Remember the excitement of returning back to campus in the fall? It’s that time again and students are eagerly anticipating the new experiences awaiting them, made possible by the generosity of alumni and donors like you.

In this issue, discover why a Dornsife center’s work on mass violence is so important, learn about the often overlooked mental burden associated with household chores, find out which books by Dornsife professors were named “best books of the 21st century” by the NY Times and more…

Celebrating its 10th year, USC Dornsife’s Center for Advanced Genocide Research (CAGR), led by Wolf Gruner, continues to advance research on the origins of and resistance to mass violence.

Why it matters: Understanding the mechanisms of oppression enables development of more effective strategies for resistance and prevention.

As an interdisciplinary and research-driven center, CAGR focuses on historical incidents of mass violence.

Gruner, the Shapell-Guerin Chair in Jewish Studies and professor of history, is a renowned Holocaust and genocide studies scholar.

In his words: “By understanding the historic causes of mass violence, beyond simplistic explanations of hate as the sole driving force, we can find new approaches to slow these processes and enact positive interventions,” explains Gruner.

Students recently immersed themselves in Japanese culture as participants in the USC Global East Asia Maymester program, funded by a generous family endowment.

Why it matters: Visiting countries provides deeper insights into a society and builds lasting cross-cultural connections that enrich students’ academic and professional perspectives.

Sixteen undergraduates spent two weeks in Tokyo exploring contemporary Japanese design’s role in social engagement and transformation. Activities included:

The students used these insights to inform research projects, including:

The students benefited from meaningful cultural exchanges, forging deep, lasting connections with their peers at Tokyo’s Meiji University through shared experiences.

In his words: “Our differences drove our desire to share more about ourselves in a completely unfiltered way, devoid of judgment on both ends,” said Maymester participant Lorenzo Hinojosa.

Local city councilman, businessman and USC Dornsife alumnus Jon Kaji ’76 and his siblings funded the Maymester through their endowed fund, the Bruce and Frances Kaji Family Endowed East Asian Studies Center (EASC) Fund.

The New York Times has released its “Best Books of the 21st Century” list, and it includes works by three USC Dornsife professors.

Why it matters: The honor reflects the excellence of USC Dornsife’s English department and the opportunity for students to learn from some of the nation’s top writers.

In brief: The New York Times Book Review surveyed 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, critics and other literary luminaries, asking them to name the 10 best books published since Jan. 1, 2000.

What she said: “Having some of the most accomplished authors of the century on our faculty is a testament to the caliber of our department and the exceptional talent within it,” said Dana Johnson, chair of the English department. “I couldn’t be more proud that our students have the opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s greatest thinkers and writers.”

Beyond the physical demands of household chores, new research highlights the often overlooked “mental load” that mothers frequently carry.

What it means: The cognitive burden involves the mental work of anticipating needs and planning, organizing and delegating household tasks.

Why it matters: The additional cognitive burden placed on mothers could lead to heightened levels of stress, depression and burnout.

How it works: The study, led by Darby Saxbe, surveyed 322 mothers with young children, asking who in their family is responsible for 30 common household tasks.

What they found: Mothers not only performed more physical housework but also carried a significantly greater share of cognitive labor compared with their partners.

What’s next: Future studies could survey both partners and observe chores done at home, including various relationship configurations, such as gay and lesbian couples.

As the only judge from the United States selected to score artistic swimming events at the Paris Games, Cheryl Russell’s Olympic journey comes full circle from when she served as a volunteer at the 1984 Olympics. Also, watch as Russell explains artistic swimming >>

Since the London 2012 Olympic Games, USC Dornsife professor Jill McNitt-Gray has worked as a sports scientist with USA Track and Field to help improve the performance of Olympians in the long jump and triple jump.

The USC Alumni Association is honoring several USC Dornsife alumni with 2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards for their outstanding contributions.

We are grateful to our alumni volunteers for their unwavering dedication and support of USC Dornsife. Join us Sept. 6 to celebrate and honor our alumni volunteers. 

Open to all USC Dornsife alumni, the USC Dornsife Magazine Creative Writing Contest is looking for original fiction, poetry, memoir or essays on the theme of “California.” Enter by Sept. 15 and win a chance to be published in the magazine!

Calling Alumni — USC Dornsife Magazine wants to hear about your latest professional achievements. Just fill out this short form to share your news with us.

Sign-up to receive NewsRound, a weekly listing of news stories featuring USC Dornsife scholars.

“There could be this giant mercury bomb in the Arctic waiting to explode.”

Josh West of Earth sciences in a story by ABC News regarding his team’s research on the release of mercury from melting permafrost.

“In my academic brain there are two basic categories: fiction and nonfiction. The rest, to paraphrase Queen Elizabeth I, is a mere dispute over trifles.”

Deborah Harkness of history was interviewed by The New York Times about her eclectic reading habits, personal influences and thoughts on literary genres.

“A fossil specimen that is so emblematic of the West and the birth of American paleontology belongs in our country.”

Nathan Smith of Earth sciences wrote an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune about the recent sale of the dinosaur fossil Apex.

Growing evidence suggests that the gut plays a significant role in cognitive function. Join in a live, virtual discussion with USC Dornsife researchers about the impact of diet, gut and microbiome interactions on the mind and body throughout life. Learn more >>

Make meaningful connections with Trojans in your local community by attending your regional ReSCeption. Learn more >>

Watch the historic debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump alongside other USC alumni. USC experts will offer live commentary and analysis. Learn more >>

Learn from USC alumni experts about a new paradigm where retirement isn’t the end. Explore ways to transition into a fulfilling retirement combining leisure with productivity. Learn more >>

Handshake is a free career development platform available to USC Dornsife alumni. It will allow you to: