Welcome back! We hope you enjoy this year’s first issue of your Dornsife Connect newsletter!
In this issue, learn how World War II food rationing enabled researchers to study sugar’s long-term health effects and how the tragic loss of a student has led to support for gifted young writers.
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1 Big Thing: Cut Sugar Early, Live Healthier |
A surprising legacy of World War II sugar rationing reveals how early-life nutrition shapes long-term health. USC Dornsife researchers found that restricting sugar during pregnancy and infancy significantly reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension in adulthood.
Why it matters: Chronic diseases significantly shorten life expectancy and increase health care costs.
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- Every decade that diabetes develops earlier cuts three to four years off life expectancy.
- People with diabetes in the United States on average spend about $12,000 per year on medical expenses.
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The big picture: During WWII, the United Kingdom limited sugar to 8 teaspoons per day while the rest of their diet did not change much.
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When rationing ended, sugar and sweets consumption nearly doubled.
- The rare circumstances created a dietary natural experiment.
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How they did it: Researchers, led by Tadeja Gracner at USC Dornsife’s Center for Economic and Social Research compared health records of people born just before and after sugar rationing ended.
What they found: Sugar restrictions during the first 1,000 days of life substantially reduced the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
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Type 2 diabetes risk decreased as much as 35%.
- High blood pressure risk decreased by up to 20%.
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Recognizing Gifted Graduating Authors |
The Jimmy Gauntt Memorial Awards honor exceptional USC Dornsife seniors majoring in English, creative writing or narrative studies.
Why it matters: Recognizing young writers validates their talent, encourages their growth, and can ignite their passion.
The award commemorates Jimmy Gauntt, a talented writer and USC Dornsife graduate whose life ended abruptly in 2008, only three years after he completed his English degree.
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Gauntt’s mentor David Román, professor of English and American studies and ethnicity, reached out to his parents to create an award in their son’s honor.
- Gauntt’s parents, Hilary and Casey Gauntt, both USC alumni, donated $100,000 to establish an endowment that funds the awards in perpetuity.
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Faculty nominate students who demonstrate exceptional curiosity, creativity and commitment to the arts — attributes that Jimmy Gauntt himself embodied.
At an award dinner last May, faculty introduced the students they nominated, who then shared their experiences at USC.
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The event has become a cherished tradition for students and professors alike.
- Six students received awards last year.
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Bottom line: The Gauntt family hopes their endowment further elevates the English department’s ability to nurture well-rounded, articulate students.
In his words: “The best students in my law classes were English majors,” said Casey Gauntt. “They knew how to think, how to write and how to look deeper into things.”
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A professor is working to improve California’s fire insurance industry by analyzing wildfire risks. Go Deeper >>
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A massive wildfire scorched over 3 million acres in 1910 and significantly altered U.S. wildfire policies. Go Deeper >>
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A guide explaining complicated climate change jargon for the rest of us. Go Deeper >>
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Kathy Fiscus, who fell into a well in 1949, became the subject of the first live television news event ever. Go Deeper >>
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Rock Superstar, USC Dornsife Alum |
Did you know that Dexter Holland, founding singer, guitarist and songwriter for The Offspring, has not one, not two, but three degrees from USC Dornsife. Find out how his USC Dornsife studies sparked the iconic lyric, “You gotta keep ‘em separated.”
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The Nucleus, USC’s student-led science journal, transforms complex research into engaging stories, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the public by fostering curiosity and scientific literacy. Read it here.
If you’re a writer, editor, designer or multimedia creator who wants to help bring science to life, The Nucleus invites students from all backgrounds to help bring science to the USC community in innovative ways. Learn more and apply here.
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Results from Last Month:
How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions?
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66% 👍 They’re fun, but I don’t take them too seriously.
17% 🙌 They’re great! I make them every year.
17% 🤷 Meh, don’t care for them personally.
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In Conversation with Danzy Senna |
 | Jan. 29, noon - 1 p.m. |
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 | Virtual |
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Join Danzy Senna, professor of English and best-selling author, as she discusses her literary journey, central themes in her work — including mixed-race identity — and more.
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| Guide to Professional Branding |
| Feb. 5, 6 - 8 p.m. |
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| MCB 101 |
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Elevate your professional game! Successful alumni will share tips on building your personal brand, perfecting interview attire and creating a standout social media presence.
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Need someone to talk to? Your mental well-being is important — USC Dornsife has embedded counselors who can help.
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University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences | Los Angeles, CA 90089 US
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