September 2006

Donal Manahan Testifies on Capitol Hill
College biologist Donal Manahan, an expert on the Antarctic, testified about the importance of polar research before a Congressional committee in late September.

Building People Out of Paper
Salvador Plascencia is the author of imaginative, affecting fiction — and a doctoral student in the College's literature and creative writing program.

The Dust of Confusion
In his new book, USC College Dean Peter Starr explores the Paris Commune of 1871, its origins in an era of befuddlement and social upheaval, and its legacy in literature and film.

Lessons of Hope
The nine-year bond between USC College alumna Roxanne Aga and her mentee Hector Martinez is just one more example of her goal of changing the world, one life at a time.

Eyewitness to War
When Carol Wise of the USC School of International Relations went to Beirut this summer on a Fulbright award, she never planned on witnessing the beginning of a war.

Legal Leanings
The first installment of Alumni Careers takes a look at College alumni in the field of law. Dickran Tevrizian, Lauralee Gooch, Brandon Paradise and Juaneita Veron-Foster are featured.

Brain's Action Center Is All Talk
Lisa Aziz-Zadeh of the College's Brain and Creativity Institute leads an internatinoal research group investigating the difference between words and action in the brain.

USC Psychology Professor John Horn Dies
The groundbreaking researcher and well-loved faculty member passed away on Aug. 18 at the age of 77.

Out of the White, Into the Black
College writing instructor Janet Fitch's anticipated second novel explores the psychological consequences of loss through rich, raw metaphors.

Bringing Up (Cyber)Baby
USC College psychologist Frank Manis is bringing developmental psych instruction into the information age with The Virtual Child.

Nano Know-How
Jia Grace Lu, a new member of USC College's physics faculty, explores the nanoworld with an eye to creating the next generation of chemical sensors.

Conversation with Michael Quick
The neuroscientist and College dean of research shares his thoughts about when it's better to lie, why it's OK not to have it all figured out at 18 and how logic is just another word for rationalization.

Group Hire Makes Waves on Campus
Seven marine biologists join USC College in a bold hiring strategy that taps the expertise of each talented individual.

USC College Welcomes New Students
New freshman and transfer students were treated to a little lunch, a lot of fun and a few words of wisdom from USC College Dean Peter Starr.