7 exceptional members of USC Dornsife’s graduating class of 2022
Whether it was writing snapshots of the lives of fellow bus passengers, founding a hair care line or mapping out how New York City outdoor dining could adjust to the restrictions put in place as a response to the COVID-19 epidemic, students at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences took on a variety of academic and extracurricular projects that spoke to their passions.
Meet seven members of the Class of 2022 covered in news stories during their time as USC Dornsife undergraduates.
History major aims to build on the work of social activists who came before
Mellon Mays Fellow Felanté Charlemagne conducts research on decarceration and the Black radical tradition.
Student writer champions the bus as a window into America’s soul
America’s buses and the fleeting glimpses into the lives of their passengers provide inspiration for the creative writing of English major and Mellon Mays Fellow Joseph Debaerien.
Mellon Mays scholar explores queer culture and Black identity
Anthropology and art history major Emmy Esquerre studies how queer culture in Black communities changed as a result of European colonization, the Inquisition and enslavement in the United States.
Student launches hair care line for Black men
International relations and global business major Shamillah Iga founds a hair care line aimed at Black men looking to sport longer hairstyles.
Political science major Luis Tun says he wants to create a firm to help spread financial literacy among immigrant, low-income and Latinx communities.
Spatial sciences student maps New York City’s successful move to outdoor dining
Alexa Weintraub, majoring in geodesign, used geographic information sciences tools to create a map showing how New York City restaurants could expand outdoor seating without disrupting traffic during the city’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Political science major brings global experiences to bear on societal problems
Madina Zermeño draws from both her experiences growing up in San Diego as a Muslim child and her time volunteering abroad to prepare for a career improving life in underrepresented communities.
[Photo Credits: Mia Bahr; Courtesy of Joseph Debaerien; Madeleine Tran; Courtesy of Shamillah Iga; Courtesy of Luis Tun; Courtesy Alexa Weintraub; Courtesy of Madina Zermeño.]