Spring Achievements
Faculty, students and staff hit their stride this spring. Our commitment to leading-edge research and discovery produced numerous awards and grants for USC faculty and students, despite the challenges of the pandemic. Trojans also dramatically boosted public health in Los Angeles by supporting mass vaccinations against the coronavirus. At the same time, many gave their time to support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and continue a committed push to fight racism. Read on to explore some of the high points from the last few months of the semester.
Two students win Goldwater scholarships
Bryson Choy and Haoda “Harry” Wang were chosen from a pool of over 5,000 students at 438 academic institutions.
Maryam Shanechi gets $3 million NIH grant for brain research
The $3 million grant will help develop new neurotechnology to treat neurological and mental disorders
University Professors and Distinguished Professors named
The selective awards recognize significant accomplishments by leading scholars in their fields.
More than half of Angelenos who got shots through city of LA vaccination efforts got their shots from USC-administered sites
From day one of distribution to today, Trojans have been delivering vaccines to hard-hit communities, volunteering at mega-sites and ensuring that hundreds of thousands of shots get into arms.
Exceptional students applauded at Academic Honors Convocation
From Marshall Scholarships to Phi Beta Kappa, USC students earned national recognition.
Academic Honors Convocation spotlights faculty teaching and scholarship
Knowledge is the lifeblood of the university, and these professors and instructors received accolades for their contributions.
REDI Task Force issues final report
Against a backdrop of reckoning with structural racism nationwide, USC called together a task force on racial equity, diversity and inclusion. It published findings in March; read them here.
Virtual fundraiser brings in more than $1 million for Neighborhood Academic Initiative
A cavalcade of Star Wars legends — including Luke Skywalker himself — delighted fans while recognizing the efforts of the university’s signature college prep program.
USC marks gains in efforts to fight anti-Black racism
Months after “Black Lives Matter” chants rang out at a march near the University Park Campus, experts say the movement has lasting momentum at USC.
Keck Hospital gets A safety grade
The rating places the hospital among the safest in the United States. It is the fourth time in a row the hospital has received the top grade.
In support of community, USC honors Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
President Carol L. Folt together with faculty, staff, students, and community members celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Women come to the fore in March
On March 8, 2021 USC honored the achievements of women with remarks from President Folt, along with USC faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.
This tiny device may help scientists cure colorectal cancer
USC physician-scientists look for promising treatments for colorectal cancer on a postage-stamp-size chip.
Scientists discover potential new treatment target in the fight against COVID-19
The treatment target is a molecule that COVID-19 and other viruses hijack to multiply and spread.
Department of Defense awards grant to study transportation logistics in war-torn nations
Prestigious Department of Defense grant awarded to USC CREATE to study transportation logistics in post-conflict zones.