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2008  

2008 News

Viterbi School to Partner in New Systems Engineering Research Center
December 02, 2008
The Viterbi School will join with Stevens Institute of Technology in the nation's first University Affiliated Research Center focused on "the quintessential element of engineering."
Operations Engineering For More Efficient Operating Rooms
December 02, 2008
Epstein Department recommendations significantly cut O.R. downtime in three Southern California safety net hospitals, allowing "many more hours of surgery per year" in the same facilities.
Viterbi School CS Students Program On in ACM Contest
December 01, 2008
Against a tough field with 71 strong entries from Southern California and Nevada, four USC teams coached by David Kempe achieved good scores
AME Professor Wins Torrens Award
December 01, 2008
Firdaus Udwadia, professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers for his outstanding contributions as journal editor.
Education Without Borders
November 26, 2008
To compete for top engineering students, the Viterbi School's globalization programs emphasize education and research opportunities around the world.
CAD Do! Factories of Tomorrow May Print Out, Instead of Put Together
November 21, 2008
The Epstein Department's Yong Chen believes "digital manufacturing" using Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) technology can take off -- if the right software can be created.
Where There's Wildfire Smoke, There's Toxicity
November 20, 2008
Analysis of toxins carried on particulates indicates health threat posed by conflagrations like the November 2008 California wildfires may be underestimated by officials.
BME Volunteer Plays Victim in Great So Cal ShakeOut
November 18, 2008
USC's participation in the Southern California ShakeOut drill let campus participants practice what they should do in the event of a major shake-up in Los Angeles.
Megacities: 'A New Dynamic Organism'
November 17, 2008
The first in a series of conferences 'to promote the renaissance of large urban areas' sparks discussions of innovative research, technology and planning for mega growth.
Viterbi Digital Archive Documents Origins of Communications Revolution
November 10, 2008
Andrew J. Viterbi, USC trustee and benefactor of the Viterbi School, makes his research and personal papers available online at USC.
Project:Possibility Takes Innovator Sweepstakes First Prize
November 07, 2008
The software-for-the-disabled effort started by one Viterbi School grad student and now co-directed by another won first prize in the annual USC Stevens Institute student competition.
Viterbi School's Astani Department Hosts Megacities Workshop
November 06, 2008
A two-day conference on many urban issues that impact megacities will feature prominent faculty, industry and public officials.
From the Earth to the Moon, Plan B
November 04, 2008
Madhu Thangavelu’s long-running class in space architecture uses current NASA studies and ongoing projects as the jumping off point for creative alternatives
TechFest 2008
November 02, 2008
Students get a chance to meet Microsoft software developers and learn about careers and new product lines at a mid-semester 'TechFest' on campus.
USC Salutes Andrew J. Viterbi
November 02, 2008
Top university officials gather to honor USC trustee and Viterbi School namesake for winning the National Medal of Science.
X-Ray, BMI, PET -- and now Photoacoustic? Grodins Lecturer Discusses Prospects
October 28, 2008
Matthew O'Donnell, dean of engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, discusses a promising new approach for ultra high resolution imaging at BME's third annual keynote address.
CS Student Designs Popular iBART Trip Planner
October 27, 2008
A handy new iPhone application created by talented USC computer science sophomore David Hodge is already making waves among the NorCal commuter crowd.
From RAND to the Viterbi School With a Health Care Mission
October 21, 2008
An ISE researcher is applying engineering principles to medical services delivery, beginning with a effort to help safety net clinics care for the chronically ill.
Viterbi School Engineering Program Moves Up to #11 in the World
October 09, 2008
The Viterbi School of Engineering moved from 12th to 11th in the world in engineering, technology and computer science programs in the recently released 2008 Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings.
Dean and Provost Go to Washington - for Induction into the NAE
October 09, 2008
Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, Provost C.L. Max Nikias and two distinguished executives with Viterbi School ties were honored in a ceremony welcoming them into the National Academy of Engineering
Ultrasonic Expert Jesse Yen Wins $750,000 Grant
October 09, 2008
A three-year award from the National Cancer Institute will support development and testing of a novel ultrasound probe for the detection of prostate cancer.
