TRADITION Fall 2005 &I NNOVATION

Haden on Giving

couple of years ago, I cele- brated my 50th birthday with family and a group of longtime friends. My TRADITION daughter — a graduate Aof Georgetown University — pointed &INNOV ATION out that most of the people at the party were USC alumni. She told me that even though her college experi- ence was a good one, it was clear that she would never have the same type of relationship with her alma mater. There was something about that moment that solidified my under- standing of the special connection that USC gradu- ates share. This so-called Trojan Family is a living, Tradition & Innovation breathing entity that bonds alumni USC College launches $400 million initiative from all over the world to this great Pat Haden institution. It is important for today’s n September, Dean Joseph Aoun announced a major initiative for USC actively seek to get ahead of the students to build a lifelong connection College that aims to meet “intensified competition for the best students and curve — we must lead the search for with USC College, and our job as faculty.” He said the initiative “will build on the rich base of the proud tradi- excellence. We must rethink the way alumni, friends, parents and support- tions of the university coupled with innovations that take us into the future.” we attend to our core missions of ers is to ensure that this happens. The Tradition & Innovation initiative aims to gener- USC College formally launched Iate $400 million in new funding by the time it is concluded the Tradition & Innovation fund-rais- in 2010. ing initiative on September 13, 2005, Funds raised by the initiative are crucial to the realization with a celebration at the new of the College’s ambitious plan to become one of the Molecular & Computational Biology nation’s best colleges within a private research university Building. I am chair of the steering within a decade, Aoun said. committee, which is made up of some Heading up the College’s steering committee for the ini- of the College’s most distinguished tiative is Pat Haden — alumnus (’75, English, magna cum laude, Phi Beta teaching and research.” leaders. We mean to raise $400 million Kappa), football quarterback for three Rose Bowl appearances and two national The explosive growth of knowl- over five years to support outstanding championships, USC trustee and member of the College Board of Councilors. edge and rapid changes in industries students and faculty, research for the In many ways, USC College is stronger than ever, Haden noted. “Our goal,” and the workforce that have accom- future, innovative academic programs he said, “is to continue the ascent that USC has made in the last decade.” panied it call for a more dynamic and institutional partnerships. While recognizing the untold success of USC during its 125-year history, approach to education. “We must pre- Our goal is to continue the tremen- Aoun said the College must keep pace with ever-quickening developments in pare students for a lifetime of dous ascent that has defined USC in society and academe. “We cannot rest on our laurels,” he said, “and we must continued on page 3 continued on page 2

Tradition & Innovation VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2

Educational Innovative Academic Faculty Research Shaping Mission Partnerships Environment Excellence with Impact Southern PAGE 4 PAGE 8 PAGE 10 PAGE 12 PAGE 18 California PA GE 24 PHOTOS BY PHIL CHANNING; HADEN PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT HADEN; YEAST CELLS COURTESY OF S. FORSBURG LAB; HISTORICAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN position the College as the leader in the study of visual history, an increas- ingly important medium for recording Maintaining Momentum the history of humanity. This extraordinary opportunity is just one example of the unique and “ innovative partnerships that can be he very words speak for themselves: education, attract and retain excellent created through the Tradition & Tradition. A sense of the past, faculty, and lead the pioneering Innovation initiative — and must be such as a university with deep roots changes that drive modern society. sustained in the coming years to move in the 19th century. Innovation. The realization of partnerships with forward and achieve our ambitious TThis is a university on the cutting edge of renowned institutions like the goal. contemporary culture. And then, Huntington Library and Getty The success of the Tradition & Initiative. Let’s begin something anew. Museum is one of the ways that the Innovation fund-raising initiative lies Dean Joseph Aoun All of these terms together evoke a College will remain on the cutting with all of you: USC College’s faculty, sense that the College is now reaching a edge. students, alumni, parents and friends. new plateau.” You might have read by now about educational purpose for this genera- I am grateful for your continued —USC University Professor Kevin Starr the Survivors of the Shoah Visual tion and for future generations who involvement as we maintain the cre- History Foundation becoming a part must learn about the atrocities of the ativity and commitment that will Historian Kevin Starr’s observation of USC College in January. This part- Holocaust and genocide. move us toward our goal of becoming aptly captures what makes USC nership between the College, with its Our partnership with the Shoah one of the best and most relevant col- College unique in comparison to peer deep commitment to fostering Foundation will provide the building leges in the nation. academic institutions. The College research for the common good, and blocks on which to develop ground- has been the intellectual core of USC the Shoah Foundation, which holds breaking approaches to the study of since its inception 125 years ago, and the most extensive visual history history and culture, while preserving today we are shaping the most inno- archive in the world, is unique in one of the most important collection vative teaching and research higher education. of testimonials of our time. The new Joseph Aoun paradigms on the globe. We have Steven Spielberg established the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Dean of USC College charted our own path, undeterred by Shoah Foundation to preserve testi- Visual History and Education will Anna H. Bing Professor the confines of previous academic monies of survivors and other conventions. witnesses to the Holocaust. USC is Today, we must embark on a new committed to the preservation of this course to further the momentum collection, the largest of its kind, LEADING THE WAY we’ve been building over the last few which is comprised of 52,000 audio- years. visual testimonies in 32 languages. The Tradition & Innovation fund- When the Shoah Foundation Initiative Set in Motion raising initiative — the feature of this becomes part of the College, it will special edition of the USC College continue to pursue its mission of over- magazine — will allow us to continue coming intolerance. These profound Gala honors inaugural recipients of Dean’s Medallion to offer our students an outstanding visual testimonies have a tremendous

n Haden on Giving dents the skills they need to be suc- Sept. continued from page 1 cessful throughout a life that may 13, include multiple careers. USC the last decade. We need to educate USC is now a seven-day-a-week OPresident Steven students in novel ways, to create new campus. Students today need more B. Sample, USC research paradigms and to attract top- resources and access to new technolo- College Dean notch students and faculty. We can gy than those 20 years ago. Access to Joseph Aoun and never be satisfied to rest on our lau- multimedia and other technologies USC Trustee rels. We must always be looking for demand innovation in faculty teaching Patrick C. Haden the next big thing in order to create a methods. The new challenges and formally launched distinct signature for ourselves. opportunities have energized our fac- USC College’s In my role as chair, I frequently tell ulty members, who have shown true largest-ever fund- fellow alumni and colleagues that at creativity in designing new advanced raising initiative, the core the Tradition & Innovation and general education courses. Tradition & initiative seeks to raise consciousness USC College’s connection to the Innovation, at a From left: Patrick Haden, USC President Steven B. Sample, Dana about USC College. The key is to Southern California community has gala banquet on Dornsife, David Dornsife and Dean Joseph Aoun at the Sept. 13 Tradition & Innovation kick-off celebration. The Dornsifes received continue the climb to new heights always made us distinctive. We have the University the inaugural Dean’s Medallion for Commitment to Innovation. without losing the magical quality that the responsibility of remaining a con- Park campus. makes USC College one of a kind — stant influence to the people In its quest to become one of the alumni, parents and benefactors who the Trojan Family spirit. surrounding our campuses. Our best colleges within a private research have helped propel the College to Every great academic institution research programs will directly affect university, USC College plans to raise excellence. The 2005 awards went to must have an exceptional liberal arts the betterment of humankind. $400 million by 2010. MaryLou and George Boone, Lois and college. USC College’s uniqueness lies As supporters of USC College, the “We are launching the Tradition & Robert Erburu, and Dana and David in the fact that it offers both the advan- participation of every friend and sup- Innovation initiative at a time when Dornsife. tages of a major research institution porter is integral to the success of this the role of a successful college within “The inaugural recipients of the and, with its dedication to education, very important fund-raising initiative a research university is rapidly evolv- Dean’s Medallion have exhibited the benefits of a smaller college. that will have an enormous impact on ing,” said Aoun. “The initiative will altruism and leadership that has given Everyone from President Steven B. the next generation of Trojans. elevate USC College — the core of USC College new energy,” said Aoun. Sample to National Academy of USC — so that it can attain the high- “Their generosity has enabled us to Sciences members and Pulitzer Prize- est level of accomplishment.” elevate the quality of our educational winning authors spend time teaching A highlight of the evening was the and research programs, and create and interacting with students. This Best wishes, inauguration of the USC College exciting, innovative pathways for both allows USC College to give our stu- Patrick C. Haden (’75) Dean’s Medallion, which recognizes students and faculty.” ■ AOUN AND DEAN’S MEDALLION PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING

2 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Tradition & Innovation

Tradition & Innovation Initiative continued from page 1 multiple careers — including some that do not exist today,” Aoun said. In addition, “many new discoveries and new fields are being made outside the boundaries of traditional fields and disciplines, often at their intersec- tions,” he said. “We also see that the complexity of modern life and the issues at the fore- front of public concern demand insights available only through the var- ied tools and methodologies of multiple disciplines,” Aoun continued. “A case in point: genomics. There are numerous scientific, social, policy — and ethical — dimensions that must be taken into account for a rounded approach to some of its fundamental issues.” When he assumed the deanship in 2000, Aoun mapped out a plan for the College’s growth and advance- ment. It was a bold plan that would separate USC College from its com- petitors. “We seek not to emulate our competitors, but to chart a bold, new course,” Aoun said. “Doing what others have already done leaves you behind.” USC College has already made substantial progress on the priority financial support so that the new pro- such as computational biology, geobi- Southern California and a duty to areas identified in the plan. These grams would appeal to the very best ology and American studies and ensure it remains economically com- include: candidates, those being widely sought ethnicity. Existing fields such as reli- petitive and culturally vibrant. New by other major research universities. gion, classics and art history were opportunities for service learning were Faculty — Important changes were New university-wide Ph.D. programs recast with creative approaches. At created and research institutes began made to the research and teaching in economics and history were insti- the same time, leaders assured that to focus on understanding issues that environment to facilitate multidiscipli- tuted, modeled on the successful the core disciplines that undergird impact the region, such as coastal pol- nary research that examines issues of program in neuroscience. To ensure dynamic, interdisciplinary scholarship lution, fisheries management and practical societal importance. This that students have an opportunity to were nurtured and strengthened. immigration. Innovative outreach pro- effort was embedded in a faculty hir- participate in meaningful work that grams, such as the one created in ing initiative to bring 100 outstanding crosses traditional academic bound- Partnerships — Leaders stimulat- partnership with Quiksilver, Inc. that senior scholars and younger “rising aries, graduate certificates will soon ed the launching of innovative promotes science education, targets stars” to the relatively small USC school children from kindergarten College faculty. To date, nearly 80 through high school. new senior professors and 90 promis- ing junior faculty have been hired, Infrastructure — Among more than dramatically upgrading an already out- “...We seek not to emulate our competitors, 200 renovation and modernization standing faculty, while increasing its projects, the College has completed size and scope. but to chart a bold, new course...” construction on two state-of-the-art buildings: the cutting-edge Molecular Undergraduate Education — & Computational Biology Building Determined to strengthen the core — Dean Joseph Aoun and the Dana and David Dornsife mission of the College, general educa- Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging tion courses were redesigned and a Center. Both are designed to facilitate host of innovative new majors and scholarship and training at the fron- minors were added. Opportunities for be offered in fields such as visual partnerships both inside and outside tiers of knowledge. service learning, undergraduate studies, religion and urban studies. the university. These partnerships, research and overseas study were These changes have enabled the such as ones with the Getty Research “The success of the Tradition & enhanced. The increased focus, many College to better compete for top Institute and the Huntington Library, Innovation initiative will fulfill many believe, has led to the notable rise in students and enhance students’ pro- leverage resources, enhance recruit- aspirations,” Aoun said. “Many univer- the entering freshman class’ average fessional prospects. ment, create new graduate programs sities can’t keep up with the current SAT score, which rivals that of peer and promote interdisciplinary teach- pace of change. We can’t let that hap- institutions. Research — Sponsored research in ing and research. Formal partnerships pen here. We are counting on our the College doubled by 2005, reach- and collaborations that cut across all friends to support us in our quest for Graduate Education — To ing $56 million annually, making the boundaries — from department and an even better USC College. We improve on already noteworthy grad- College the top grant-getting school school to university and nation — believe that, with their help, our strat- uate programs, College faculty on the University Park campus. were created. egy of maintaining traditions that work orchestrated an effort to build and Leaders began to build prominence while embracing change will make reorganize programs, working with in emerging fields of study that prom- The Region — The College recog- USC College one of the top American College leadership to strengthen ise to pay huge dividends to society, nized that it has a social contract with research colleges.” ■ PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 3 Priority: Educational Mission

