It’s official: The pumpkin spice latte is flowing. We hope you’re enjoying the fall weather, have fully adjusted to standard time, and are looking forward to the winter holiday break.

In this issue: 

And rest assured, USC Dornsife is aware that some of you may have heard incorrect information circulated online regarding our student academic advising services. We are happy to reinforce that these services continue uninterrupted. Find out more in this message Dean Bullock sent to students.

USC Dornsife psychology researchers found that using two types of brain imaging can better predict which teens may develop significant anxiety years down the line.

Why it matters: Finding risk earlier allows for timely, tailored support before anxiety takes hold.

How they did it: Brain scans from teens in a study that began in infancy were examined.

The big picture: Each scan type captures a different slice of brain function, and together they give a fuller read.

By the numbers: The combined brain signals offered real predictive power, not just statistical noise.

The goal: Determine which kids might benefit from support before anxiety becomes a lifelong issue by reading the brain’s early signals.

What’s next: The team, led by Assistant Professor Emilio Valadez, plans to test if similar prediction models work even earlier — in children aged 8 to 9 — and to explore other brain functions (memory, attention, etc.) to sharpen forecasts.

Public Exchange (PX), USC Dornsife’s initiative connecting academic expertise with cities, nonprofits, private companies and others, is expanding to Washington University in St. Louis — its first university partner outside USC.

Why it matters: The expansion shows how the PX model can scale nationally to help governments and communities act on research more quickly.

The big picture: PX launched at USC Dornsife in 2020 to connect decision-makers with scholars capable of rapid, applied research.

What they’re saying: “Public Exchange provides a framework that allows faculty and researchers in the liberal arts and other fields to bring value to their communities and lean into one of the core purposes of institutions like ours: to improve lives and livelihoods through education, research and service,” said USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock.

USC Dornsife plans to continue expanding Public Exchange to more universities and government partners, building a national network that puts research to work quickly for communities.

What happens when scientists, CEOs and lawmakers all agree on something? At USC’s Quantum Technologies Forum, they found common cause in a field that could reshape medicine, security and the economy — and it’s all happening right here in Los Angeles.

Professor Jazlyn Mooney has found that referencing a closely related species’ genome rather than one from the same species can distort genetic research results — sometimes by as much as 60%.

The big picture: Many species lack their own reference genome, so scientists use the next best available, which can seriously skew findings.

Why it matters: Wrong genetic maps may lead conservationists to protect the wrong populations or miss real threats altogether.

By the numbers: Using the actual gray fox genome for research, instead of one from a dog or Arctic-fox, revealed up to 32% more genetic differences and about one-third more rare variants.

In her words: “It turns out the reference you use really changes the story you tell about a species,” Mooney said. “If you use the wrong reference, you can end up with misleading answers about a species’ history or health, and even its chances of long-term survival.”

What’s next: The researchers call for greater investment in high-quality, species-specific genomes and new computational methods.

Trojans have made their mark in the arena for more than a century. We’ve also been driving research that changes the worlds.

James Bullock shares his vision for the College and how a liberal arts education will prepare students for an unpredictable world.

The Pilgrims’ survival hinged on unexpected events and overlooked alliances — including a little-known chapter of Indigenous history that shaped their first winter in the “new world.”

The surprising truth is revealed in this fascinating story by historian and Distinguished Professor Peter Mancall.

If your son or daughter is a sophomore interested in a stem cell biology and regenerative medicine career, they should consider attending an information session regarding a two-year USC COMPASS Program. It’s designed to prepare them for success in that field and includes academic year and summer research stipends, tuition remission, and personalized career coaching.

Stop by the Trojan Farmers Market to learn how you can make a positive impact on campus and in your daily life. Get practical tips and resources, and find opportunities to get involved in sustainable initiatives. 

The USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute Music Series invites you to join them for a free concert, “Renaissance Music from Saint Nicholas to Christmas.”

Cosmic Conversation. Students in freshman “Physics Discovery Series” (PHYS 190) enjoyed a visit from USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock, a leading cosmologist, who spoke with instructor Kris Pardo, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, and the class in a podcast-style format. Bullock stayed after the bell to chat with the first-year physics majors. (Photo: Vaidik Vadhavana/El Rodeo.)