Viterbi School a Partner in New Disability and Rehabilitation Research Effort
October 08, 2008
BME researcher will lead one of the four initial projects planned by a new Engineering Research Center for Technologies for Successful Aging with Disability.
From Computer Science to Olympic Gold
October 03, 2008
Computer science graduate Oussama Mellouli won the gold in the 1500-meter freestyle swimming competition at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing.
BME Researcher Takes a $2 Million Grip
October 02, 2008
Francisco Valero-Cuevas will lead a four-year study on "Reverse Engineering the Human Hand," funded by the NSF's Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Office.
Dr. Andrew J. Viterbi Receives 2007 National Medal of Science
October 02, 2008
Comprehensive coverage of the award of the 2007 National Medal of Science to USC Trustee and Engineering School namesake Dr. Andrew J. Viterbi, including the White House ceremony and preceding black-tie reception.
ISI Rubs GENI Funding Lamp
October 01, 2008
ISI division director John Wroclawski is part of a $12 Million NSF effort to build a "Global Environment for Network Innovations."
USC Security Randomization Application Studied for Use by Air Marshals
October 01, 2008
The success of the CREATE-funded "keep the bad guys guessing" computer scheduling program at LAX brings Federal Air Marshals to USC to explore its use in their operations.
The High Ground in Space
September 29, 2008
Wanda Austin, president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, delivers Epstein Department's second annual Rechtin Keynote Lecture, named after a founding father of systems architecting and engineering.
THQ Heavy Iron Animator Newest GamePiper
September 26, 2008
Scott Easley has joined the Viterbi School full-time as GamePipe Assistant Director.
A Bridge of Memories and Science
September 26, 2008
Structural engineering experts from all over the world converged on Tutor Hall to share the latest developments in the state of their art — and pay tribute to the Viterbi School pioneer who made fundamental contributions to it.
California's Educational Crisis
September 25, 2008
The Viterbi School co-hosts a two-day summit with the Competitiveness Crisis Council, Rossier School and USC Stevens Institute to address strategies for addressing the shortage of science and engineering-bound students in California.
Like No Other Profession
September 25, 2008
Students and parents discovered the fun of being engineers at a Saturday Tech Fair, held in partnership with the Education Crisis Summit.
CS577 Kicks Off Its 12th Year of Solving Real-World Problems
September 24, 2008
For more than a decade, Barry Boehm's graduate software engineering class has looked for challenges not just from textbooks, but from clients in the community.
Viterbi State of the School
September 19, 2008
Dean Yannis C. Yortsos reports on the school's progress in his annual talk to the Viterbi School.
Music, CompuMaestro - Like Radiohead, Please...
September 17, 2008
A Viterbi guitarist/computer scientist graduate student working with Viterbi pianist/systems specialist Elaine Chew has built and tested a songwriting system that can create a musical accompaniment in the style of any chosen performer.
‘Mission: Engineering’ Accomplished
September 16, 2008
A two-week non-residential summer camp reaches out to exceptional high school sophomores and juniors from educationally disadvantaged communities.
Mork Family Department Welcomes Students
September 09, 2008
The Mork Family Department welcomed its new and returning students to campus with an International Welcome Luncheon and webcast made available to Distance Education students.
Indian IT Giant Strides Across Flat World to Fund Viterbi School Research
September 08, 2008
V.P. Subrahmanyam "Subu" Goparaju of Infosys Technologies and Viterbi School Dean Yannis C. Yortsos joined in a toast September 5 to launch the company's first-ever research center outside of India.
Viterbi School Tops All Units in Pledges to Good Neighbors Campaign
September 08, 2008
A 10 percent increase in contributions to this year's fundraising initiative sent a strong message of support and commitment to surrounding communities.
Tsinghua Student Interns Savor the Research as Much as the International Experience
September 02, 2008
An outstanding group of students from China's premier engineering school worked one-on-one with leading Viterbi School faculty on research destined to advance technology and benefit society.
