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.

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.

When their father was diagnosed with cancer in their high school freshman year, swimming became a refuge.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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:

What’s next: To launch the campaign, ShadeLA is introducing a set of activities to spark innovation, engage the public and guide smart investments.

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.”

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.