🍗Mmmmm. We can already smell the Turkey baking! Wishing you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving connecting with friends and loved ones, and an opportunity to reflect on the things we are all grateful for.

In this issue, learn about how Los Angeles residents are feeling about housing, discover an innovative solution for plastic waste and find out how tigers in captivity might help their wild cousins.

The LABarometer Livability & Affordability survey, conducted by the Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at USC Dornsife, examines how residents of Los Angeles County feel about key issues like housing and homelessness.

Why it matters: Homelessness is a major concern in L.A. County with 93% of Angelenos considering it a problem and 64% feeling the impact in their neighborhoods.

Angelenos widely support construction of affordable housing and expansion of mental health services to address homelessness.

Yes, but: A divide exists between renters and homeowners.

Both groups, however, favor sweeps when they perceive homelessness as a problem in their neighborhood.

Those who experienced homelessness are more likely to blame the high cost of housing and racism.

Mental illness and substance abuse are commonly considered a contributing factor to homelessness.

In his words: “It’s surprising that mental health and addiction is more top-of-mind as a driver of homelessness than housing affordability. This underscores the need for better educating the public regarding the structural factors that contribute to homelessness,” said Jared Schachner of the USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute.

Rising rent also weighs on Angelenos, with average rents in the county 39% above the national average.

The USC Sea Grant Program received nearly $2 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reuse plastic waste from oceans and investigate eco-conscious behavior.

Why it matters: Plastic waste is one of the most serious ocean pollution issues of the 21st century, poisoning marine ecosystems as it breaks down into microplastics.

How it works: The project aims to find ways to prevent future plastic debris from entering the ecosystem while simultaneously transforming existing debris into valuable resources.

Using a chemical/biological process, plastic waste from Southern California waterways will be converted into useful materials like eco-friendly dyes and enzymes for laundry detergents.

Addressing social barriers to consumer adoption of products made from plastic waste is also part of the project, along with educating the public about these sustainable technologies.

27 & 14

The number of 2025 Maymester programs offered and the number of countries in which courses take place.

A first-of-its-kind study on captive tigers, conducted by Jazlyn Mooney of quantitative and computational biology at USC Dornsife, indicates that captive tigers could help save wild tiger populations.

Why it matters: Conservation efforts are critical for tigers given that many populations have declined by up to 90% over the past century.

There are more tigers in captivity in the U.S. than in the wild, largely due to illegal wildlife trade, circus acts and cub petting facilities.

How they did it: The researchers analyzed the complete genomes of over 100 captive tigers to assess their genetic diversity and ancestry.

What they found: The study found that captive tigers have genetic diversity comparable to wild populations and all examined individuals had mixed ancestry.

Yes, but: “In theory, captive tigers with genetic diversity could be used to help boost numbers in the wild. But the issue is, how do we do that? We don’t know the answer,” Mooney said.

What else? The detailed tiger genetic data can also help authorities trace contraband tiger-derived products and tigers.

What’s next: Mooney plans to further investigate the tiger genome and expand her research to include more captive tigers from various sanctuaries worldwide.

USC offers students mental health and counseling resources 24/7.

Find additional resources on the USC Counseling & Mental Health Services website >>

🦃 Turkey dinner

🥡 Leftovers

🏈 Football

🥧 Pumpkin pie

📺 Classic Thanksgiving movie

🎈Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

🛍️ Black Friday shopping

Poll results will be published in next month’s issue of Dornsife Connect.

The beloved mountain lion who roamed Los Angeles inspired a wildlife movement, artists and even musicians was first discovered living in Griffith Park by USC Dornsife alumnus Miguel Ordeñana.

Join USC Gould School of Law Dean Franita Tolson and New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie for a timely retrospective on the race to the White House.

Find out how USC Archaeology students have been busy exploring and uncovering the ancient world.

Connect with journalist and author Mónica Guzmán for a post-election discussion to reflect and navigate the big emotions together.

Dive into post-election insights and discover what’s next for America. Experts unpack the night’s biggest surprises, unexpected winners and pivotal moments.

USC Dornsife students can enjoy free evening and late-night Lyft rides within designated campus boundaries, available daily at UPC from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.