Longer days, warmer weather and the countdown to graduation. Whether your student is finishing their first year or their last, this is an exciting time!

In this issue, discover how L.A. trees grab more CO₂ from the air than we thought, meet the alumnus whose $15 million gift is advancing sustainable energy research and learn about efforts to help fire victims test for contaminated soil.

Trees in central Los Angeles are pulling far more carbon dioxide out of the air than expected, according to a new study from USC Dornsife and Public Exchange.

Why it matters: Knowing how much CO₂ trees absorb helps the city target where to plant more — and offers a model for smarter planning nationwide.

What’s new: Researchers found trees in L.A. absorbed up to 60% of fossil fuel-generated CO₂ during daytime hours in spring and summer.

How they did it: Researchers developed the Carbon Census Array — 12 high-resolution air quality sensors — to track CO₂ in real time, offering more precise, localized data than previous models.

Yes, but: Trees help absorb CO₂, but they aren’t the complete solution. The city also needs clean energy and transit upgrades.

What’s next: The team has added more sensors east of downtown L.A. and into Santa Monica to expand monitoring.

An alumnus’ $15 million gift to USC Dornsife’s Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute is  a major boost to clean energy research.

Why it matters: It’s a crucial time to invest in sustainable energy and carbon capture — and in training the next generation of scientists to lead the charge against climate change.

Massoud Arvanaghi ’82 and Ferial Arvanaghi’s generosity funds three $5 million endowments to support young scientists advancing clean energy.

Massoud began studying chemistry at Iran’s Sharif University of Technology, then came to USC Dornsife for his PhD, where he joined Olah’s lab, met Prakash and contributed to research that helped earn Olah the Nobel Prize in 1994.

The bottom line: Massoud says he’s proud to honor mentors George Olah and G.K. Surya Prakash while giving back to the university.

Roger Lynch, CEO of Condé Nast — the global media company behind Vogue, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and more — will return to his alma mater to deliver the 2025 USC Dornsife commencement address. A physics alumnus, Lynch went from newspaper delivery boy to leading major media companies, including Pandora and Emmy-winning Sling TV. He also serves on the USC Dornsife Board of Councilors and received a USC Alumni Merit Award in 2023. (Bonus: He shreds lead guitar in an all-CEO band.)

After January’s wildfires tore through parts of Los Angeles, toxic lead may be hiding in the ash. The Contaminant Level Evaluation & Analysis for Neighborhoods (CLEAN) project, from USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange aims to help residents find out — for free.

Why it matters: Lead, a toxic metal likely released when older buildings burned, poses health risks — but with the federal cleanup skipping soil testing, homeowners and businesses must now test their own properties.

What’s new: USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange launched a no-cost soil testing program for residents in affected areas.

What they found: Initial tests found that while lead levels were highest in burn zones like the Palisades and Altadena, most samples were similar to those found in other urban parts of L.A.

What’s next: Researchers will increase drop off locations and expand the testing for other toxins like arsenic.

Go deeper: Find soil drop-off locations and instructions.

Summer is a great time for students to stay on track toward graduation and lighten their future course load, with more attention from professors. Whether on campus or online, taking just one GE course can make a big difference — and help set them up for success next year! Learn more >>

Planning to attend the 2025 USC Dornsife Academic School Ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Friday, May 16? Have these FIVE things ready for the big day:

Make dornsife.usc.edu/commencement/ your first stop for commencement announcements, our FAQ and more!

This science course for non-majors makes biology more approachable and less daunting, says Grayson Jaggers, associate professor (teaching) of biological sciences. In addition to lectures, students experiment with various ingredients and techniques in weekly labs.

With exams around the corner, it is important to remind students that they are more than their grades. Share this video with tips on coping with disappointing grades or feedback.