Sustainability stories from the greater USC community in Los Angeles, the media and other organizations.
The Giant and the Bug: Kelp Restoration with Applied Microbiology
“What do you do for a living?” a woman asked, sitting across from me at a local bar.
“I’m a marine biologist,” I replied, watching her apathetic expression transform into wonder.
Symbiosis: Merging science, narrative, and cosmology to tell new stories about the environment
As a reader, a literary scholar, and a lover of history, I love following in the footsteps of my idols. Even after five years as a transplant, my eyes still twinkle when I traverse Los Angeles, home to many beloved writers and artists.
Ancient Invasions, Modern Warnings: What Fossils Tell Us About Migration in Response to Climate Change Before Human Arrival
Growing up near the ocean, I was fascinated by the small creatures I found in tide pools—slow-moving snails, tiny bivalves, and the colorful shells used by hermit crabs.
Honoring Jane Goodall’s legacy at USC Dornsife
The trailblazing primatologist helped to advance the study of great apes at the College, and left a lasting mark on its students and faculty.
Not Over Yet: War, Climate, and the Future of Vietnam
On my first-ever research trip to Vietnam, I was confronted with two extremes.
Empowering Resilience: Community Science in the Wake of the 2025 Los Angeles Fires
The smell of smoke lingered in the air for weeks, a quiet reminder of what the community had endured.
USC Architecture Unveils Jury and Awards for ShadeLA Shade Zones Competition
The USC School of Architecture is proud to announce the jury for the Shade Zones Design Competition.
AI, Climate, Housing, Olympics: Brett Steele and Other Architecture Deans Share What’s in Store this Fall Term
What’s on the minds of architecture deans this semester?
FridayFacts: Ep. 2 Rainwater Harvesting Systems
The second episode of our #FridayFacts video series features Paulina Oliva, Professor of Economics and Spatial Sciences at USC Dornsife, who is a recipient of a 2024-2026 Wrigley Institute Faculty Innovation Award.
Rachel Wang wins Merit Student Award from AIA California’s 2025 Urban Design Awards
Rachel Wang (B.Arch 2028) has received a Merit Student Award from AIA California’s 2025 Urban Design Awards for her project “The Flowscape.”
Game on: USC launches student design competition to bring shade to L.A. for 2028 and beyond
The annual competition invites students across the L.A. region to create modular shade structures that protect Angelenos from extreme heat and reimagine public spaces for a more resilient climate future.
Creating a Circular Carbon Economy: Methanol as a Liquid Hydrogen Carrier
We are on the cusp of a great energy transition.
The Global Ocean Microbiome: Studying Microbes in Southern California
The human microbiome is described as the collection of all the microorganisms in and on our bodies that contribute to our health and wellness.
Envisioning a future for Caribbean coral reefs: lessons in resilience and collaboration
It’s not always easy for scientists in my field to think about the future.
USC Students Win First Place in International Design for Freedom Competition
Their project, “Unmasking Greenwashing: Creating an Ethical Timber Supply Chain,” was recognized for its bold approach to addressing ethical sourcing and transparency in the global building materials supply chain.
California’s marine protected areas recognized as gold standard for conservation
Wrigley Marine Science Center’s Big Fisherman Cove is part of state network accepted to IUCN Green List.
USC students will continue community land care project in ARCH-546 with aid of two new grants
Students will work to revitalize Rainbow Canyon in Northeast Los Angeles with the aid of two new grants from the Rose Foundation and the Water Foundation totaling $115K.
How a Fast Food Feast Can Create a Toxic Beast: Investigating the Anthropogenic Impact of Toxic Algae Pseudo-nitzschia
Most of my childhood memories are rooted in the Florida Panhandle—white sand beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters, and vibrant marine life. It felt like paradise. But even amid those idyllic scenes, I remember moments of devastation: the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina, and most vividly, the toxic algal blooms.
#FridayFacts: Ep. 2 Rainwater Harvesting Systems
The second episode of our #FridayFacts video series features Paulina Oliva, Professor of Economics and Spatial Sciences at USC Dornsife, who is a recipient of a 2024-2026 Wrigley Institute Faculty Innovation Award. Her research explores a rainwater harvesting system developed in Mexico City as a response to water shortages.
From ocean corals to island foxes, Wrigley Institute experts seek to save threatened species
How USC Sea Grant and partners came together to save two species of fish during the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
Buried Alive: The Secret Life of Deep Earth Microbes
Discover a vast, previously unknown world of microbial life that survives — and even thrives — for hundreds of millions of years in some of the planet’s harshest environments.
Global Climate Change Leadership 2025: Students take the lead as future policy makers
Students from the University of Southern California participated in the Global Climate Change Leadership program hosted by The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU).
Long Live the Fire Fish
How USC Sea Grant and partners came together to save two species of fish during the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
Wildfires, falling EV interest and transit doubts test L.A. ahead of the 2028 Olympics
The latest USC Dornsife LABarometer survey finds Angelenos grappling with climate stress, doubting transit readiness for the Olympics and losing interest in electric vehicles.
Yo-Ichiro Hakomori is Recipient of SARA California 2025 Design Award
Beyond recognizing excellence in architectural and design projects within California, the SARA awards acknowledge the creativity, innovation, and social impact of architectural and design work.
Building Science Alum Barbara Aguirre on Core Skills for Future Sustainability Pioneers
Her unique background in mechanical engineering, combined with her dual Master’s degree, allows her to bring a fascinating perspective to anything she does with an in-depth understanding of building systems.