depth allows USC College students to develop the methodological sophisti- The Undergraduate Mission cation and inventiveness that will allow them to create forms of knowl- College prepares students for lifetime of learning edge none of us can yet imagine,” said Starr. To further inspire them toward that end and help attract the nation’s finest reshmen entering USC College students to USC College, Starr recent- are like adventurers discovering ly instituted a College Honors Society. a hidden treasure chest. The The Society joins a range of programs treasure? A philosophy that meant to encourage students to pursue Fencourages them to dig deep to academic excellence, integrating exist- expand their minds and futures, ing honors programs such as Thematic backed by a choice of 80 majors and Option and Freshman Science Honors 50 minors and an array of programs with departmental honors curricula. designed to enrich the undergraduate As word has gotten out about the experience. rising quality of an education at USC Dean Joseph Aoun sees this philos- College, enrollment and average SAT ophy as one firmly grounded in the scores have spiraled up. In 2005, more role and mission of the university: “As than 16,500 students applied for 1,200 our mission statement says, we are slots. The class of 2009 has an average ‘committed to the creation, preserva- SAT score of 1372 and an average tion and communication of GPA of 4.08. fundamental knowledge in all its The enlightened undergraduate forms. College faculty endeavor to Associate Professor Margaret Russett dis- experience has elevated the entire awaken in each student an apprecia- cusses literary theory al fresco with students university into the ranks of just 16 in her English class. tion for critical thinking, and a national “Leadership Institutions” profound understanding of the prob- designated by the Association of lems and aspirations of human That shift required some real American Colleges and Universities, a societies, past and present, as well as a changes in the College’s approach to recognition based on USC’s “visionary lifelong passion for learning and a education. The College represents the campus-wide innovations in under- commitment to the betterment of foundation of the university’s liberal graduate education.” society.’” arts education from which all under- The ways students take advantage The College’s teaching philosophy graduates launch their collegiate of College offerings differs from per- also reflects the changing realities of careers and the majority graduate. sciences, and minors such as critical son to person. the job market. Today’s students will Over the past decade, the College has approaches to leadership, American Kenneth Basin, an international likely engage in multiple careers, led the revision of the general educa- popular culture, global communica- relations major who minors in natural some that haven’t yet been invented tion curriculum, expanded and created tion, and forensics and criminality. science and critical approaches to — or even imagined. programs based on experiential learn- “We urge our students to explore leadership, wanted a deeper under- “We aren’t just preparing our stu- ing, and strongly encouraged students the full range of academic work in the standing of international security dents for their first job, but rather for a to pursue both a major and a minor. College, to choose majors and minors issues. A Gold Family Scholarship lifetime of learning,” said Peter Starr, The College has expanded student from fundamentally different areas of enabled him to spend a semester professor of French and comparative choice with the introduction of innova- inquiry — art history and geography, studying at King’s College in London, literature and dean for undergraduate tive, interdisciplinary majors, such as for instance, or East Asian languages living and learning with students from programs in the College. health and humanity and neuro- and physics. Pursuing breadth with continued on page 6

Winning Gold Scholarship supports life-changing overseas studies

herry blossom petals covered a and Ilene Gold, who were newlyweds Japan and began teaching high school glassy lake. Skyscrapers tow- when Stanley entered USC Law English. After a spring wedding, the ered over 16th century School in 1964. A USC trustee since couple plans to return to the Pacific Buddhist temples. Neon lights 1993 and now the board’s chairman, coast, where Heizenrader wants to Cblazed across the night sky. Stanley Gold also serves as a law attend law school. Shortly after Courtney school councilor. He is chief executive During her time abroad, Heizenrader’s arrival in Japan in the officer of Shamrock Holdings, Inc., an Heizenrader’s host “mother” taught fall of 2003, she had fallen under its international investment company. her how to wear a kimono. The fami- spell. Ilene Gold serves as a councilor of ly knew no English, so Heizenrader, Thanks to a Gold Family USC College. who spoke some Japanese, became Scholarship, Heizenrader was able to Recently, the Golds announced a fluent. Her appreciation for the lan-

study at Tokyo International Ilene and Stanley Gold generous leadership commitment to guage and culture continues to grow. University, where she became smit- the Tradition & Innovation initiative, “Everything here is beautiful,” the ten by more than Japanese studied abroad at a college near which will further support the College’s 23-year-old said from Japan. “I find it aesthetics. At the campus in Saitama, Portland, Oregon — her hometown. educational mission and priorities. an interesting mix of very old and tra- she met her future fiancé, fellow stu- Heizenrader was one of a few After Heizenrader graduated in 2004 ditional and very new and modern. dent, Yuji Haraguchi. The pair might students that year to receive the with majors in history and East Asian When I go to Tokyo, I feel at home.” have met a year earlier, when he annual award, named for Stanley languages and cultures, she returned to —Pamela J. Johnson UNDERGRADUATE PHOTOS BY PHIL CHANNING

4 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 stumped scientists for years: how one The Graduate Mission enzyme vital to immunity works. The enzyme, called AID, is crucial to Training the scholars and scientists of tomorrow mounting an immune response to disease. Children without the enzyme die at a very young age of infections. Her work may lead to the hat will ability to counter this while opening tomorrow be an entire area of immune studies for like? See the molecular biochemical analysis. future clearly When Dean Aoun first announced Wthrough the graduate pro- his intention to transform the grams in USC College: College into one of the top ten- Graduate students must ranked schools in the nation, do it all — learn, teach, graduate programs quickly emerged mentor and create new as one of his top priorities. They got knowledge. As USC an additional boost this fall with the College is the heart and appointment of Jennifer Wolch as the soul of the university, so first dean to focus solely on graduate graduate students can programs in the College. claim a similar role in the “Excellence in graduate education College. and training is a core value in the A measure of their value College,” said Wolch, a professor of is the fact that all great geography and director of the USC universities seek to entice Center for Sustainable Cities. “We the best graduating seniors are committed to attracting top-flight to their Ph.D. graduate Biologist Michelle Arbeitman, seated, discusses an experiment with graduate students in her lab. graduate students here and to give programs. USC College is them the best possible scholarly in the thick of the scramble experience.” to get the crème de la crème. ular biologist Ronda Bransteitter edge. She was recently honored for Aoun concurred. “Strong graduate Competing toe-to-toe with peers work at the cutting edge of knowl- helping solve a problem that had continued on page 20 such as Stanford, Harvard, NYU, UCLA, UCSD and UC Berkeley means subsidizing the graduate edu- cation with grants and stipends to cover such things as tuition, living A Gift of Time costs, research expenses and even health insurance. Annenberg Fellowship supports study of unique church and its AIDS program “Because the overall goal is to be among the best colleges in a private research university setting, we are Pamela Leong was in a tricky situ- ence. At the College’s humanities and social using our endowment funds to ation. the outset, sciences departments are eligible. accomplish this,” according to The USC doctoral candidate had Leong told Leong’s dissertation explores College Dean Joseph Aoun. decided to do her dissertation church how this congregation meets the One benchmark is where students research about an African-American members needs of its parishioners without go when they finish their graduate church that offers AIDS prevention she was compromising its religious and education. A cross section of anthro- and intervention services to women there to do moral traditions. She said she was pologists, neurobiologists, molecular and children. Her plan relied on the research. deeply moved by what the church biologists, chemists, historians, inter- willingness of affected parishioners Although Pwasarkside doing International for a largely Residential ignored College seg- national relations specialists, to share their stories. At first, few some isment an integral of society. part of She USC recalled serving as one a cen- Pamela Leong ter for internationally oriented cultural, mathematicians and psychologists volunteered. members academicwoman, anda former social crack-cocaineevents on campus. have gone on to serve postdoctoral The innovative church, Unity were forthcoming, most were not. addict, who told her the church fellowships at Harvard, Yale, Fellowship, on Jefferson Boulevard Only after attending the church regu- was the only place that accepted Georgetown, Dartmouth, Stanford, near the Crenshaw District, was larly for three years did reluctant her. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the founded primarily for non-tradi- members begin to open up. “There’s an authenticity about Smithsonian, UC Berkeley, Brown tional African-Americans in 1982, It would have been extremely diffi- the people at Unity, which I also and Oxford. when the AIDS epidemic was cult to dedicate that amount of time find to be true for many marginal- Some recent graduates of USC doc- emerging in the United States. A and effort without the support of a ized groups, that is lacking among toral programs already have found large portion of Unity’s congrega- Wallis Annenberg Fellowship, Leong the more privileged individuals and tenure-track professorships: anthropol- tion is low-income and AIDS- said. She was among several graduate groups,” said Leong, who aims to ogist Caroline Rouse at Princeton; affected. students who received the fellowship eventually find a position at a liberal geographer Andreas C.W. Baas at “I’m Asian-American, I have no last year. arts college or research university. King’s College in London; linguistics religious affiliations, I’m not HIV- Since 2001, Annenberg has She hopes her work helps “take scholar Elena Herburger at positive and, as a graduate student, awarded an annual fellowship to out- away the stigma, the shame and the Georgetown; mathematician Haiyan I’m technically not economically at standing graduate students whose pain from people. Huang at UC Berkeley; mathemati- the margins,” said Leong, who research deals with potentially life- “I hope it opens up the dialogue cian Matei Stroila at the Univ. of hopes to have her Ph.D. in sociolo- threatening issues facing women and about some of the controversial Virginia; and Slavic linguist Mikhail gy by the end of 2006. “As an children. The fellowship provides issues in the mainstream religious Gronas at Dartmouth, to mention a outsider in a research setting, it was tuition — $17,160 for 2005-06 recipi- institutions and empowers those few. a challenge.” ents — and health and dental affected.” Graduate students such as molec- It took old-fashioned persist- insurance for one year. Students in —Pamela J. Johnson ARBEITMAN PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; LEONG COURTESY OF P.

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 5 Priority: Educational Mission

continue to build and maintain the Dean Appoints New Administration world-class College faculty, while mak- ing it better reflect the diversity of the Chosen for their leadership, energy, creativity and commitment students and the community it serves.” Quick wants to help both junior and senior faculty members improve SC their research programs. “I look for- College ward to partnering with all my faculty Dean colleagues, and with the other deans, Joseph to continue the College’s forward UAoun has momentum and upward trajectory,” appointed his he said. “My office is committed to new administra- doing whatever it takes to assist our tion, and in an junior faculty in establishing their innovative move, research programs and our senior fac-

expanded the Peter Starr Jennifer Wolch Wayne Raskind Michael Quick ulty in maintaining and expanding dean of academ- their scholarship in new and creative ic programs into two posts — one dean over the years, and that office has opportunities, time-tested honors pro- ways. for undergraduate programs and been doing a stellar job on many grams, experiential learning — with “Although the College is number another for graduate programs. fronts,” Aoun said. “We have added a much more to come.” one on the University Park campus in A new dean of faculty and dean of variety of innovative approaches to our Wolch vowed to pursue excellence the amount of external grant funding research were also selected. The four undergraduate program, and at the in College graduate education pro- received, we have only scratched the new deans began five-year terms in same time, we have dramatically grams. “I’m excited about the surface of our research potential in the July. increased our investment in graduate opportunity to work collaboratively natural sciences, social sciences and The appointments were made after programs. Many of our programs have with my colleagues to recruit top-flight humanities,” Quick said. an exhaustive internal search by mem- been updated and we have bolstered graduate students,” she said. “I want In August, Aoun announced the bers of the College Deans Search university-wide programs in neuro- to help make their experience here appointment of David Román, profes- Committee. After broad consultation, science, economics and history.” intellectually rich and productive, and sor of English and American studies there was a clear consensus that the Peter Starr, professor of French and help them forge rewarding scholarly and ethnicity, as director of faculty undergraduate and graduate compo- comparative literature, serves as the and professional career paths.” development for the College, a new nents might be better served if split new dean of undergraduate academic The remaining two new deans position created this year. Working apart and overseen by separate deans, programs, while Jennifer Wolch, pro- were appointed to oversee the critical with Raskind, Román will focus on said Aoun. fessor of geography and director of the areas of faculty recruitment and reten- strengthening junior faculty mentor- “In order to stay competitive for Center for Sustainable Cities, is dean tion, and the expansion of the College ing, minority faculty recruitment and the best and brightest students, we of the graduate programs. research enterprise. Wayne Raskind, the development of a lively intellectu- needed to rethink many of our earlier Starr and Wolch are thrilled about professor of mathematics, was appoint- al community that will benefit the paradigms,” he said. their new roles. ed dean of faculty, while Michael careers of all scholars. Under this new structure, graduate “Undergraduate education is, in Quick, professor of biological sciences, “This appointment reflects our and undergraduate programs will now many ways, the heart and soul of what was selected dean of research. serious commitment to boost mentor- benefit from the clear and undivided we do in USC College,” Starr said. Of his new post, Raskind said: ing and to improving ethnic and attention of a single dean’s focus. “The College offers exciting interdis- “Following the fine work of my two gender diversity in the College,” Aoun “The portfolio of the dean of aca- ciplinary majors and minors, predecessors as dean of faculty [Beth said. demic programs has been growing significant research and mentoring Meyerowitz and Dean Aoun], I will —Kirsten Holguin

