Happy new year! In this first issue of ’25, you’ll learn how our researchers have developed an environmentally friendly method to give discarded car and airplane parts a new life and discover how a USC Dornsife sociologist is helping to improve L.A. by reporting on quality of life in the county.

A new method can recycle carbon fiber composites — widely used in aerospace, automotive and sports industries — into reusable materials without degrading their quality.

Why it matters: Carbon fiber composites are durable but notoriously difficult to recycle, leading to significant waste. This new method offers an eco-friendly solution that could reduce landfill use and support sustainability efforts.

How it works: Researchers use a mild chemical solution that breaks down the epoxy resin holding the composite together.

The big picture: The innovation aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact and move toward a circular economy.

By the numbers: The scale of carbon fiber usage highlights the urgent need for effective recycling solutions.

What’s next: The USC team plans to optimize the process for large-scale applications and collaborate with industry leaders.

The bottom line: This method has the potential to revolutionize how industries manage composite waste, making recycling efficient and sustainable.

USC Dornsife’s LABarometer survey recently marked its fifth anniversary, revealing insights into how Los Angeles County residents experience life.

Why it matters: LABarometer provides a rare window into the challenges and opportunities facing one of the most diverse counties in the U.S.

What’s new: The LABarometer team has expanded its scope, diving deeper into residents’ financial well-being and sustainability concerns.

By the numbers: Recent findings highlight key struggles for county residents.

How they do it: LABarometer taps a panel of over 1,800 residents to track changes in attitudes and behaviors over time, ensuring respondents are representative of L.A.’s diverse population.

What to watch: As the county faces mounting challenges, LABarometer’s findings could shape future policies addressing these issues.

The bottom line: LABarometer doesn’t just collect data — it gives L.A. residents a voice, turning their experiences into actionable insights.

Many USC students, faculty and staff have been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. If you would like to help them during this difficult time, visit the Trojan Family L.A. Wildfire Relief Fund website to learn how.

As scientists, thinkers and authors who help us understand the world around us, USC Dornsife scholars have appeared in countless media interviews, podcasts and editorials in some of the world’s largest publications to inform us all.

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

“It’s enough to break your heart, all this loss, so fast and irrevocable.”

David Ulin of English wrote an op-ed for The New York Times on the emotional pull of wildfires and living with California’s risks.

“If an older adult starts showing some poor financial decisions, it might actually be a reason to pursue further testing for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Duke Han of psychology was interviewed by CBS News for his research exploring vulnerability to financial scams as an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Every decision that we make from here on forward has to be proactive.”

Kelly Sanders of spatial sciences spoke with the Los Angeles Times about building a more resilient L.A in the face of climate change.

Attend a discussion with Danzy Senna, professor and acclaimed author of Colored Television, to discuss her literary career, themes of identity and her contributions to contemporary fiction. Learn more >>

Explore America’s evolving political landscape at this annual conference featuring panels with top experts from politics, government, media, and academia. This year’s theme, “The Trumping of America: Why and What’s Next?” Learn more >>

Discover strategies to optimize your profile, amplify your professional narrative and connect with industry leaders — all using free, powerful AI tools. Learn how to boost your personal brand, attract the right connections and open doors to exciting career opportunities. Learn more >>

Learn practical strategies for enhancing your well-being with Quade French, associate dean for academic culture and well-being. This interactive workshop offers insights into defining and cultivating a fulfilling life and identifying barriers to positive change. Learn more >>

Join a university-wide commemoration of the 2025 Day of Remembrance with a presentation of Defining Courage, an innovative experience sharing stories of WWII American soldiers of Japanese ancestry. Learn more >>

Discover upcoming events on the Dornsife Alumni Events Calendar.

Advance your career with short professional advancement courses. USC Dornsife alumni receive free access to Skill Up, a resource for online courses designed to address career skills gaps.