VSoE Expert Hosts Workshop on USC-Pioneered Method for Modeling Uncertainties
September 02, 2008
Researchers came from all over the world to attend the first workshop totally dedicated to an emerging scientific modeling technique the University and the Viterbi School have played a key role in developing.
AME Undergrad's Light Sport Plane Concept Wins AIAA Honors
August 28, 2008
Sina Golshany is the first-ever Viterbi School student to place in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aircraft Design Competition.
Caterpillar Inc. Funds Viterbi 'Print-a-House' Construction Technology
August 28, 2008
The world's largest manufacturer of construction equipment will support continuing research on system aiming to build full-scale houses in hours.
ECA Will Fund Gas Shale Research at Viterbi School
August 28, 2008
The Mork Department's Kristian Jessen will lead an effort to develop tools to enhance recovery of a valuable but elusive resource.
USC's Andrew Viterbi Receives National Medal of Science
August 25, 2008
President George W. Bush has announced that USC trustee and namesake of the Viterbi School of Engineering Andrew J. Viterbi is one of the recipients of the nation's highest honor for science and technology.
Dean Yortsos Addresses USC Student Affairs Conference
August 25, 2008
Viterbi School Dean Yannis C. Yortsos addressed the topic of "Meeting and Managing Rising Student Expectations" at the 2008 Student Affairs Conference.
Astani Department Chair Jean-Pierre Bardet Visits Sichuan Quake Region
August 22, 2008
Civil engineering professor, traveling with a U.S. delegation, reported that some cities in earthquake-damaged region would be better off relocating than rebuilding.
Four Viterbi Engineering Faculty win IBM Awards
August 19, 2008
USC professors of computer science and electrical engineering will use their awards to foster collaboration and promote courseware and curriculum innovation.
Computer Science Graduate Wins Gold in Freestyle
August 18, 2008
Former USC NCAA Champion Ous Mellouli, a Viterbi School graduate, walked away with the gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
USC and Chevron Extend Partnership
August 18, 2008
The energy giant gives $915,000 in scholarships and training to USC students as part of its global University Partnership Program (UPP).
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff Visits Campus
August 18, 2008
Speaking about identity security earlier this month, Chertoff also met with university officials, including Dean Yortsos and CREATE Director Detloff von Winterfeldt.
Two Viterbi School Faculty Win Okawa Research Awards
August 15, 2008
Shri Narayanan of the Ming Hsieh Department and Laurent Itti of the Computer Science Department are the latest recipients of this prestigious award.
Viterbi School Selected As HP Innovation Research Award Recipient
August 14, 2008
The USC Viterbi School was selected as one of 33 recipients of a 2008 HP Labs Innovation Research Award, which is designed to encourage open collaboration with HP Labs resulting in mutually beneficial, high-impact research.
Assistant Professor Yong Chen Wins Best Paper Award
August 11, 2008
ASME Computers and Information in Engineering (CIE) Conference recognizes Epstein faculty member for outstanding scholarship.
NIH Renews Biomedical Simulations Resource through 2013
August 08, 2008
A $5.9 million grant will keep one of the Viterbi School's longest running research success stories running for at least another five years.
Biomedical Team to Participate in New $2.4 Million NIH Study
August 08, 2008
A team of physicians and faculty from Keck and the USC Viterbi School will join Childrens Hospital in a new study to understand blood flow in people with sickle cell anemia.
Viterbi Algorithm Goes Quantum
July 31, 2008
A Hsieh Department graduate student has applied the classic tool for eliminating dead-end possibilities in data reception to qubit communications
Postcards from Rome
July 25, 2008
Undergraduate engineering students fulfill course requirements while getting a taste of Rome's timelessness, turbulent history and engineering marvels in overseas study program.
Hsieh Professor and Collaborators Win IEEE Award for Sensornet Algorithm
July 24, 2008
Professor P. Vijay Kumar's EE-Systems team took the best paper prize at a recent conference on Distributed Computing Systems.