The Undergraduate Mission through service learning programs Dean’s Prize continued from page 4 offered by the College Joint around the world. The College offers Educational Project (JEP). The same more than 40 study abroad programs programs enable USC and its partners on six continents for students to gain to enhance the quality of life in the firsthand knowledge of other lands, neighborhood. cultures and traditions. “USC College believes that com- His classmate, psychobiology munity-based service learning should major Yizhou Du spent the summer benefit not only the community, but studying gene expression in brain also our students who participate in cells with University Professor Caleb it,” said Aoun. “Many colleges pro- Finch, a leading expert on aging. mote community-based learning as They are searching for ways to pro- part of the standard curriculum. At tect the brain from Alzheimer’s USC, we are famous for it.” disease. Additional funding has led “We give students every opportu- to more undergraduates engaging in nity to acquire useful skills and to original research than ever before, develop a sense of responsibility to said Michael Quick, professor of their communities and to each other,” biological sciences and the College’s Starr said. “We expose them to ideas, dean of research. perspectives and cultures other than Religion and biology student Anita their own, which helps them grow Dean Joseph Aoun (left) and College Councilor Debra Reed (2nd from right) honored Nageswaran, who volunteered at a into resourceful, fully engaged citi- undergraduates (from left) Nathan Go, Jennifer Rogla and Joshua Hornstein, recipients of the inaugural College Dean’s Prize for the Enrichment of Student Academic Life, in April. local foster care agency, is one of zens of our 21st century world.” Go’s proposal for a “USC Writer’s House” won first place; Rogla and Kristine Quinio’s more than 2,000 USC students who That’s something anyone would “Interdisciplinary Thematic Courses” and Hornstein’s “Becoming a Physician” proposals have enriched their education treasure. ■ were selected as runners up from nearly 50 submissions. STARR,QUICK AND RASKIND PHOTOS BY PHIL CHANNING; WOLCH PHOTO COURTESY OF J. WOLCH; DEAN’S PRIZE BRIAN MORRI/211 PHOTOGRAPHY

6 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Seeing the World Helping Out The Ross N. Berkes Scholarship The Arnold W. Bramlett Scholarship

oss Rio de hen Berkes Janeiro, Arnold was the was award- Bramlett director ed the was an Rof the school of Berkes Wundergraduate at international rela- Fellowship. USC, he had to tions from 1949 Silva used the work part-time to to 1976 — the scholarship as pay his own way. “I longest serving a pre-disserta- didn’t even inquire director of an aca- tion award to about scholarships,” demic discipline Guilherme Silva, a doctoral candidate in internation- conduct a fea- he said. At the time in the history of al relations, and Bob Berkes, son of Ross Berkes. sibility test in he thought funds Arnold Bramlett, Shaheen Munir and Camilla Bramlett USC College. Brazil to nar- were only available Hundreds of his students became row down his area of research. for athletes. eon in April, they discussed her back- ambassadors, political advisers to presi- The award allowed him to travel to But his collegiate experience — he ground — her mother is from Fiji and dents and legislators in different São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro to con- graduated with a B.S. in accounting in her father from Pakistan — and her countries. Berkes’ legacy is continued duct a preliminary investigation into 1953 — was the impetus for the estab- studies of psychology, her major, and through the Ross N. Berkes the foreign investment relationship lishment of the Arnold W. Bramlett her research project on bilingual edu- Scholarship Fund. between Brazil and Angola. After his Scholarship. Bramlett and his wife, cation. “Our family has been involved in trip, Silva “decided to focus instead on Camilla, created the fund in 1986, Munir will use the scholarship for the school of international relations for the power, economic and social struc- initially to provide resources to low- tuition and textbooks. the better part of 60 years,” his son tural relations underlying the overall income students. The fund now bene- “It is a great honor to be selected. I Bob said. “It was important for us to process of globalization — what I call fits middle-income students with greatly appreciate the support and continue supporting the program, and global relations.” financial need. generosity of the Bramletts,” she said. giving students the opportunity to His dissertation will now map the “I wanted to help someone that Geefay is also using the money for study abroad.” concepts and terms that form the might need assistance pursuing their tuition. She plans to pursue a doctor- Berkes said his father was heavily grammar of global relations that is rec- education,” he said. ate in counseling psychology and to involved in the establishment of the ognized by such global players as This year’s recipients included work with families and teenagers. overseas programs to Germany and multinational corporations, state offi- Helena Geefay, a sophomore from Bramlett has enjoyed meeting the England. “It’s a natural interest that cials and non-governmental Cupertino, Calif., majoring in psychol- students. “I am interested in their has been worth perpetuating,” he organizations, which he said, “ulti- ogy and creative writing, and Shaheen fields of study and their careers,” he said. mately justifies their behavior and Munir, a junior from San Francisco. said, reiterating, “We did it to help This year, Guilherme de Araujo policy-making.” When Munir and Bramlett met at people out.” Silva, a fifth-year Ph.D. student from —Katherine Yungmee Kim the Scholarship Recognition Lunch- —Katherine Yungmee Kim

French remedy that worked for him, international affairs and aid me in my The Cycle of Generosity bottled it, and prescribed it to others studies of foreign relations,” said the — creating Mayr’s Wonderful sophomore international relations Remedy, a $9,000-a-month business. major. George H. Mayr Foundation Scholarship Eventually, he moved to Southern USC Trustee Pat Haden (’75), California, where he pursued real who is on the College’s Board of estate. Councilors, chairs the Mayr oberto Gonzales has been As someone who never earned Foundation. Although he never met named a Mayr Scholar — a college degree, Mayr believed Mayr, he credited the philanthropist not once but twice. A sen- in the opportunities of education with having great foresight. “All he ior from Fremont, Calif., and helped several students was trying to do was help people Rmajoring in political science, with a financially pursue their academic chase their dreams,” he said. minor in news media and society, dreams. In 1949, he formally Haden said that the $25 million Gonzales said that he has used established the George H. Mayr trust uses its proceeds to help students both scholarships to help his par- Foundation. He asked that sup- from some 67 schools in California. He ents pay for the cost of college. port be available to California said the Mayr Foundation also sup- “I feel honored to be a recipient students, who have at least fin- ports many inner-city high school of this scholarship multiple times,” ished the eighth grade, and who students. “Kids tend to underdream,” Gonzales said. “When I met the Pat Haden, center, and scholarship recipi- would not use the funds to study he said. “We want them to have legiti- administrators of the scholarship, I was ents Bert Gonzales and Alexandra McElroy medicine. (Apparently, Mayr had a mate, big-term dreams.” told about Mr. Mayr and his wonder- bone to pick with doctors, as no one The message Haden wants to ful contributions. I became amazed at child, he wanted to be a doctor, but it had ever properly diagnosed his ail- deliver to recipients is to pass on the how this man could overcome sickness was an impossible dream due to the ment.) generosity. “I tell them, ‘You’ve never and other obstacles.” prohibitively expensive educational Alexandra McElroy, another 2004-5 met George Mayr and he did some- George Henry Mayr, born in 1868 costs. In his late 30s, he contracted recipient, will use her scholarship to thing nice for you. Do something nice in Illinois, was a self-made entrepre- typhoid fever, which led to a chronic travel to Spain. “I hope that studying for someone who comes after you.’” neur and real estate developer. As a stomach disorder. He discovered a abroad will broaden my perspective on — Katherine Yungmee Kim BERKES, BRAMLETT AND MAYR PHOTOS BY BRIAN MORRI

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 7 Priority: Innovative Partnerships

Joining Forces From casual collaborations to independent institutes, USC College partnerships foster innovative scholarship and expand educational opportunity

esides bringing the best fac- centers and institutes. able to present them with a diverse ulty to campus, USC College “We recognized early in the forma- interdisciplinary platform bringing has found another way to tion of our strategic plan that neurosciences, the humanities, social amplify its intellectual partnerships represent opportunities” sciences, education, communication Bresources while zeroing in on particu- said USC College Dean Joseph Aoun. and cinema together as partners.” lar issues and opportunities: “They enable us to leverage our An entire new field has grown up partnerships. resources, introduce innovative in USC College over the past few Joining forces approaches into tra- years and now, working with the with others, ditional fields and Getty Research Institute, a graduate both within to bring together program in the emerging area of the and outside of dissimilar compo- history and display of art collecting the university, nents that can has been established, led by art histo- bolsters inter- generate exciting rian Malcolm Baker. Selma Holo, disciplinary new fields. We professor of art history, leads the Art historian Malcolm Baker directs a pro- gram on the history and practice of art teaching and were right on all College’s new museum studies pro- collecting in partnership with the Getty research, enrich- scores.” gram, which she has taken Research Institute. es the student Two new part- transnational, training museum direc- experience and nerships were tors and curators from throughout the years, the Program in Biomedical and makes valuable formed with the world in a program that also benefits Biological Sciences (PIBBS) and the contributions to Huntington Library USC students. USC Neuroscience Graduate the Southern Historian Peter Mancall leads the USC- in San Marino. The “These are examples of many peo- Program, which is led by College fac- Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute. California Huntington-USC ple from many parts of our faculty ulty. College scholars are instrumental region. As the Institute on sharing visions and then rolling up in both interdisciplinary training pro- fall 2005 semester began, a total of 50 California and the West and the USC- their sleeves to make them happen,” grams. such centers were anchored in the Huntington Early Modern Studies said Aoun. “This will spawn similar And then there’s the biggest of College, linking the College with Institute have attracted widespread ventures in areas both related and them all, the Southern California other USC schools and institutions notice and independent funding. unrelated, I predict.” Earthquake Center, a consortium of throughout Southern California, the They give USC historians unparal- Within USC, the College has 15 core institutions with scientists par- nation and the globe. leled access to Huntington’s worked to over- ticipating from an The partnerships range from sim- world-class archives, an arrangement come additional 54 insti- ple collaborations among a few that has attracted an influx of curious longstanding tutions that is professors in a USC department to scholars and yielded an outpouring of divisions headquartered in partnerships among dozens of profes- original research. between funda- USC College. sors in several USC schools and “The Huntington’s phenomenal mental and Federally funded, comprehensive regional and national archive is tantalizing to scholars,” said applied research, SCEC scientists centers involving scores of universities William Deverell, director of the developing rich study earthquakes and institutions. Some of these part- Institute on California and the West alliances with in Southern who joined the USC faculty as a pro- USC’s profes- California, inte- fessor of history following eight years sional schools, grate new findings as a Caltech faculty member. “The such as the into a comprehen- rare material, ranging from personal Interdisciplinary sive and predictive and business papers to photographs, Drug Design Hanna Damasio, director of the Dornsife understanding of maps and government documents, is Program, where Neuroscience Imaging Center, and her hus- earthquake phe- band Antonio established a multidiscipli- invaluable to people who really want graduate stu- nary research institute by partnering with nomena and to understand the history of the west- dents from the other USC schools and institutions. communicate ern United States in the last 250 College and the results from their years. With this partnership in place, pharmacy school work with chemists work to increase earthquake aware- my colleagues and I believe we will and pharmacologists to better under- ness, reduce economic losses and save be able to recruit the best and bright- stand the interdisciplinary model of lives. est graduate students from around the rational drug discovery that is quickly Plans for new centers are on the country.” becoming the norm in both industry horizon. A few of the stand-outs are Selma Holo reached out to museum col- leagues in L.A. and around the globe to Another innovative center is the and academia. Within USC, joint cen- an interdisciplinary center for the create the International Museum Institute. new USC Institute for the Neurolo- ters have also been established to study of vision and an emerging cen- gical Study of Emotion and Creativity. study the multidisciplinary fields of ter, to be run by the Wrigley Institute nerships bring distinguished new Founded this fall by neuroscientists high performance computing, interna- for Environmental Studies, to study faculty to campus, often in visiting or Antonio and Hanna Damasio, the tional public diplomacy, law and complexity and the simulation of part-time roles, effectively growing institute includes economists, psy- philosophy, and genomics, to name a microbial systems. Funds raised the size of the faculty to enhance chologists, teachers, doctors, few. through the Tradition & Innovation competitiveness. Another effect is to musicians and film producers. These inside-USC programs follow initiative will be critical to the cre- stimulate faculty recruitment, launch “The Damasios were world famous the examples set by two major univer- ation of new centers like these and new graduate and undergraduate pro- and widely sought after,” said Aoun. sity-wide partnerships in the life the continued success of existing part- grams and create new interdisciplinary “They came here because we were sciences that have thrived over the nerships, Aoun said. ■ BAKER AND MANCALL PHOTO BY IRENE FERTIK; DAMASIO TOM LANGDON; HOLO JOHN LIVZEY

8 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 From the Inside Looking In Center for Public Diplomacy starts new master’s degree program

former U.S. ambassador to Cowan of the Annenberg School. technology and a wide range of com- NATO discussed the merits of Joshua Fouts, former director of munication tools, ranging from cultural “Sesame Street” with 50 USC Annenberg’s online journalism & com- diplomacy to exchange programs, to faculty, students and guests munication program, is the executive international broadcasting.” A— including representatives from the director. The curriculum will include gradu- consulates of Canada, Turkey, Israel A new master’s program in public ate-level classes on topics such as and Romania recently. diplomacy offered jointly by the two international broadcasting, cultural Ambassador David Abshire used schools — the only program of its kind diplomacy, corporate citizenship and “Sesame Street,” currently aired in in the U.S. — will train diplomats for images, and historical approaches to more than 120 countries, as a success- public service and for non-governmen- public diplomacy. ful example of American public tal and private sector posts. “Students in the program will be diplomacy. Despite widespread antag- “The Master of Public Diplomacy able to emphasize public diplomacy onism towards the United States, he brings together the resources and training specific to their career inter- said, much of the world still loves Diplomacy Center Director Joshua Fouts expertise of two of USC’s premier aca- ests,” said Steven Lamy, professor and American culture. demic programs, making us uniquely director of USC College’s school of The talk exemplified the intellec- mote the national interest of a country suited to provide the highest quality of international relations, who will teach tual exchanges taking place at the through understanding, informing and graduate training in this interdiscipli- courses in the program. “The master’s USC Center on Public Diplomacy, a influencing foreign audiences.” nary field,” said Aoun. “This program program will prepare students for joint academic research, teaching and How “soft power” — promoting is another example of our successful diverse opportunities in the field training center created by USC U.S. values, culture, ideas and policy strategy to position ourselves as leaders around the world.” College and the USC Annenberg successes through pop culture, fash- in emerging fields, while remaining Fouts added, “This degree program School for Communication. ion, trade, tourism and sports — relevant in a globalized society.” is the first step in creating substantive The center, studies “government- impacts foreign policy and national Cowan added, “There is a pressing dialogue among students, scholars and sponsored cultural, educational and security is also studied at the center, need for a cadre of well-trained gradu- practitioners at a critical period in informational programs, citizen launched in 2004 by deans Joseph ates who will understand diverse global and political communication.” exchanges and broadcasts used to pro- Aoun of the College and Geoffrey cultures, new forms of communication —Katherine Yungmee Kim

