Happy Earth Month! Hopefully that puts a little spring (ahem) in your step.

In this issue, meet the alumnus whose $15 million gift is advancing sustainable energy research, discover how less restrictive rules could bring more trees to L.A. and find out how USC kicked off Armenian History Month.

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.)

New USC Dornsife research finds that LA’s decades-old tree-spacing rules limit tree coverage without increasing public safety.

Why it matters: Tree canopies boost health and livability, but outdated planting guidelines limit shade potential across many neighborhoods.

Watch out: L.A.’s tree-spacing rules haven’t been updated since 1988.

How they did it: Public Exchange and researchers from USC Dornsife’s Spatial Sciences Institute used mapping software to analyze tree-planting potential in two L.A. neighborhoods.

They concluded that L.A. could expand its urban tree canopy with simple changes to planting guidelines.

Opportunity: Even minor guideline tweaks around intersections, utility poles and gas lines could open many new planting spaces.

Yes, but: Boyle Heights still faces limitations beyond spacing guidelines.

In her words: “To truly close the shade gap, the city must invest in infrastructure that makes room for more trees in underserved areas,’ said USC Dornsife researcher Laura Messier.

USC kicked off its second annual Armenian History Month with a celebration of Armenian culture, history and community contributions.

Why it matters: Los Angeles is home to more than 200,000 Armenians – the largest concentration outside of Armenia — whose cultural legacy continues to shape the city.

The big picture: L.A. County declared April Armenian History Month in 2022. A grassroots movement spearheaded by students and USC Dornsife’s Institute of Armenian Studies helped bring the observance to USC.

At the ceremony:

What’s next: Events continue throughout April with a Genocide Remembrance Day Candlelight Vigil, Cultural Showcase and the launch of Collective Voices, a new zine from the Institute of Armenian Studies

USC Dornsife Public Exchange is offering free soil testing for Los Angeles residents affected by the wildfires to determine if toxic lead contamination is present.

USC President Carol Folt’s Health Sciences 3.0 “moonshot” initiative aims to align the university’s medical system and health science schools to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and digital health to develop innovative, affordable care models for surrounding communities.

USC scientists are using stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues and develop treatments for diseases at the cellular level. USC Stem Cell unites over 100 researchers working on therapies like 3D-printed scaffolds to repair bone, restoring hearing, regenerating heart tissue and repairing cartilage. Their goal is to translate stem cell science into real-world medical treatments.

For other fascinating stories that spotlight the people and ideas shaping USC, check out Trojan Family Magazine.

Attend a free screening of an award-winning documentary exploring climate change, empathy and civil discourse, followed by a discussion with the director and other guests. Learn More >>

Listen to experts discuss the connections between environmental devastation and racial inequities and how these issues influence new solutions for a clean energy transition. Learn More >>

Join a discussion of Anderson’s new book, Shadow Work: Loneliness and the Literary Life, which blends personal narrative and literary criticism to explore how reading and writing can both isolate and connect us. Learn More >>

Learn how personal finances, emotional well-being and mental health are linked, and gain insights on bridging mental and financial health and resources for longevity fitness. Learn More >>

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

“High housing prices in California are chasing out lots of working-class residents, among them immigrants.”

The Los Angeles Times quoted Manuel Pastor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity for the article “How major demographic changes of Asian and Latino immigrants are transforming California.”

“In 2024, California was the largest importer of goods — $509 billion, close to 30 percent from China. Texas was second with $384 billion of imports. The tariffs will likely cut down imports and raise prices in both states.”

Newsweek quoted Jonathan Aronson of international relations in the article “California Is America’s Engine. Tariffs Risk Stalling It.”

“We like sentimental deaths, where we can go, ‘Oh, she was so beautiful, so young, so tragic, so sad,’ right?”

The Los Angeles Times spoke with Diana York Blaine of gender and sexuality studies for the article “What Selena’s murder says about our fascination with death.”

The WorkWell Center organizes a variety of events aimed at promoting your overall well-being. These events include informative webinars, support group sessions, and engaging games and challenges.