ISI To Play $1.5 Million Role in NIH Genetic Epidemiology Initiative
July 17, 2008
A team from the Viterbi School's Information Sciences Institute will structure data to allow health scientists to quickly and consistently test hypotheses.
Viterbi Researchers Working to Create Intelligent Robots for Diagnosing and Treating Autism
July 16, 2008
Early research by the USC Interaction Laboratory confirms that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often interact more easily with mechanical devices and robots than with unfamiliar people
High Marks for USC-IIT Kharagpur Exchange Program
July 16, 2008
Students in this year's USC-IIT Kharagpur summer exchange program said the hands-on work was valuable and, in some cases, helped them decide whether to pursue an advanced degree.
Following in Galileo's Footsteps
July 11, 2008
The Viterbi School's summer MESA science-mathematics-physics institute brings the laws of gravity, motion and celestial orbits into focus for middle and high school teachers.
Nine Faculty Will Join Viterbi School of Engineering
July 10, 2008
Newly appointed faculty in electrical engineering, chemical and materials science, astronautics and civil engineering will join the professorial ranks beginning this fall.
Viterbi School Signs Unique Accelerated M.S.
July 04, 2008
As many as five outstanding seniors studying electrical or biomedical engineering at the San Luis Obispo college will this fall be able to speed their paths to USC MS degrees through the new Viterbi Integrated Masters of Science Program
Epstein School Scholar Puts O.R. Tools to Work on Music
June 30, 2008
In a new paper called "Math and Music: The Perfect Match," pianist/computational engineer Elaine Chew proposes applications of the increasingly powerful discipline of Operations Research to the ancient art of pitched and rhythmic sound.
Viterbi AME Faculty Member Is Pioneer Award Winner in New NSF Program
June 26, 2008
Andrea Hodge has received a $175,000 two-year grant to carry on advanced research in a sophisticated manufacturing process used to coat targets with thin films of various materials.
USC HPCC Supercomputer Ranks in U.S. Top 10
June 25, 2008
Viterbi contributes expertise and leadership to the university's High Performance Computing Center
Airbus Research Projects Take Flight
June 24, 2008
The Aerospace Institute for Engineering Research has embarked on three ambitious, collaborative aerospace research projects that could benefit commercial aviation worldwide.
Hsieh Professor Wins ASEE Terman Award
June 22, 2008
Keith Chugg's prize honors his achievements in textbook writing, teaching, research and student guidance
Designing a Safe Light Rail Crossing
June 20, 2008
An industrial and systems engineering student will examine the safety issues involved in the design of a new Expo Light Rail crossing near Dorsey High School.
BMES Organizes $200K Biomed R&D Challenge
June 19, 2008
Research center's business director brings together Army, industry, academia and a foundation to create a lab-bench-to-marketplace competition judged by a blue-ribbon panel
MySpace Looks to USC to Help Servers Keep Up with Users
June 18, 2008
How do you keep a potential half-billion social networkers current? A Viterbi School expert tackles the growth problems of one of the world's largest computing systems.
Prominent Viterbi Emeritus Keynotes Systems-of-Systems Conference
June 17, 2008
George Bekey drew on his vast experience in a wide range of engineering disciplines in his speech at the recent IEEE SOSE conference in Monterey, California
Charles L. Weber Appointed Professor Emeritus
June 17, 2008
A distinguished radar and communications technologist in the Ming Hsieh Department has been appointed professor emeritus in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field.
2008 Millennium Technology Laureate Andrew J. Viterbi Feted in Finland
June 12, 2008
Nikias, Yortsos and Golomb journey with him to Helsinki to be part of events honoring the School's namesake and three illustrious colleagues.
Langdon Wins Honors from Both European and Chinese Academies
June 12, 2008
Terence G. Langdon has won a 2008 Blaise Pascal Medal for Material Science from the European Academy of Sciences, and will deliver the Lee Hsun Lecture at a Chinese Academy Institute of Materials Science
Horowitz to Chair Computer Science
June 10, 2008
Professor Ellis Horowitz will serve as interim chair of the Viterbi School's Department of Computer Science.