Museomorphosis International Museum Institute launched

he March gala opening of While the old program focused on “Insatiable Desires,” the graduate training in the curatorial, capstone museum studies educational and administration of art exhibition at the Fisher museums, the new institute will tar- TGallery, could have been a sentimen- get mid-career museum directors and tal affair. After all, it was the final will address such issues as the essen- student-curated show after 25 years tial relationships of museums and of the museum studies program at society, legal and ethical matters, At the Fisher Gallery opening, from l to r: Miguel Férnandez Félix, Director, National USC College. exhibition strategies, the challenges Museum of the Vice-Royalty, Mexico City; Lloyd Armstrong Jr., former USC Provost; Selma Instead, program director Selma and opportunities of technology, and Holo, Director, International Museum Institute; Bertha Cea, Cultural Adviser to the U.S. Holo hosted a festive evening that the relationships among business, the Embassy, Mexico City; College Dean Joseph Aoun; Graciela de la Torre, Director, MUCA, The celebrated the successes of the old global economy and local culture. University Art Museum of UNAM (The Mexican National Autonomous University). program, while heralding in a new Holo, who is also a noted scholar, era with the launch of the professor of art history and director of Institute who will be involved in the and the Mexican directors as they do International Museum Institute the Fisher Gallery, recently pub- institute, acknowledged that alumni from us.” (IMI). lished a book, Oaxaca at the of the College program were not only “The International Museum “Museum studies as we knew it is Crossroads (see page 23) that touches “deeply trained, but broadly educat- Institute brings together the theoreti- over at USC,” Holo declared. “But on some of those issues. ed.” He added that he believed that cians and the practitioners from studying museums at USC has only In a letter read by former USC Holo had imparted a “wonderfully around the globe,” Aoun said. “We just begun.” Provost Lloyd Armstrong, USC broad and flexible way about think- are going to form a common vision, IMI is already collaborating with President Steven B. Sample praised ing and solving problems” that made not a one-way collaboration.” museum directors in Mexico, and has Holo for her stewardship and lauded her “extraordinarily important to the IMI already has partnered with a its sights set on partnerships across the outgoing museum studies pro- field of museum studies.” number of local museums and insti- the Pacific Rim, to establish relation- gram for being “one of our nation’s USC College Dean Joseph Aoun tutions, including the Skirball ships with Los Angeles museum leading educators of art historians attributed to Holo the “reinvention” Cultural Center, the L.A. County leaders and USC scholars to explore and museum curators.” of the field of museum studies. “She Museum of Art and the Japanese the most pressing issues facing muse- Phil Nowlen, director of the wanted me to understand that we American National Museum. ums worldwide. Getty’s Museum Leadership have as much to learn from Mexico —Katherine Yungmee Kim FOUTS PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; MUSEUM COURTESY OF USC FISHER GALLERY

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 9 Priority: Academic Environment

The Tools, and Space, for Success With an eye toward the future, USC College expands and transforms its facilities

utting-edge discoveries USC Molecular & Computational Biology Building already helped draw top scientists to require state-of-the-art tools USC. It was instrumental in bringing and equipment. Pre-eminent famed cognitive neuroscientists faculty members expect first- Antonio and Hanna Damasio to the Crate facilities. The best and brightest College. Directed by Hanna Damasio, students demand access to current the Dornsife Center will play a central technologies and modern learning role in the research of a new interdis- spaces. ciplinary institute, established by the In response to USC College’s Damasios, focused on creativity, emo- rapid growth in size, stature and com- tion and the human brain. plexity — and its ambitions for more The MCB Building is essential, of the same — College leaders have too, for ongoing recruitment efforts of moved to transform the academic top-notch life scientists, said Norman environment of the College. Arnheim, holder of the Ester Dornsife “It’s clear that we face a dire need Chair in Biological Sciences. “The for more space, especially with a new building is everything in terms of growing faculty and an expanding attracting the people we want.” research enterprise. We’re responding It’s also key to interdisciplinary to those needs while working to Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging MCB Building dedication. research, Aoun said. “This building upgrade facilities across the board, “ Center, which features a state-of- The Dornsife Imaging Center and will be a resource for the whole cam- said USC College Dean Joseph Aoun. the-art brain-imaging scanner, the MCB Building are part of the pus and bring together researchers The College has marked a number opened in September 2004; and largest building campaign in USC his- from the College, USC Viterbi School of key milestones in this effort, with • The Molecular & Computational tory, Sample said, noting that USC is of Engineering, the Keck School of more than half of current College Biology Building (MCB) dedicated in the midst of a plan to construct 28 Medicine, and others,” he said. “It space having been built new or sub- to interdisciplinary research in new buildings and add 8.1 million will help bridge the gap between fun- stantially remodeled in the last five genomics, genetics and molecular square feet to the university — almost damental research and the applied years. Chief among these was the evolution, opened in April 2005. equal to building another campus. sciences, fostering interactions expect- completion of two major capital proj- “First-rate research infrastructure The Dornsife Center, in addition ed to pay extraordinary dividends, not ects expected to help propel USC to is important to the success of the to further integrating the university- only in the understanding of disease the front ranks of life science College and to the enhancement of wide neuroscience program and but also in the design of new drugs research: the entire university,” said USC facilitating new insights into brain- and therapies.” • The Dana and David Dornsife President Steven B. Sample at the based disorders and disease, has The USC Wrigley Institute fin- ished their own capital project — construction of new dorms and faculty cottages — designed to increase use Building a Scientific Village of the Wrigley’s unique island teach- ing and research facility on Catalina. George Boone helps build an island haven for marine researchers The majority of College projects have focused on modernizing and increasing the efficiency of existing eorge Boone was a security this view.’’ space. Since 2000, the College has guard on the graveyard shift He turned to face a mountain completed nearly 200 projects, rang- at a newly dedicated Allan terrain and a clear, teal-blue ocean, ing from the refurbishment of single Hancock Foundation dotted with boats, kayakers and classrooms to the total renovation of GBuilding when a charismatic, snorkelers. the Zumberge Hall of Science (for- Renaissance man befriended him. Target groundbreaking is fall merly Science Hall) and Taper Hall. It was the 1940s and the man was 2006, Wrigley Director Tony As the use of electronic media the legendary Capt. G. Allan George Boone, with Michaels said. increases, many classrooms have been Hancock, whose philanthropy and the cottage that bears “George Boone has led the upgraded to enable its use. The his name, has been a great love of the ocean left a lasting critical part of efforts way,” Michaels said. “He has an Language Center has undergone a impression on the young Boone. to expand facilities at excellent sense of style. And he’s major high-tech transformation. “Captain Hancock changed my the Wrigley. constantly pushing to ratchet up Hardware has been installed in select whole life by being a mentor,’’ the quality.’’ lecture halls that enable professors to recalled Boone, who used to sail million addition and renovation at the Boone earned his D.D.S. degree in use interactive “clickers” — remote aboard Hancock’s ship, often with his Wrigley Institute for Environmental 1946, his bachelor’s in dentistry in control-like devices that provide feed- then girlfriend, now wife, MaryLou, a Studies facility in Catalina. 1947 and master’s in orthodontics in back on student learning and sorority sister of Hancock’s daughter. At the Wrigley complex, Boone 1951 from USC. He practiced in San attendance. “He couldn’t help but inspire you.’’ swept an arm toward the land where Marino until 1969. After that, he made “Even with the progress we’ve More than 60 years later, Boone new Tuscany-style cottages will be a fortune in real estate. made so far, we face a daunting task,” demonstrates that tutelage with his built, across from where the dining But Boone likes to contribute more Aoun said. “We need to reach out to substantial contributions to USC and hall will be renovated. than money. “It’s easy to write a our alumni and friends to provide us the College. Most recently, the USC “We’re going to make it homey, check,’’ he said. “The other way to do with support to make the College an Lifetime Trustee and College coun- yet we don’t want it to be the Four it is to also get involved.’’ ideal environment for learning, teach- cilor donated funds toward a new $12 Seasons,’’ Boone said. “And look at —Pamela J. Johnson ing and research.” ■ MCB BUILDING PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; BOONE PAMELA J. JOHNSON

10 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Genomics Rising USC College celebrates life sciences — and music — at building dedication

veryone knew their skills with Frasca and built next to Kaprielian ture to engage in the most forward- pipettes, centrifuges and algo- Hall, the 118,000-square-foot build- thinking and competitive research, rithms, but few guessed at the ing, with room for 30 research groups, ensuring USC remains a major aca- hidden musical talents of the increases USC College research space demic center for molecular and Eoccupants of USC College’s brand by 23 percent. computational biology.” new life sciences facility. “This is not only a new building At the gala, Bransteitter’s request When College leaders first drew … [it] will be a complex and interde- for a piano led Sample to launch an up plans for the USC Molecular & pendent ecosystem of scientific impromptu auction. He offered bid- Computational Biology Building, creativity and invention,” USC ders a choice of breakfast with they envisioned shared laboratories, President Steven B. Sample said. himself or football coach Pete Carroll linked office suites, student lounges The MCB Building realizes an for a pledge to buy a piano for the and common rooms designed to fos- idea long nurtured by mathematician- musically inclined scientists. ter interdisciplinary interaction and turned-computational biologist The evening’s emcee, College speed progress on efforts to reveal Michael Waterman and his col- Councilor Patrick Haden did not hes- and apply secrets of the genome. leagues. In 1982, Waterman, the USC itate to take up the challenge. Asked But those involved in the build- Associates Chair in Natural Sciences, who he’d like to dine with, Haden ing’s creation seemed delighted at University Professor Michael Waterman began developing a cross-disciplinary said he’d prefer to breakfast with joined VIPs and colleagues at the dedica- April’s dedication ceremony when research and education program built Bransteitter, a rising scientific star tion of the College’s new life science some of the new occupants, in the facility. on genetics, math, computer science who studies the biochemistry of the person of molecular biology graduate and informatics. The program has immune system with Professor student Ronda Bransteitter, revealed ner marked what USC College Dean grown into one of the nation’s leading Myron Goodman. their vision of an environment con- Joseph Aoun has characterized as a research groups in computational The auction captured the spirit of ducive to creativity and innovative major milestone for the College in its biology, a field that has become the evening, which at times felt thinking in the state-of-the-art plans for increasing excellence in the increasingly important in the era of downright giddy as scientists greeted facility. life sciences. rapid genome sequencing and the guests in empty rooms that since “What would be really nice would “Tonight’s celebration is about attendant exponential growth in have been filled with furniture, be a piano,” Bransteitter told the much more than a magnificent build- biological data. books, computers, pipettes, cen- crowd gathered to celebrate the ing. It is about the innovative “This state-of-the-art building,” trifuges, autoclaves, high-throughput building’s opening just 22 months research that led us to build this new said Waterman, now an esteemed gene sequencers, students, faculty, after construction began. facility,” Aoun said. University Professor, “will give USC’s staff — and one upright piano. The dedication, tour and gala din- Designed by Zimmer, Gunsul & life scientists a world-class infrastruc- —Eva Emerson

