The quiet of summer has lifted, and campus once again hums with young voices and vibrant energy. Our students are back — and we couldn’t be happier!
In this issue: Meet remarkable twins who swam the English Channel before joining USC Dornsife. Discover the tiny invention our researchers created that could spark big changes in technology. And hear from our new dean on the College’s strengths – and why asking life’s biggest questions matters.
|
|
|
The USC Dornsife Twins Making Waves |
Twins Amelia and Sarah Batt conquered the English Channel together, but now they’re ready to forge separate identities. The first-year students from San Francisco enter USC Dornsife this fall with different majors and separate dorms, but a shared sense of excitement and anticipation.
Why it matters: Their story shows how mutual challenges can build individual strength and highlights USC Dornsife’s role in helping students discover their unique paths.
Big splash: The twins turned to open-water swimming during the pandemic when pools closed, eventually completing the English Channel relay — one of the world’s toughest swim challenges.
|
-
They’ve tackled other ambitious swims, including crossing to Alcatraz Island.
- They were the first Americans — and women — to cross Scotland’s Loch Lomond.
|
When their father was diagnosed with cancer in their high school freshman year, swimming became a refuge.
|
-
Their experiences taught them resilience that extends beyond the water.
- “It made me realize that I’m more adaptable than I think I am,” Sarah says.
|
Academic plans: Sarah will study political science while Amelia pursues archaeology and heritage studies — and it’s their first time living apart.
Opportunity: The young scholars chose USC Dornsife for its community spirit and academic flexibility.
|
In her words: “It makes the academic experience a lot more enjoyable when you feel you’re part of a community of learners,” says Amelia.
|
|
|
How to End the Russia-Ukraine War? |
Two USC Dornsife international relations experts examine the complex dynamics of the conflict, offering divergent viewpoints on fundamental issues such as the broader threat to democracy and potential paths to peace.
|
|
|
A Revolutionary Quantum Scale Machine |
Physicists from USC Dornsife and partner institutions have developed a microscopic device that can detect and manipulate electron spin in so-called “antiferromagnetic” materials, paving the way for faster, more energy-efficient electronics.
Why it matters: These unique materials can operate at mind-boggling speeds — trillions of cycles per second — and could be used in high-speed communications, quantum computing, medical imaging and more.
In brief: Antiferromagnets are solids in which electrons spin in opposite directions, canceling each other’s spin.
|
-
This zero-magnetism makes them fast, stable and immune to outside magnetic interference.
- Until now, scientists could only detect this quantum behavior using bulky lab equipment — making practical uses difficult.
|
How it works: The team built a device, just a few atoms thick, capable of altering the spin of an electron.
What they’re saying: “We’ve shrunk the technology down to a size that makes practical applications possible. That’s what makes this so exciting,” says one study author.
|
|
|
ShadeLA to Cool Los Angeles |
ShadeLA is a new initiative spearheaded by USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange (PX) to expand tree canopy and shade infrastructure across Los Angeles.
Why it matters: Extreme heat causes about 1,500 excess emergency room visits per “heat day” in L.A. County, with vulnerable communities facing the greatest risk.
|
- L.A. has less shade than the U.S. average — just 21% coverage at noon compared to 27% nationally.
- By 2050, extreme heat days are projected to increase by 31%.
|
The big picture: Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics and Paralympics are coming to L.A., attracting millions of visitors and creating urgency for heat protection solutions.
Solution: Developing shaded areas will provide much-needed relief, since shade can feel 35–70 degrees cooler than areas in direct sun.
What’s new: The initiative is a partnership with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and multiple other partners to add shade where Angelenos need it most.
|
In her words: “This campaign addresses heat not just as an environmental issue, but as a public health, infrastructure and community challenge,” said Monica Dean, PX climate and sustainability practice director.
ShadeLA focuses on four key goals:
|
-
Add new shade to schoolyards, sidewalks and parks
- Protect existing trees and built structures
- Use data and mapping to identify high-need areas
- Make participation easy for residents and businesses
|
What’s next: To launch the campaign, ShadeLA is introducing a set of activities to spark innovation, engage the public and guide smart investments.
|
|
|
Meet USC Dornsife’s New Dean |
James Bullock shares his perspective on USC Dornsife’s strengths, the power of public scholarship, and why asking life’s biggest questions matters.
|
“In today’s society, we often define progress in terms of curing diseases, improving technology, building more sustainable energy systems, etc. — and the liberal arts are essential to all of that.”
|
|
|
-
Hands on, heads in: Over the summer, USC Dornsife undergrads rolled up their sleeves for research projects that are more common for PhD students. Read more >>
-
Campus comes alive: Nearly 9,000 students hauled boxes, met roommates and settled into residential colleges during Move-In Week. Read more >>
-
Secrets of the sea: By sampling water trapped in seafloor sediments, researchers are discovering how the ocean helps neutralize CO₂. Read more >>
|
|
|
-
USC Dornsife traces its roots back to the university’s origins, established as the College of Liberal Arts when USC was founded in 1887.
- USC boasts a robust and engaged alumni network, numbering over 485,000 worldwide.
- USC Dornsife faculty include two Nobel Laureates, five MacArthur Fellows and two Pulitzer Prize winners.
|
|
|
Free Public Transportation |
U-Pass is a sustainable and free way for your student to get around the city. USC Transportation has partnered with Los Angeles Metro to provide a U-Pass to all current USC students. The U-Pass allows for unlimited rides on Metro’s rail and bus lines, DASH busses and more.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences | Los Angeles, CA 90089 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to registration@latca.net.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| |
|
|