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In this issue, learn why it’s a bad idea to let AI call all the shots, discover why adolescents who overindulge on junk food can have long-term memory issues, find out about the program that is preparing tomorrow’s leaders in government and meet a few of our exemplary graduates.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly making decisions on our behalf, but USC Dornsife’s Joe Árvai, an expert in the science of decision-making, cautions against automating everyday choices.

Why it matters: People prefer making minimal mental effort in decision-making and often like having seemingly good choices made for them. Letting AI make those decisions could diminish human autonomy and decision-making skills.

Problem: AI’s process takes place behind the scenes, presenting answers that lack necessary context and deliberation.

Solution: While making thoughtful decisions isn’t inherently difficult, the process is not intuitive and requires practice and self-discipline.

Thoughtful decision-making involves three common sense steps, according to Árvai:

In his words: “Indeed, we owe it to ourselves to resist the siren’s call of AI and take back ownership of the true privilege — and responsibility — of being human: being able to think and choose for ourselves,” Árvai writes.

New research from scholars in USC Dornsife’s department of biological sciences suggests that a high-fat, sugary diet during adolescence could lead to long-lasting memory impairments.

Why it matters: According to the study, memory impairments induced by poor diet during adolescence persist into adulthood, even after switching to a healthier diet.

How it works: Diets high in sugars and fats disrupt the levels of acetylcholine in the brain.

Researchers tracked memory responses and acetylcholine levels in rats consuming a high-fat, sugary diet versus those on a healthier diet, using tasks designed to assess their recall of previously encountered objects.

In his words: “I don’t know how to say this without sounding like Cassandra and doom and gloom, but unfortunately, some things that may be more easily reversible during adulthood are less reversible when they are occurring during childhood,” says lead author Scott Kanoski, professor of biological sciences.

What to watch: Researchers discovered that drugs administered directly to the brain that induce the release of acetylcholine could reverse the memory impairments in rats, but more research is needed on this and to find other ways to reverse the memory problems.

The USC Dornsife Washington DC Program fosters career development by offering students real-world experiences to gain insight into the inner workings of government.

Why it matters: Talented students taking interest in and choosing a career in the public sector is key to a well-functioning government, says program supporter Markham Erickson, formerly a Washington-based lawyer.

How it works: The semester-long program includes lessons directly related to policy, taught by expert practitioners. Last year, for instance, the program offered unique experiences.

USC Dornsife staff help place participants in internships that match their professional interests.

In his words: “Interning at a federal agency gives you a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the most important policymakers in our country,” said Terry Wang, an international relations major.

Opportunities to network with influential government officials, particularly Trojans, are a highlight of the program.

The new USC Capital Campus provides a base for the program, strengthening connections between USC students and policy-makers.

Sibo “Carl” Zhou graduates from USC Dornsife with four bachelor’s degrees, a testament to his ambitious spirit and broad intellectual pursuits.

An international student from China, he pursued degrees in:

In his words: “I truly believe being well-rounded will help me adjust to whatever the future might hold,” says Zhou.

Having been unhoused during high school, USC Dornsife political science major Sophia Perez has dedicated herself to advocating for housing security.

When her father lost his job at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perez’s family was forced to move into a single room at a relative’s house.

When Perez’s father died from cancer during her sophomore year, her passion for aiding the underserved increased.

In her words: “I did a lot of work in government services in L.A., and I really valued not only interacting with my community, but also giving back in a way that I really didn’t think I’d be able to while in college,” said Perez.

Single parent and U.S. Army vet Jaime Gomez, 43, left a successful, 16-year sales career to pursue his passion for history and teaching, earning his undergraduate degree with honors from USC Dornsife.

As a first-generation college student, Gomez never received college guidance from his family but ultimately achieved his lifelong dream of attending USC.

But he never forgot his passion for history, and in 2019, he quit his job to enroll in community college, then transferred to USC Dornsife in 2022, majoring in history.

In his words: “Don’t let fear dictate your decisions. I encourage everyone to follow their academic dreams. There’s nothing like the experience I had at USC,” said Gomez.

USC Dornsife alumni, parents and friends joined Dean Amber D. Miller for a sold out rooftop reception at the GRAMMY Museum. Keep watching our LinkedIn page for more events like these!

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“We should take advantage of plasticity to help teach kids healthy ways to self-manage their own use of, and feelings surrounding, smartphones.”

Anthony Vaccaro of psychology wrote an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times about social media use rewiring kids’ brains.

“TV can be powerful. ... Especially for older people who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, television remains ‘the main source of news and it’s so propagandistic now.’”

Robert English of international relations, Slavic languages and literature and environmental studies was interviewed by the Los Angeles Daily News for a story covering how Russian propaganda has influenced Soviet immigrants in Southern California.

“Being able to research and contextualize a person who has a longer view of family history and community history, and ultimately, American history, that’s what it’s about — this collaboration.”

Duncan Ryūken Williams of religion, American studies and ethnicity and East Asian languages and cultures was quoted in Smithsonian Magazine about his work on Ireichō, a book naming all Japanese Americans imprisoned in the U.S. during World War II.

Join Dean Amber D. Miller for a reception with exclusive access to the NightLife experience at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Enjoy an evening of hosted drinks and hors d’oeuvres while you explore the future of USC Dornsife. Learn more >>

Come to the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability on Catalina Island, where the entire family can learn about critical environmental issues and emerging solutions. Round-trip ferry and food included. Learn more >>

The Trojan Network is a platform for networking and mentorship. It allows you to share your experiences with fellow alumni and USC students, as well as connect with other alumni to support your career advancement.