New Leadership Chaibong Hahm, a political theorist A Home for a Hero and an expert on Korean politics and culture, was named the institute’s new Korean Studies finds “perfect venue” in Dosan Ahn House director in August. “The appointment of Professor Hahm brings experience and strong SC College’s Korean Studies story, 2,000-square-foot bunga- leadership to one of the world’s few Institute moved this fall into low was relocated from a site programs that studies the Korean its first physical home — the on Downey Way to its current peninsula in a comprehensive man- newly restored Dosan Ahn location at 809 West 34th ner,” Aoun said. UChang Ho Family House — and Street on the University Park Hahm, formerly the director of appointed a new director. campus, near USC’s East Asian social sciences, research and policy for Once the residence of the family of Library, which houses the the United Nations Educational, esteemed Korean independence Korean Heritage Library and Scientific and Cultural Organization leader Dosan Ahn Chang Ho (1878- its collection of more than (UNESCO) in Paris and a professor at 1938), the historic home serves as an 50,000 items. Yonsei University, is a professor of enduring tribute to the Korean nation- Though Dosan Ahn himself international relations and political sci- al hero, said Joseph Aoun, dean of did not live at the house, it ence in the College. USC College. It also highlights the The Dosan Ahn House in its present campus retains great historical signifi- Hahm said that a primary objective strong ties that have long linked the location on West 34th Street. cance. Helen Ahn, Dosan’s wife, is to promote greater understanding of College to Korea and the Korean com- raised the couple’s five children in the the history, culture and dynamics of munity in Los Angeles. Studies Institute has served for 10 house from the 1930s to the 1950s, South and North Korea. “As the new home to the Korean years as the university’s principal and the Ahn home served as an “With a vibrant economy and a ram- Studies Institute, the Dosan Ahn organization for the promotion of important gathering place for many bunctious democracy, South Korea is House provides common ground, and Korean education and research, Korean-Americans backing the playing an increasingly important role a new intensity, for USC scholars drawing on faculty and students Korean independence movement. in the Asia Pacific region and the world studying issues crucial to the future of from international relations, political Later, Philip Ahn, Dosan’s son, stud- as a whole,” Hahm said. “North Korea, the Korean peninsula and the Korean- science, comparative literature, eco- ied foreign commerce and speech at for its part, continues to grab the American experience,” Aoun said. nomics and many other departments. USC and then went on to enjoy an world’s attention with its ongoing The interdisciplinary Korean Completely renovated, the two- illustrious acting career. efforts to develop nuclear capability.” ■ DEDICATION PHOTO BY BRIAN MORRI/211 PHOTOGRAPHY; AHN HOUSE KAITLIN SOLIMINE

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 11 Priority: Faculty Excellence

Heavy Weights, Emerging Leaders and Rising Stars USC College’s bold search for the best and brightest expands faculty and diversity

n large part, it is faculty members College reported endangered wild fish- Oxford University. Thomas Jordan, who shape and drive academia. that underrepresent- eries and the the W.M. Keck Foundation Chair in “Our faculty not only teach and ed minorities in aquaculture industry, as Geological Sciences, left a post at conduct research, they envision tenured or tenure- well as more esoteric MIT. Iwhere future discoveries could be track positions have studies of evolution. Younger faculty can get a much- made,” said Joseph Aoun, dean of increased by 53 per- “I thought it would needed boost from endowed chairs as USC College. cent and the be a real shame if we well. Amy Barrios, who joined the The College has had a strong fac- number of women put together an entire College in 2003 as the Gabilan ulty, albeit a small one, for decades. has increased by 40 marine sciences Assistant Professor of Chemistry, In 2000, Dean Aoun and his faculty percent. “We are research center only to received one of three endowed colleagues set out to enlarge the fac- proud of this track find there are no more Gabilan five-year, rotating professor- ulty — and make it extraordinarily record, but we want fish in the ocean. And ships designed to assist junior faculty richer, in quality, diversity and rele- to do even better,” Carole Shammas holds the John that’s the direction in setting up their labs and launching vance — in an unusual way. said Aoun. R. Hubbard Chair in History. we’re their scientific Building on a reputation for giving Wayne Raskind, headed,” careers. Barrios, professors the professor of mathematics, said Offield. “I was whose expertise is freedom and concurred. Since assuming happy to endow the in medicinal chem- resources to intro- the post of dean of faculty professorship. The istry, studies the duce innovations in USC College over the Wrigley needed some- chemical activities into their teach- summer, much of the one who could train the of metals and metal- ing and research, responsibility for oversee- future leaders of fish- containing therapies the College ing the hiring of new eries biology and within the body. launched the faculty, as well as the policy.” This year, an Senior Faculty career development and A gift from USC endowed chair Hiring Initiative, progress of all faculty alumnus Ray R. Irani, helped to lure sep- a bold plan to members, has become his. who earned a Ph.D. in tuagenarian the bring 100 new Raskind said that even chemistry at USC USC alumnus Ray Irani estab- Rev. Cecil “Chip” faculty to campus, with the recent growth, College, endowed the lished an endowed chair in Murray out of chemistry, now held by Jim Haw, both senior pro- Marine geneticist Dennis the College faculty Ray R. Irani, Chairman retirement. Murray, Hedgecock joined the College to support faculty excellence. fessors of global remains small compared of Occidental Petro- who joined the faculty as the Paxson H. Offield renown and Professor in Fisheries Ecology. to peer institutions. leum, Chair in Chemistry and played College faculty this fall as the Tanzy younger “rising “But,” he said, “the time a critical role in recruiting award-win- Chair in Christian Ethics, served as stars” who had demonstrably out- is ripe to get even ning hydrocarbon chemist senior pastor of the First African paced their peers. more aggressive in Jim Haw from Texas A & Methodist Episcopal Church In keeping with a forward-looking recruiting prize M University to USC. (FAME) for 27 years and remains a strategy to prepare students for a rap- scholars and pro- Haw’s work has led to the prominent leader in the Los Angeles idly changing world, the initiative viding them with creation of new catalysts community. Murray, who is also a focused on scholars expert in more the resources widely used in the oil senior fellow at the College’s Center than one discipline, leaders in emerg- required to keep and pharmaceutical for Religion and Civic Culture, lec- ing fields and those intent on them at the lead- industries. tures on spiritual and societal issues changing established fields. ing edge of their “The chair was essen- and serves as a liaison between USC To date, the initiative has brought disciplines.” tial in drawing me to and its surrounding community. nearly 80 leading faculty to campus, Faculty endow- USC,” Haw said. “It’s a “Reverend Murray is a distin- joining senior professors who, in ments have often distinct honor and a privi- guished civic leader who brings a many cases, were already at the top played key roles lege to hold the Irani wealth of knowledge and experience of their fields. The College also has in attracting senior Chemist Amy Barrios is one of Chair, and to be working to the USC campus and our sur- continued to recruit promising junior scholars to the three junior faculty awarded a at USC College in my rounding community,” Aoun said. Gabilan Assistant Professorship. faculty, with 90 hired over the last College, according field.” To continue to five years. to Raskind. recruit and retain “In terms of our overall growth, Endowed chairs fund a portion of a “Endowed chairs are preeminent the College faculty size is now at a professor’s salary and help provide one measure of the researchers and historical high point with approxi- equipment, laboratory space and sup- prominence of a univer- teachers, the mately 480 tenure-track members,” port personnel. The support also sity. Great universities Tradition & Aoun said. “Thanks in large part to enables faculty to launch new proj- have great chairs,” Haw Innovation initiative the tremendous efforts of Beth ects and embark on new, risky said. includes increasing Meyerowitz during her tenure as avenues of research without the Endowed chairs have endowed chairs and dean of faculty, we have made amaz- restrictions of typical grants. helped the College professorships ing progress toward our goal. We do An endowment gift from avid con- recruit a number of ster- among its top aims. not plan to rest on our laurels, how- servationist Paxson W. Offield ling faculty from “The drive to ever. We will capitalize on this enticed marine geneticist Dennis prestigious universities. continue building momentum and continue to search in Hedgecock to come to the Wrigley James Higginbotham, The Rev. “Chip” Murray joined our faculty will all disciplines for the most outstand- Institute for Environmental Studies the Linda MacDonald the faculty after 27 years as a benefit the entire ing and innovative scholars.” from a 25-year career at UC Davis. Hilf Chair in practicing pastor at L.A.’s First university,” A.M.E. Church. He holds the ■ In the same time period, the He pursues genomics research on Philosophy, came from Tanzy Chair in Christian Ethics. Raskind said. MURRAY PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; HEDGECOCK EVA EMERSON; SHAMMAS NICOLE ST. PIERRE; IRANI LEE SALEM PHOTOGRAP HY

12 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 ble under certain circumstances. A Quake Foreseen? The researchers believe they can improve the accuracy and the lead- A crack opens in the black box of seismic prediction time of their forecasts. They hypothesize that foreshocks and main tremors are caused by an earlier trigger event — possibly a slow, smooth slid- arthquakes along a set of fault ing along the fault line that fails to lines in the Pacific Ocean emit generate seismic waves. small “foreshocks” that can be Such an event — called an aseismic used to forecast the main tremor, slow slip transient — may be Eaccording to findings published in the detectable with the proper instru- “This is the first journal Nature. ments, said Jordan, who pointed out It is the first demonstration that that movement along the San Andreas some types of large imminent earth- demonstration of fault is recorded by an array of sensors. quakes may be systematically “If you could do the same thing on predictable on time scales of hours or good short-term the sea floor then you would probably less. see this thing coming,” he said. “This is the first demonstration of predictability for Next year an expedition led by good short-term predictability for big McGuire will drop sensors along the earthquakes,” said co-author Thomas East Pacific Rise to begin testing the big earthquakes.” Jordan, director of the Southern researchers’ hypothesis. California Earthquake Center head- When Jordan joined USC College quartered in USC College. “Some — Tom Jordan in 2000, he left Massachusetts scientists believe that earthquakes Institute of Technology, where he had come on suddenly with no warning held an endowed chair since 1988. signs, and the big ones are therefore The opportunity to direct SCEC, unpredictable. In other parts of the comprised of 15 core and more than 50 oceans, they may be.” participating institutions, was key to Jordan stressed that quakes on land his decision to choose USC over com- generally do not show many fore- transform faults on the East Pacific Researchers then declared a hypo- peting offers from UC Santa Barbara shocks and cannot be predicted with Rise, an area on the ocean floor where thetical “alarm” for an hour within a and Stanford. Being named the W.M. the methods outlined in the Nature tectonic plates are spreading apart. 15-kilometer radius of the epicenter of Keck Foundation Chair in Geological paper published last March. Jordan, a Sensor data from the National Oceanic every foreshock. Sciences also proved critical. USC University Professor, holds the and Atmospheric Administration pin- The researchers’ system predicted “The Keck Chair and director’s W. M. Keck Foundation Chair in pointed the time and location of six out of nine earthquakes, perform- post have given me a lot of flexibility Geological Sciences and is a professor foreshocks and earthquakes. ing 300 to 1,000 times better than to explore new projects as well as the of earth sciences. For the study, researchers defined a random guessing, Jordan said. resources to do scholarly activity. In The research team, led by Jeffrey foreshock as any tremor of at least 2.5 The finding suggests that short- my case, that has been research on McGuire of the Woods Hole magnitude on the Richter scale. term prediction — the ability to earthquakes and earthquake-related Oceanographic Institution, studied Earthquakes were tremors of no less forecast an earthquake in the hours or phenomena,” Jordan said. past earthquakes along two so-called than 5.4 magnitude. minutes before it hits — may be feasi- — Carl Marziali

Junior Faculty Named Sloan Fellows Fifth in math, third in biology in the last six years

SC College evolutionary that two of origins and research I do will help us acquire a geneticist Jeffrey Wall and our faculty evolution clearer understanding of our own his- mathematician Tobias were rec- of life on tory as a species, and that this Ekholm have been named ognized in Earth as knowledge will eventually be useful U2005 Sloan Research Fellows. the same well as the for the development of treatments or Established in 1955 by the Alfred year. After history of cures for common diseases.” P. Sloan Foundation, the Sloan all, during human An assistant professor of mathe- Fellowships provide young scientists the last six migration. matics, Ekholm studies a wide array and scholars the financial support years math His work of problems in topology and geome- and recognition necessary to jump- faculty Jeffrey Wall Tobias Ekholm in human try. He is best known for his work on start their research careers. Each have genetics knots, surfaces and higher dimen- year, 116 Sloan Fellows are selected received five Sloan fellowships. may help determine the genetic basis sional manifolds, some of which has from a pool of nearly 500. Jeffrey and Tobias have very bright for complex diseases such as asthma found uses in theoretical physics. “Many of the best scientists futures, and this most recent accom- or hypertension. Ekholm said he intends to use the around the country were nominated plishment is to be commended.” “The Sloan fellowships give young funding to spend more time on his for this very competitive award,” said Wall, an assistant professor of bio- researchers the resources and flexibili- research, including a collaborative Joseph Aoun, dean of USC College. logical sciences, analyzes DNA ty needed to establish their research project with physical chemists. “We are proud, but not surprised, sequences to better understand the programs,” said Wall. “I hope that the —Kaitlin Solimine JORDAN PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; WALL COURTESY OF JEFF WALL; EKHOLM TOBIAS

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 13 Priority: Faculty Excellence