Mann Institute Establishes Fellowships for Viterbi PhD Candidates
June 05, 2008
Three Viterbi School doctoral students will have their careers generously supported for three years as recipients of Alfred E. Mann Innovation in Engineering Doctoral Fellowships.
Infosys Technologies Funds New Research Center at USC
June 04, 2008
The giant Bangalore-based IT company will partner with the Viterbi School to create a Center for Research & Education in Advanced Software Technologies on the USC campus
Astani Department Professor Building Bamboo Houses for Quake Victims
May 29, 2008
The Viterbi School's Yan Xiao, on sabbatical in China, has created a prototype of a sturdy, quick-to-build bamboo house designed to help the vast number of people made homeless by the May 12 Sichuan earthquake.
Viterbi School Faculty Host World's Biggest Robotics Gathering
May 26, 2008
The organizers of the mammoth 2008 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation were all from the Viterbi School CS Department. An ISI robotics team took a top prize and a USC specialist in nanorobotics won a prestigious Pioneer Award.
Student Services Director Wins New USC Staff Award
May 23, 2008
Monica De Los Santos, director of Student Services in the Viterbi School's Admission and Student Affairs Office, has won the USC Outstanding Academic Advising Award.
Viterbi Molecular Robotics Expert Receives Pioneer Award
May 22, 2008
Aristides A.G. Requicha, holder of the Viterbi School's Gordon Marshall Chair, was honored for his career achievements May 23 at the world's largest gathering of robotics and automation researchers.
Viterbi professor elected editor of <i>Optics Letters</i>
May 22, 2008
Ming Hsieh professor Alan Willner to helm renowned publication in the optics field.
Viterbi student rises to vice-chairperson of NSBE
May 22, 2008
Electrical engineer Michael Johnson moves from regional chair to national Vice-Chairperson of the National Society of Black Engineers, continuing his upward trajectory and high level of involvement both within and without the school of engineering
USC Viterbi School Reaches $300 Million Fundraising Goal Ahead of Schedule
May 19, 2008
"Seven years ago we set a very lofty target...I am extremely pleased to tell you that as of the end of this March, our fundraising total stood at $300,955,609 in cash and pledges."
Commencement 2008
May 17, 2008
Parents, siblings, children and friends — some from across the globe — cheer 1,860 newly minted Viterbi School graduates, who have now become part of USC's global Trojan family.
Korean Air Students Learn on the Fly
May 16, 2008
Byeong Ho Gong and Chan K. Song were the first Viterbi Distance Education Network students to win M.S. degrees while studying outside the U.S.
Dr. Fariborz Maseeh Delivers Graduate Keynote Address
May 16, 2008
Microtechnology pioneer shares some personal experiences in risk taking, perseverance, competition and the role of money.
354 Students -- Including Two from Korea -- Receive DEN Degrees
May 16, 2008
The Viterbi School's Distance Education Network's largest-ever graduating class marked a 30 percent increase over 2007 — which had been 30 percent above 2006.
Ken Klein's Keynote Address
May 16, 2008
Ken Klein (BSMEE'82), benefactor of the Klein Institute of Undergraduate Engineering Life urges the Class of 2008 to follow their passion in life.
Commencement 2008: Kelly Nakamura, Viterbi's Valedictorian
May 15, 2008
Chemical engineering senior Kelly Nakamura was not only at the top of her class, but the Emma Josephine Bradley Bovard Awardee for having the highest GPA of all graduating senior women at USC.
GamePipe Lab Showcases Health Games, Phone Games and Fun Games
May 15, 2008
DemoDay6: Viterbi students demonstrate their original interactive games to industry representatives in the latest installment of what has become an instant USC tradition.
Commencement 2008: Julianne Gale, USC Valedictorian
May 14, 2008
A computer science graduating senior will represent the Viterbi School in university's main commencement ceremony.
