornsife stretches back more than 30 years, and Goodall has inspired countless students and scholars. Her visionary work played a formative role in the College’s research on great apes and the evolutionary roots of human behavior.
“Jane’s spirt lives on in the questions we ask, the way we study, and the deep respect we hold for the natural world,” said Craig Stanford, professor of biological sciences and anthropology.