AKIRA MIZUTA LIPPIT Professor of Comparative From Whence They Came Literature, East Asian Languages and Cultures and USC College welcomes new scholars Critical Studies, Cinema-TV Interests: World Literature, Japanese Film and Culture, Visual Culture, History of his fall USC College welcomed 37 new professors — 17 full professors, six associate professors and Cinema Akira Mizuta Lippit 14 assistant professors — to its ranks. Some of the new faculty arrived from across town, coming from From: University of California, Irvine UCLA and Caltech, while others hailed from farther afield, including Duke, Columbia and the T University of Chicago. Jack McArdle JACK MCARDLE CHAIBONG HAHM PROFESSORS Chaibong Hahm Professor of International Professor of Psychology Relations and Political Science Interests: Aging, Director, Korean Studies Cognitive Science, JUDITH BENNETT Institute Data Analysis Professor of History and Law Interests: Political Theory, From: University of Interests: Medieval Korean Studies Virginia England, Women’s History From: Yonsei University, From: University of North Korea and UNESCO, Carolina at Chapel Hill France Judith CAROL PRESCOTT Bennett Professor of Psychology Interests: Behavioral Genetics, Alcoholism LYNNE M. CASPER JOHN HAM From: Medical College of Professor of Sociology Professor of Economics Virginia, Virginia Interests: Demography, Interests: Economics of Commonwealth University Family Studies Labor, Health and Carol Prescott From: National Institute of Experimental Science Child Health and Human From: Ohio State Xiaobing Tang Development University XIAOBING TANG Lynne M. Casper John Ham Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures Interests: Chinese ANTONIO DAMASIO Literature, Fine Arts and Professor of Psychology Sharon Hays SHARON HAYS Intellectual History and Neuroscience Professor of Sociology and From: University of Chicago Director, Institute for the Gender Studies Neurological Study of Emotion Holder, Barbra Streisand and Creativity Professorship in Contemporary Interests: Cognitive Gender Studies Neuroscience, Emotion, Interests: Social Inequality, JAMES VAN CLEVE Antonio Damasio Decision Making Family Life, Gender Professor of Philosophy From: University of Iowa From: University of Virginia Interests: Epistemology, Metaphysics, History of Philosophy From: Brown University HANNA DAMASIO James Van Cleve Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Director, Dornsife Cognitive CYNTHIA HERRUP Neuroscience Imaging Center Professor of History and Law DANA VILLA Interests: Brain Imaging, Interests: 17th century Professor of Political Science Cognitive Neuroscience, England, Crime and Interests: Political Theory, Neuroanatomy Punishment History of Political From: University of Iowa Hanna Damasio From: Duke University Thought From: University of Cynthia Herrup California, Santa Barbara Dana Villa

GEOFFREY GARRETT PATRICK JAMES Professor of International Professor of International Relations Relations MARIANNE WIGGINS President, Pacific Council on Interests: International Professor of English International Policy Conflict and Crisis Interest: Creative Writing Interests: Globalization From: University of From: University of Geoffrey Missouri Garrett California, Los Angeles Patrick James Marianne Wiggins DAMASIOS PHOTOS BY TOM LANGDON,; HAYS PHOTO IRENE FERTIK; VILLA MIKE MINEHAN; ALL OTHER COURTESY OF FACULTY MEMBER O R USC COLLEGE PUBLIC RELATIONS

14 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 George Wilson ASSISTANT PROFESSORS ELSI KAISER GEORGE WILSON Assistant Professor of Professor of Philosophy ORLANDO BENTANCOR Linguistics Interests: Film Aesthetics, Assistant Professor of Spanish Interests: Psycholinguistics Philosophy of Language and Portuguese and From: University of From: University of Comparative Literature Rochester California, Davis Interests: Colonial Latin Elsi Kaiser American Literature From: University of Michigan ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS Orlando Bentancor DAVID MANLEY Assistant Professor of DANIELA BLEICHMAR Antoine Bechara Philosophy ANTOINE BECHARA Assistant Professor of Art Associate Professor of History and Spanish and Interests: Epistemology, Psychology Portuguese Philosophy of Mind and Interests: Cognitive Interests: Colonial Latin Language Neuroscience, Decision America, Visual Culture, From: Rutgers University David Manley Making From: USC-Huntington From: University of Iowa Early Modern Studies Institute Daniela Bleichmar (Arrives Fall 2006) MEGAN O’NEIL

MIHAI DUCEA Assistant Professor of Art Associate Professor of Earth History Interests: Mesoamerican Sciences AMON EMEKA Arts and Archaeology Interests: Tectonics, Assistant Professor of Sociology From: Yale University Petrology Interests: Race and Poverty From: University of Arizona in the U.S. Megan O’Neil (Arrives Fall 2006) From: USC Mihai Ducea Amon Emeka DANIEL RICHTER Assistant Professor of Classics KYUNG WOON JUNG Associate Professor of JOSH GOLDSTEIN Interests: Classical Chemistry Assistant Professor of History Languages, Early Roman Interests: Organic Interests: Modern Chinese Empire Synthesis, Medicinal History, Urban Studies From: Northwestern Chemistry From: Franklin and University Daniel Richter From: University of South Marshall College

Florida Kyung Woon Jung Josh Goldstein

Andrew Gracey Susan Lape ANDREW GRACEY RAMZI ROUIGHI Assistant Professor of Assistant Professor of History SUSAN LAPE Biological Sciences Interests: Medieval Associate Professor of Classics Interests: Marine Mediterranean History Interests: Ancient Athens Environmental Biology, From: Columbia University From: University of Physiology California, Irvine From: Stanford University Ramzi Rouighi Hopkins Marine Lab

Karen Tongson KAREN TONGSON SARAH GUALTIERI Assistant Professor of English Assistant Professor of History DANIEL LIDAR and Gender Studies and American Studies and Associate Professor of Chemistry Interests: Gender in Ethnicity and Electrical Engineering Aesthetics, Literature and Interests: History of the Interests: Quantum Systems, Culture Middle East, Arab Identity Information Theory, From: University of and Migration Quantum Computers California, San Diego From: University of Toronto From: Loyola University Daniel Lidar New Orleans Sarah Gualtieri

ALEXANDRA ISFAHANI- Ann Marie Yasin RICHARD ROBERTS HAMMOND ANN MARIE YASIN Associate Professor of Assistant Professor of Spanish Assistant Professor of Classics Chemistry and Engineering and Portuguese and American and Art History Interests: Peptide Design, Studies and Ethnicity Interests: Roman Art and mRNA Display Interests: Atlantic Studies, Architecture From: California Institute of Race Discourse From: Northwestern Technology Alexandra Isfahani- From: University of Puerto University Richard Roberts Hammond Rico PHOTO BY FIRST LASTNAME

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 15 Priority: Faculty Excellence

level in many years. With the support leading scholar of the Scottish philoso- The Meaning of Rising of the Senior Faculty Hiring Initiative pher Thomas Reid. The imminent — a campaign to recruit 100 distin- release of Lloyd’s book on Thomas Philosophy department scales ranks guished scholars to the College — Hobbes’ moral philosophy from Higginbotham has expanded the fac- Cambridge Press, which complements ulty from 12 to 18. The new faculty her earlier work on Hobbes’ political include last year’s philosophy, has been much anticipated SC College’s philosophy breakthrough hires of by her peers. department is continuing on leading philosophers of “This is now probably one of the its upward trajectory. A language Scott Soames best departments in the country for recent Philosophical Gourmet from Princeton the history of modern philosophy. UReport — a widely read, online rating University and Jeffrey With recent additions, it will become system that charts English-speaking King from UC Davis, even stronger,” Lloyd said. graduate programs in philosophy — as well as Andrei To build the department further, moved the USC department up 22 Marmor, a philosopher Higginbotham’s plan calls for hiring spots from 46th to 24th overall in its of law with a joint scholars from all the major areas of 2004-6 rankings. It also listed USC as appointment in the law contemporary philosophy, and reach- one of the two best departments in school. Assistant pro- ing a total of 22 faculty. the world in the field of philosophy of fessors include Stephen A distinguished ethicist is his next language. Finlay, an ethicist recruitment goal. “Anecdotally,” he And with this year’s senior faculty appointed in 2002, and said, “when I’ve asked around, people hires — George Wilson, from the James Higginbotham David Manley, a specialist in the phi- go, ‘Well, everyone would like to make University of California at Davis, losophy of mind who began in fall. a senior appointment in ethics.’ It’s and James Van Cleve, from Brown “The quality of a Ph.D. program is very hard to find the people and still University — USC will cement its professor of linguistics. He came to entirely a function of the quality of the harder to find those that are move- reputation as a world-class depart- USC in 2000 from Oxford University, faculty,” said Leiter. He attributed able.” ment. where he was the Professor of General USC’s dramatic rise to the appoint- But if any department were to Wilson, who also has made impor- Linguistics. ments of Soames, King and attract faculty candidates, it would tant contributions to the philosophy of Several decades ago, the depart- Higginbotham — “three distinguished likely be USC, which is on the rise in language and action, is also a specialist ment of philosophy had a considerable philosophers of language in one ranks and reputation. in the aesthetics of film — an area in nation-wide reputation. But the depar- department,” as well as the “increas- “It certainly is our ambition to which he is regarded to have no peer. ture of four of its best-known scholars, ingly high profile” of others in the become the best philosophy depart- Excited to join the ranks at USC, followed by a recession that slowed department. ment on the West Coast and one of Wilson said that he was attracted to hiring, left the department diminished. Among these are Sharon Lloyd and the very best in the country,” said the university because “it is hard to In fact, Higginbotham was the first Gideon Yaffe. Yaffe’s reputation has Wilson. think of any university anywhere outside appointment at the senior been boosted by his emergence as a — Katherine Yungmee Kim where my interests in film would be better supported.” He adds, “There is a lot of ‘buzz’ in the philosophical community about the USC depart- New Chair Honors Civic Leader ment.” Van Cleve is an epistemologist. International policy expert installed as first holder of Erburu Chair Epistemologists study the nature of knowledge, its foundations, extent and validity. This fall, he is teaching ecognizing two of the archi- of the Pacific Council, “Studies in Modern Philosophy,” with tects and founders of the it is fitting that the an emphasis on British empiricism, Pacific Council on chair is awarded to and a seminar on Scottish philosopher International Policy, USC Professor Lowenthal,” David Hume. He also is devising a RCollege has named Abraham said USC College metaphysics course on time and time Lowenthal, professor of international Dean Joseph Aoun. travel. relations, as the inaugural holder of “In addition to his “The new appointments lead me to the Robert F. Erburu Chair in Ethics, institutional leadership think that when 2006 rolls around, Globalization and Development. with the Council, USC will almost certainly move The announcement and installa- Lowenthal is an out- towards the top 10 to 15 overall,” said tion of Lowenthal, the Pacific standing scholar, Brian Leiter, the professor of law and Council’s first director, to the newly illuminating Latin philosophy at the University of Texas created endowed chair, named in American realities, at Austin, who founded the honor of the council’s first board U.S. foreign policy, Philosophical Gourmet Report in 1989. chairman, took place Aug. 4 at the On hand to celebrate were, from left: USC and the role of international influ- Provost C.L. Max Nikias; Erburu Chair holder These latter-day appointments are 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner for the ences on prospects for democratic Abe Lowenthal; honoree Robert Erburu; and “not objects of chance, but came Pacific Council. College Dean Joseph Aoun. governance around the world.” about through the diligent efforts of Endowed by USC College and the “I am greatly honored,” said myself and my colleagues,” said James Skirball Foundation, the new chair Erburu was chairman, president Lowenthal, a member and former vice Higginbotham, the Linda MacDonald recognizes Erburu’s distinguished and CEO of the Times Mirror president of the Council on Foreign Hilf Chair in Philosophy. record of service to the Los Angeles Company for many years and has Relations, based in New York. “Bob “From the beginning it was under- and global communities. It’s also a chaired the boards of the J. Paul Erburu, as a business and civic leader, stood that we would be in the course gesture of thanks to Erburu, who was Getty Trust, the Huntington Library, personifies the best of USC’s tradi- of rebuilding the school of philosophy. instrumental in the creation of the the Federal Reserve Bank in San tions and he is keenly aware of I was appointed at USC precisely in USC College Board of Councilors, Francisco and, currently, the National Southern California’s global connec- order that I could serve as the cata- which he chairs. He serves on the Gallery of Art. tions and interests.” lyst,” said Higginbotham, who is also a board of the Skirball Cultural Center. “As we mark the 10th anniversary — Kirsten Holguin HIGGINBOTHAM PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; ERBURU CHAIR MARTIN MCCARTHY