Commencement 2008: Reed Doucette, USC Salutatorian
May 14, 2008
The Viterbi School graduating senior, Trojan basketball player and new Rhodes Scholar will be a salutatorian in the university's May 16 commencement ceremony.
Slowing Light to Speed Data: Viterbi School Wins $4.3 M DARPA Contract
May 14, 2008
Two prize-winning Hsieh department specialists hope to break a bottleneck that has long limited computing systems that use light - photons - instead of electronics for processing.
Viterbi School Honors Industry Leaders at 30th Annual Engineering Awards Ceremony
May 11, 2008
The School celebrates legendary scientist and engineer Simon Ramo, co-founder of TRW; an industry leader; and a Viterbi School alumna at its yearly engineering awards ceremony.
Outstanding Viterbi Students Honored
May 11, 2008
Graduating seniors and student leaders were recognized for their exceptional achievements in a special Viterbi Awards ceremony held on campus.
Fuzzy Logician Wins Excellence Award
May 08, 2008
Bart Kosko of the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering was one of three recipients of an excellence award from the USC Faculty Senate.
Viterbi Undergrads Make Waves
May 08, 2008
In January, Ed Maby and Adam Fincham's students were given a two-word assignment: "Smart Surfboards." By May, they'd gone surfing.
A Closer Look at Runway Incursions
May 06, 2008
A USC presidential scholar and top ISE student wins a research grant to study human factors in airport safety at LAX.
Michael Safonov Elected IFAC Fellow
May 05, 2008
The Ming Hsieh Department professor is a leader in the field of robust control.
Student Recognition Awards for Viterbi Trio
May 05, 2008
Christopher Leung, John McArthur and Ramnath Shenoy are 2008 Viterbi recipients of USC Student Recognition Awards.
USC Viterbi School Graduate Named President of Major Korean University
May 05, 2008
Sonny Astani Department alumnus Sung Woo Lee has been named president of Kookmin University, a leader in information technology in South Korea.
Two ISE Students Win Rose Hills Research Fellowships
May 02, 2008
Two industrial and systems engineering undergraduates have received 2008 Science and Engineering Fellowships from the Rose Hills Foundation to support their research in aviation and railway safety.
2008 Viterbi School Faculty and Staff Awards
April 29, 2008
Dean Yortsos recognizes exceptional teaching, research and service in the Viterbi School in his annual "State of the School" speech and awards luncheon.
In Memoriam: Ahmed M. Abdel-Ghaffar (1947-2008)
April 28, 2008
An internationally known USC civil engineer, Abdel-Ghaffar specialized in the analysis and monitoring of long span flexible bridges.
Mini-Origami: ISI Folds Up Tiny Packages for Drug Delivery
April 28, 2008
Egypt has its great pyramids; Viterbi now has its micropyramids
Caltech’s President  Addresses Green Campus Initiatives
April 25, 2008
Noted civil engineer Jean-Lou Chameau delivers the inaugural lecture for the Astani Department’s new Dorman Distinguished Lecture series.
Six Viterbi Faculty Win USC-Mellon Mentoring Awards
April 24, 2008
Six engineering faculty are recognized for mentoring that made a difference in lives of fellow faculty and/or students.
New Directions in Nuclear Energy
April 23, 2008
Faculty and students meet with NRC representative to discuss changing priorities as global energy demands increase.
Chilingar Named Honorary Professor of Russian Oil and Gas University
April 22, 2008
The professor emeritus was recognized for his significant contributions, scholarly writings and teaching awards in the area of oil and gas field development.
Viterbi School and Seoul National University Begin New Collaboration in Electrical Engineering
April 22, 2008
The Viterbi School and Seoul National University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin collaborative programs in digital communications, image and video signal processing and other areas of electrical engineering.
China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Viterbi School Join Forces
April 16, 2008
University officials from the Shanghai institution have entered into a new partnership with the Viterbi School to develop collaborative student and faculty research programs.
DETER Wins 2008 Excellence.Gov Honor
April 15, 2008
The Viterbi school's cyberdefense lab partnership wins an American Council for Technology (ACT) national award