Environmental Engineering & Public Policy
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This episode of Viterbi Voices explores the intersection of environmental engineering and public policy through conversations with USC students Sam and Ellis, who are deeply involved in sustainability initiatives. They discuss their academic journeys, research in environmental chemistry and urban climate modeling, and hands-on projects like the Shade LA 2025 competition and solar-powered tables on campus. The episode highlights how engineering students are engaging with policy through lobbying efforts, student government collaboration, and advocacy work, emphasizing that engineering is not just technical but also deeply ethical and socially responsible. The hosts also reflect on the broader challenges in environmental engineering—such as its lack of clear identity and the need for more engineers in policymaking—while celebrating the opportunities USC provides for students to shape sustainable futures. The episode closes with lighthearted segments on LA experiences, personal stories, and campus life, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to showcase the vibrant, multidimensional Viterbi community. Key takeaways include: 1) Environmental engineering is a multidisciplinary field that thrives at the intersection of science, policy, and community action; 2) Students can drive real change through student-led initiatives like solar tables and policy consortia; 3) Engineering education must include ethics and real-world impact to prepare future leaders; 4) USC’s support for student involvement in sustainability and policy makes it a unique hub for civic engagement; 5) The future of infrastructure depends on engineers who can communicate complex ideas to non-technical audiences and advocate for equitable, sustainable solutions.
Environmental engineering is most impactful when combined with policy, community engagement, and real-world implementation.
Students can lead major sustainability projects like solar tables and Shade LA, even while still undergraduates.
Engineering education should emphasize ethics, communication, and civic responsibility, not just technical skills.
USC’s interdisciplinary environment and strong student support systems enable students to pursue diverse paths in sustainability.
The future of infrastructure depends on engineers who can bridge technical expertise with public policy and community needs.
Welcome to Viterbi Voices: Introducing the Team
The hosts introduce themselves and welcome Alex, a new guest host, who shares his background in civil engineering, leadership roles in student organizations, and his excitement for the episode's theme on environmental engineering and public policy.
Meet the Environmental Engineers: Sam and Ellis
Sam and Ellis introduce themselves, sharing their academic backgrounds, research in environmental chemistry and urban climate modeling, and their passion for sustainability. They reflect on their journey from computer science to environmental engineering and the role of mentorship in shaping their paths.
From Campus to City: Student-Led Sustainability Projects
“We want to make sure that we're representing student voices with these tables. We want to make sure that we're like checking off all the boxes that the students want, but also working with them to try to secure funding and making sure we're jumping through their hoops as well.”
Engineering Meets Policy: The Power of Student Advocacy
“I think my biggest goal is for both myself and others, more engineering and scientific minds need to be in policy. I think it's a huge thing.”
Challenges and Identity in Environmental Engineering
“Engineering is a mindset. It's a process and it can be applied anywhere and everywhere. And that's honestly the beauty of it.”
“I think my biggest goal is for both myself and others, more engineering and scientific minds need to be in policy. I think it's a huge thing.”
“Engineering is a mindset. It's a process and it can be applied anywhere and everywhere. And that's honestly the beauty of it.”
“We want to make sure that we're representing student voices with these tables. We want to make sure that we'm like checking off all the boxes that the students want, but also working with them to try to secure funding and making sure we're jumping through their hoops as well.”
Hosts
Guests
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
organization
Sam
person
Ellis
person
Alex
person
Paula Desma
person
Association of Energy Engineers
organization
Solar Tables Initiative
other
Hannah Fonseca
person
Shade LA 2025
other
Student Sustainability Committee
organization
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