16 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 FORSBURG PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING; YEAST CELLS PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN FORSBURG LAB L or setthestageforcancer the DNAcodecanleadtocelldeath, is notperfect.Ifsevere,changesin damage. Butthesurveillancesystem system willfindandfixmistakesor most cases,thecell’s ownsurveillance mistakes inthecopyingofDNA.In comes fromtheveryrealpossibilityof DNA initsgeneticcode.Danger copy all3billionchemical“letters”of of bothsteps. depends onthesuccessfulcompletion daughter cells.Thecell’s survival packed intochromosomes,tothetwo divvying upoftheDNA,tightly how itaffects thepackagingand cation ofDNAintheparentcelland division —thebeginningofrepli- and treatmalignantdisease. development ofnewwaystodiagnose Ultimately, theirworkmayleadtothe the underpinningsofcancer. research issheddinglighton biologists whosebasic cadre ofCollegemolecular defects. lead tocancerandbirth trated cycleofgrowthcan in thecell’s carefullyorches- question ofhowdisruptions Susan Forsburg. Sodoesthe (and theateraficionado) of USCCollegegeneticist make thatdecisiondrivestheresearch cells multiplytoclosethewound. blood cells;askinnedkneehealsas cells dividecontinuouslytocreatered every 12to24hours;bonemarrow that choicedaily—skincellsdivide dangers. divide, mayexposethemtograve to act,orinthecells’casetogrowand choly PrinceofDenmark,theirchoice of biologicalscienceswhojoined the said Forsburg, anassociateprofessor to fixtheproblemordestroy cell,” say the abilitytomonitorthemselves and information —butalsothey’velost genome —theaccuracyofgenetic only maintaintheintegrityoftheir is thatcellshavelosttheabilitytonot College geneticist studies yeast for insight into cell growth andcancer College geneticiststudiesyeastforinsightintocellgrowth Unknown Exploring theBiological FACULTY FORSBURG SUSAN PORTRAIT: As acellpreparestodivide,itmust Forsburg studiesakeystepincell Forsburg isoneofasmall Figuring outexactlyhowcells And yet,manyhumancellsmake “What weknowhappensincancer , ‘Oh,I’vegotaproblem,’andthen divide. Andlikethemelan- sion: To divideornotto cells mustmakeafatefuldeci- ike Hamlet,eventuallyall . to brewmilletbeer been usedbythepeopleofeastAfrica Biological Studies. Salk Instituteof College lastyearfromthe synonymous with site, Forsbur her extensive,award-winningW research, issuesfacingwomenin sci enthusiastic talkingabouther reveal agene’s function.Sheisnoless ing precisegenemutationsthatcan model, particularlytheeaseofcreat about theadvantagesofthisyeast admits to“relentlessproselytizing” even thenatureofscientificinquiry another much-laudedWeb site),or ence (aboutwhichsheauthored fungus. — asimple,single-celled Schizosaccharomyces pombe the fissionyeast yeast. were firstidentifiedin repair ofdamagedDNA, ery forcelldivisionand often encodecellmachin- in humancancers,which A ModelY Forsburg uses Many genesimportant S. pombe east g’ s labhasbecomealmost VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME long has S. pombe . Thanksinpartto Susan Forsburg . She into thesedensestructuresduringcellgrow above. Forsburg studieshowDNAisunpackaged,copiedandrepackaged rendered In livingcells,DNAispackedtightlyintochromosomes,colorfully eb . - - proteins playanessentialrolein nor Scientists alreadyknewthatMCM the MCMfamilyofproteins. and showeditsproductwaspart of divide. Sheclonedthedamaged gene in whichthecellscouldgrowbutnot studying amutantstrainof most importantdiscoverieswhile paid off. Forsburg madeoneofher wouldn’ it goaway. Iftherewereguarantees,it work fiveyearsonaprojectandhave endeavor Risky Business mutations inhumansareassociat or areevenlostduringcelldivision.Similar red, revealschromosomesthatlagbehind DNA stainedblueandthemitoticspindlein study ofmutant Yeast Mutants:GeneticistSusanForsburg’s cancer In hercase,manyoftheriskshave Forsburg seesscienceasacreative . Fall 2005 t bescience,”shesaid. , fraughtwithrisks.“You can S. pombe cells, withthe th. S. pombe ed with USC &Sciences College of Letters, Arts , - processes. study wasthefirsttolinktwo somes intothedaughtercells.The separation andmovementofchromo- MCM proteinsalsoregulatesthe reported thatanenzymecontrols Cell Biology further toformchromosomes. condensed chromatin,whichcoilsup wraps aroundproteinstoformthe chromatin,” shesaid.Incells,DNA bility andinfluencesthestructureof MCM helicasemaintainsgenomicsta- late themexpandedfromthere. proteins andthemoleculesthatregu- divide. Herteam’s workontheMCM after thecellmakesitsdecisionto ecule, MCMproteinsgotoworksoon double helixstructureofaDNAmol- their abilitytounzipandunwindthe DNA replication.Calledhelicasesfor about howMCMproteinsswitchon bacteria tomammaliancells. in awiderangeofor mal DNAreplicationandcelldivision torches atthefrontofcave.” she said.“We’re thepeople withthe covery], whilewekeepgoingahead,” and findwaystomakeuseof[the dis come inandsetupthebigarclights something,’ andtheclinicianscan rare minerals. with torches,searchingforveinsof exploring anunmappedcavesystem fruition 10to20yearsfromnow the treatmentsthatwillcometo part.’ We arebuildingknowledgefor let’s findouthowthesystemworks In theDecember2003 “We areinterestedinhowthe She wentontorevealnewdetails “W She likensfundamentalresearchto e cansay, ‘Lookwefound , Forsburg andcolleagues ‘Let’s findoutmore, research wedoisthe enough. Thecancer still don’t know cancer both cangoawryin for normalcells,and processes areimportant recognizing thatwe ic. Theotheris treatments fortheclin- we havenowtomake we taketheknowledge on twofronts. research movesforward who notesthatcancer “Both these “One isabouthow ganisms, from ,” saidForsburg, —Eva Emerson Nature .” 17 - Priority: Research with Impact

Revolutionary Knowledge USC College research and scholarship grows and shifts

he work of USC College faculty leads to new knowledge, under- standings and creative expres- sion. But the impact of College Tresearch does not stop there. “Here at the College, we constantly College scholars’ studies of ancient artifacts seek new ways to create an intellectual like this reveal the origins of culture. environment that fosters innovation, cross-pollination between disciplines vidual — studies that will shed light and helps to forge links between the on learning, memory, vision and brain- fundamental work that advances based disorders. Marine scientists knowledge and the applied work that study the causes of harmful algae directly improves human lives,” said blooms and how to revive the deplet- USC College Dean Joseph Aoun. ed wild fisheries that have fed humans Take, for example, College marine for generations. biologist Jed Fuhrman, who has dis- In less than a century, a computer covered new species in his explora- has shrunk from the size of a house to tions of the biodiversity of the open a chip that can fit in a cell phone. This ocean. Using many of the same tech- miniaturization trend has advanced niques, he helped identify sources of into the realm where tiny is king — pollution in Catalina’s Avalon Bay. nanotechnology will enable the cre- Or political scientist and anthropol- ation of devices small enough to fit ogist Alison Dundes Renteln, whose inside a vein, a human cell or even a studies of unusual court cases have virus. Using challenged the concept of “When in supercom- Rome, do as the Romans do.” An puters,

acknowledged expert on the “cultural Nanoparticle: College researchers use supercomputers to visualize atoms and College sci- defense,” her work has brought atten- molecules. This is a simulation of oxidation of an aluminum nanoparticle. entists are tion to what happens when local laws optimizing and immigrants’ cultural customs and much as 80 percent of College Info-Bio-Nano designs for religious beliefs collide. research. Research at the conflu- nanoscale In his 17 books of fiction, author “The humanities and the social sci- ence of information semiconduc- T.C. Boyle consistently breaks new ences are two areas that we’ve technology, life sciences tors and other artistic ground, engaging countless targeted to increase external funding,” and nanotechnology mini-devices. readers with inventive storytelling and Quick said. “We must come up with promises to bring about Increasingly powerful computer chips like Another team this are changing society and fueling unique insights into human nature, novel, creative ways of looking at our major changes in per- advances in all areas of research — from simulates the American culture and the mysteries of endeavors in these areas.” sonal and public health, physics to archaeology. behavior of existence. He pointed to interdisciplinary economics, social and atoms and These are just a few examples of efforts like the Center for Religious political systems, and business and molecules to better understand mate- the types of high profile, high-impact and Civic Culture (CRCC) as a suc- commerce. rials and build faster electronics. work that is driving the growth and cessful approach. Headed by Donald Innovations in information technol- stature of the USC College research Miller, the Leonard K. Firestone ogy have given researchers the ability Energy enterprise. Professor in Religion, the CRCC has to ask new kinds of questions and Oil and natural gas are finite The College is home to more than sponsored talks on the visual repre- investigate ever-more complex sys- resources. To help meet the world’s 40 research centers and institutes, sentation of religions, studies of tems. College researchers from future energy demands, scientists at many of which have an interdiscipli- L.A.’s homeless and investigations of chemistry, physics, astronomy, sociolo- the Loker Hydrocarbon Research nary focus. External research support the impact of spirituality on the staff gy, political science and earth sciences Institute, directed by Nobel Laureate has risen for five consecutive years. of non-governmental organizations take advantage of USC computing George Olah, are pioneering research Boosted by successful faculty recruit- confronting poverty in Tanzania. prowess, which ranks among the aca- into alternative fuels and processes, ing it topped $56 million in 2005. The College research emphases also are demic world’s most powerful. Earth and have developed a non-polluting increase mirrors the university’s — shifting: This year, the College scientists use the supercomputers to fuel cell. USC now ranks ninth amongst all pri- embraced USC’s revised strategic produce detailed models of the inter- vate research universities in attracting plan — and the philosophy of new nal movements of the planet — and Arts, Culture & Society federal grant money. USC Provost C.L. Max Nikias — to gain new insights into the causes and College scholarship in the arts, cul- Michael Quick, dean of research, concentrate on areas that can have potential consequences of an earth- ture and society help us understand has started work to sustain and significant effects globally. These quake in the southland. who we are, where we have come expand that growth. “We are working include the futuristic sounding “info- In the life sciences, College biolo- from and where we might be headed. to become more pro-active in identi- bio-nano”; energy; and arts, culture gists are paving the way for new For example, faculty in the program in fying new sources of funding,” Quick and society. Provost Nikias’ recently discoveries that could lead to new American studies and ethnicity said. That will be especially critical unveiled Arts & Humanities understandings of complex disease, explore the diversity that shapes U.S. this year, with no increase in the Initiative offers College humanities fundamental biological processes and society and popular culture. They also budgets of the National Science faculty a chance to widen their sphere evolution. Neuroscientists are using create new understandings of the Foundation and the National of influence through public lectures advanced technology to examine the American identity, analyzing how it Institutes of Health, which fund as and events. workings of the brain in a living indi- has changed over time and place. ■ NANOPARTICLE IMAGE COURTESY OF THE COLLABORATORY FOR ADVANCED COMPUTING AND SIMULATIONS AT USC

18 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 T ROSEN PHOTOS BY PHILIP CHANNING need forbetterwaystocollect more was initiatedbecauseofanur abuse andtreatment,saidtheproject an authorityonalcoholaddiction, Alcohol AbuseandAlcoholism. Swift, ported bytheNationalInstituteof University MedicalSchoolandsup- psychiatrist RobertSwiftofBrown interdisciplinary projectheadedby future biosensor could beusedtodetectalcoholina into analternativetechnologythat fessor ofphysics,hasbeenlooking 2004. Inaddition,JackFeinberg, pro- undergraduate JosephSabat,classof Ting Wang andAsherShamam matics, aswelldoctoralstudents Dumett, assistantprofessorofmathe fessor ofmathematics,andMiguel team includesChunmingWang, pro- system forthebiosensor. TheUSC be usedinadataanalysissoftware the bodyprocessesalcoholthatwill a math-basedcomputermodelofhow and research,Rosensaid. “gold standard”forlawenforcement blood alcoholconcentration,the levels measuredbythedeviceto key tobeingablecomparealcohol in theblood?” what youseeinsweatrelatetowhat’s stand, mathematically, ishowdoes “What ourgroupistryingtounder- levels intheblood,”saidRosen. to knowwhat’s goingonwithalcohol alcohol contentinsweat,butwewant lems remain. biochemical measures—someprob- urine andmuchmoresensitivelythan longer thantestsofblood,breathor over daysandweeks—substantially whether someonehasbeendrinking Newton, Mass. biosensor createdbyGiner, Inc.of the so-calledtransdermalalcohol improve thewristwatch-likedevice, of afederallyfundedeffort to mathematics, leadstheUSCportion drunkenness. and realtime,itswearer’s sobriety. Or designed torecord,inminutedetail few prototypesofacomputer simple timepiece.It’s oneofthevery But whatRosenhasstrappedonisno Interdisciplinary teamdevelopsbiosensortotrackalcoholuse Blood, SweatandBeers—Math Rosen’s teamhasbeenworkingon Quantifying thatrelationshipis “As is,thedevicemeasures While thedevicecanmonitor Rosen, professorandchairof The USCworkispartofalar matician GaryRosen’s wrist. oversized, itdominatesmathe- digital watch.Black,plasticand he devicelookslikearunner’s . gent ger - team leaderGaryRosen. Dumett, JosephSabat,AsherShamamand Chunming Wang, JackFeinberg, Miguel The USC Team, fromright:Ting Wang, air temperature. set toandmeasurementofthe actual temperature thethermostathas been depending ontwoparameters — the which switchesitselfonoroff control isthethermostatonaheater, industries. aerospace, automotiveandcomputer variety ofotherapplicationsinthe facture ofsemiconductorsanda studied systemcontrolinthemanu- neers andscientists,Rosenhas systems. Collaboratingwithengi- nary workonthecontrolofcomplex with Rosen’s previousinterdiscipli- Building aModel R&D atGiner. project anddirectorofbiochemical T this evening’,”saidLinda three standarddosesofalcoholon data] andsay‘thispersonconsumed he maybeabletogoback[tothe so fareverythinghasbeengoingwell, different alcoholtreatments. also importantforstudiescomparing women [safely]drink?’”Swiftsaid.It’s would ask,‘Howmuchcanpregnant for thekindofpopulationstudythat relating alcoholusetopathology, and the criminaljusticearena. commercial potential,especiallyin monitoring devicealsohasgreat reliable fielddataondrinking.Sucha empelman, aco-investigatoronthe The simplestexampleofsystem The biosensorprojectfitsinwell “If Gary’s workissuccessful,and “A moreaccuratemonitoriskeyfor VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME cult todefine.Forexample,the Dealing withComplexity a 25-dimensionalspace.” lem involves“visualizingasurfacein mathematical perspective,theprob lenging,” saidRosen.Froma even 25canbecomputationallychal requires hundredsofparameters,but the model. more thantwodozenparametersinto data, theteamhasalreadyadded through skin.Basedonbiological age tohowfastalcoholdiffuses parameters —fromsex,weightand hol metabolismistodefinethe in buildingarigorousmodelofalco said. “Thecomplexityexplodes.” thousands ofparameters,”Rosen back systemwith50oreven the wristmonitor. including JosephSabat,shownherewearing graduates onthealcoholbiosensorproject, Rosen hasworkedwithanumberofunder- Some oftheparametersaredif “Numerical weathermodeling For Rosen,oneofthecentraltasks And that’s whereRosencomesin. “Imagine designingasimilarfeed- Fall 2005 USC &Sciences College of Letters, Arts fi- - - - thing useful,”hesaid. will helpotherscientistsdosome- driven work—math,butmath that pure math.Now, Ilookforproblem- days, Iwasonlyinterestedindoing approaches research.“Intheold ects hasshiftedthewayRosen real data,”hesaid. applied math,youhavetodealwith cians dealwithisexact.Butin doesn’ So wehavetomakesurethemodel wards, thenoisecouldhidesignal. “Conceivably, asyoucalculateback- any error, howeversmall,”Rosensaid. that [doinganinversion]willamplify lenges: “Thenatureofmathematicsis powers ofmath. that youcandoonlybyusingthe model, gobackwards—something trick now, hesaid,istoinvertthe through thebody,” Rosensaid.The describes alcohol’s movement got amodelthatmathematically headway inthelasttwoyears.“We’ve Working oninterdisciplinaryproj- “The kindofmaththattheoreti- The nextphasebringsnewchal- t dothat. made substantial group parameters. vidual buttogeneral not toaspecificindi- to calibratethedevice field, researchersneed cal applicationsinthe the monitorinpracti- Rosen said.Buttouse for oneperson,” you theparameters Clinical data“gives adds anotherwrinkle. metabolize alcohol in howindividuals similar tobloodlevels. the concentrationis in responsetoheat— you exerciseorsweat what happenswhen But inactivesweat— what’s foundinblood. times lessalcoholthan contains aboutfive water fromtheskin) ticed evaporationof (the constant,unno- insensible perspiration studies showthat alcohol level:Clinical each withadifferent of twokindsofsweat, device measuresamix The teamhas The hugevariation — EvaEmerson 19 Priority: Research with Impact

Alzheimer’s Linked to Inflammation Early exposure to inflammatory disease multiplies risk of developing Alzheimer’s

new study of dementia in inflammatory burden, then it is identical twins suggests that probably speaking to general health exposure to inflammation conditions,” Gatz said. “There was early in life quadruples in our twins quite a lot of periodon- Aone’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s tal disease, and at that time in disease. “People can plan a Sweden there was a lot of poverty.” Margaret Gatz, lead author and The study, titled “Potentially professor of psychology in USC life span that will alter Modifiable Risk Factors From College, presented her findings in Dementia: Evidence From Identical June at the first Alzheimer’s Twins,” also found that mental activ- Association International Conference dementia risk… ities at age 40, such as reading or on Prevention of Dementia in attending cultural events, did not Washington, D.C. This is the good news.” seem to lower the risk of developing If confirmed, the link would add Alzheimer’s. inflammatory burden to the short Participants who had more educa- list of preventable risk factors for — Margaret Gatz tion than their twins were at slightly Alzheimer’s. lower risk of developing dementia, Previous studies by Gatz and oth- but the influence of education on ers have shown that Alzheimer’s is Alzheimer’s risk was statistically strongly genetic: If one twin has the negligible. disease, his or her identical twin has “Once one controls for genes, the a 60 percent chance of developing it. level of education is not a huge risk Stroke and a shorter period of dementia. oral health can prevent Alzheimer’s, factor,” said Gatz, who questioned formal education both increase Information about participants’ but that an inflammatory burden popular attitudes linking Alzheimer’s the odds of dementia, but not of education, activities and health his- early in life, as represented by or dementia to mental inactivity. Alzheimer’s specifically, the new tory came from surveys they chronic gum disease, may have “We go around saying, ‘Well, it study found. Dementia is an umbrel- completed in the 1960s, when the severe consequences later. can’t hurt to do crossword puzzles.’ la term for many conditions, registry was created, and from hospi- Gatz was inspired to focus on There is a way it can hurt,” she said. including Alzheimer’s. tal discharge records. inflammation by the work of her “The way it can hurt is if we start “People can plan a life span that The surveys included questions USC colleagues Caleb Finch and blaming the people who are dement- will alter dementia risk,” Gatz said. about loose or missing teeth. Gatz Eileen Crimmins, who published a ed for not exercising their brains “And these aren’t risk factors that and colleagues used the answers to paper in the journal Science linking enough, or overselling activities that are unique to dementia. Many of build a crude indicator of periodon- today’s record life spans to lower could make a difference where it’s these are also risk factors for other tal disease, which involves rates of childhood infectious dis- really unsubstantiated. I think we disorders. This is good news.” inflammation of the gums. eases, such as gum disease, flu, have got to be real careful in our Gatz’s team, which included “We’re talking about gum dis- rheumatic fever, tuberculosis and messages about risk reduction.” researchers from the Karolinska ease, but it was measured by teeth other illnesses. The research for this study was Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, lost or loose,” Gatz said. “It’s not Such diseases are often preventa- supported by grants from the sifted the 20,000 participants in the perfect. Given it’s not perfect, it’s ble, raising hope for prevention of Alzheimer’s Association and the Swedish Twin Registry for the 109 even more striking that it’s such a Alzheimer’s. National Institute on Aging. “discordant” pairs where only one solid risk factor.” “If what we’re indexing with peri- —Carl Marziali twin had been diagnosed with The conclusion is not that good odontal disease is some kind of

The Graduate Mission good offers from history Ph.D. pro- richer educational experiences, with nomics pool the resources of the continued from page 5 grams in California, chose to attend programs better tailored to their pro- College with those in the schools of USC College only in part because of fessional aims. Applicants have told law and business. Another combines programs attract better graduate stu- the generous support, he said. He also us they were attracted by our initiative chemistry and pharmaceutical sci- dents who, in turn, help bring top liked the intimate feel of the history to hire more high-quality faculty. More ences to provide better training for faculty to campus. These top faculty department, the quality of faculty in his than ever, our faculty are committed to those pursuing careers in drug devel- then attract better graduate — and area of interest (18th century British creating innovative training programs.” opment. undergraduate — students,” he said. Empire) and the individualized atten- The College has been the driving Living proof that a USC College “Attracting the most promising stu- tion he received from senior historians force behind university-wide, inter- Ph.D. degree leads to success rests dents is key to building excellence, beginning with his first visit to campus. disciplinary Ph.D. programs that with Ray R. Irani, who received his but the competition is intense.” “At USC, I have found a faculty adviser cover the natural sciences, humanities Ph.D. in chemistry in 1957. Over the To stay competitive, USC College who cares. That makes all the differ- and social sciences. For instance, the years, Irani has published more than offers its most stellar students full ence,” he said. long-standing doctoral program in 50 scientific papers and secured more scholarship support and research sub- “We can already point to gains that neuroscience draws upon the expert- than 150 patents. Today, besides sidies. show we are on the right course in ise of faculty and students from many being a trustee of USC, Irani is chair- But doctoral candidate Tillman terms of graduate education,” Aoun USC schools. Newer interdisciplinary man and chief executive officer of Nechtman, who received a number of said. “Our graduate students enjoy Ph.D. programs in history and eco- Occidental Petroleum Corporation. ■

20 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 I FLUORESCENT PROBES IMAGE COURTESY OF CHIEN-PING KO LABORATORY; KO PHOTO BY PHIL CHANNING lab. ture havemadeitafavoriteinthe it, butitslarge sizeandsimplerstruc has severalglialcellswrappedaround the so-calledneuromuscularjunction complicated synapsesofthebrain, cles theycontrol.Likethemore between motorneuronsandthemus glial cellthatsurroundsthesynapse underlies brainactivity neuron communicationnetworkthat critical juncturesintheneuron-to- between neuronsandtheirtargets — those thatsurroundthesynapses interest toneuroscientistslikeKoare nervous system,buttheonesofmost these glialcellsfor, anyway?” answering thequestion,“Whatareall tigations andallowedhimtostart led himtoshiftthefocusofhisinves- muscles. Thisfortuitousdiscovery tions, betweenmotorneuronsand surrounds thesynapses,orconnec- marker forthetypeofglialcellthat research, stumbledacrossaspecific smile whenhespeaksabouthis suddenly replacedbyanenthusiastic ago whenKo,whoseshydemeanoris animals. Thischangedabout10years easy waytoinvestigatetheminliving cult tostudybecausetherewasno roles inthebrainandbody. that glialcellsplayvitallyimportant turned thisideaonitshead,showing of thebrain.ButKoandothershave for neurons,whichdotherealwork nothing morethanasupportnetwork long thoughtthatglialcellswere how neuronscommunicate.Scientists neuroscience byhisfascinationwith who wasinitiallydrawnto cells, notneurons,”saidKo, cells inyourbrainareglial by diseaseandinjury. system functionsdestroyed restore brainandnervous to understandinghow could bringscientistscloser Figuring outtheanswer ences atUSCCollege. professor ofbiologicalsci- entist Chien-PingKo, drives theworkofneurosci- other 90percent? Studies reveal critical role of “support” cellsinbrainandnervoussystem Studies revealcriticalroleof“support” Long Ignored,Brain’sGlialCellsGetTheir Due are wedoingwiththe brain,” istrue,thenwhat use tenpercentofour f theoldsaying,“We only “For manyyears,wetotally Ko focusesonaspecifictypeof Glial cellsarelocatedalloverthe Historically, glialcellswerediffi- “Ninety percentofthe That’s thequestionthat . - - to therightspot. ing nervoussystem,leadingthe nerve guide neuralgrowthinthedevelop suggested thatglialcellssimilarly ing itsgrowth.Furtherexperiments damaged nerveend,apparentlyguid showed themgrowinginfrontofthe ed ananswer. Imagesoftheglialcells a mystery, butKo’s findingssuggest neurons usetoreturnthisspotare synapse hadbeen.Thesignalsthat exactly thesamespotwhere to growagain,oftenreturning in thebodyaredamaged,theybegin ing.” saidKo.However, whennerves contact withamuscle,itstopsgrow- maintain thatconnection. and oncetheygetthere,help the correctspotstoformsynapses, guide youngordamagednervesto cal rolesatsynapses.Theyhelp that glialcellsplayanumberofcriti- cal sciencesintheCollege,found Albert Herrera,professorofbiologi- research assistantprofessor, and and collaborators,Yoshie Sugiura, ing animals. what theglialcellsweredoinginliv- and, forthefirsttime,clearlysaw the synapsesunderamicroscope wrong. With theprobe,Koviewed had developed,thatassumptionwas the highlyspecificglialcellprobehe no activeroleatthesynapse. not clear, researchersassumedithad Because theglialcell’s functionwas nerve makingcontactwithmuscle.” the neuromuscularjunctionasjusta looked inatextbook,youwouldsee ignored glialcells,”saidKo“Ifyou Ko’ “Normally, afteraneuronmakes Ko, workingwithhisstudents But, asKowentontoshowusing s teammadeanotherbreak VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME - - - - and psychology of gerontology, biologicalsciences tem aswell,”saidFinch,aprofessor active roleinthematurenervous sys this researchshowsthattheyhave an migration ofdevelopingneurons,but cells werefundamentaltoestablish nervous system.“We knewthatglial a newroleforglialcellsintheadult out thatKo’s researchhasestablished Alzheimer’ and aleadingexpertonaging Chair intheNeurobiologyofAging the ARCO/William F. Kieschnick help,” Kosaid. ble, getdamaged,they’llstepinto up. Butiftheneuronsgetintotrou- neurons andstepbackastheygrow parents. Theynurturetheyoung aged synapses.“Glialcellsactlike connections aswellmendingdam opment andmaintenanceofsynaptic of keysways—actingonthedevel- glial cellsaffect neuronsinavariety function ofthesynapse.” tenance roleforthestructureand that glialcellsplayalong-termmain- retracted,” saidKo.“Thissuggests that someofthenerveterminalshad nerve functionwasdecreased,and without theglialcell. study whathappenstothesynapse the synapse,allowingteamto to removetheglialcellsfromaround method commoninmedicalresearch gested usinganimmunological College ofWisconsin, sug- neurology attheMedical completing hisresidencyin student Vinay Reddy, now through whenM.D./Ph.D. University ProfessorCalebFinch, These experimentsshowedthat “One weeklater, wefoundthat Fall 2005 s diseaseatUSC,points . USC &Sciences College of Letters, Arts - - A (blue), theglialSchwannCells(green)and in theneuromuscularjunction:nervecells Ko’s labrevealthreedifferenttypesofcells Exposed: Fluorescentprobesdevelopedby ChRs (red). as paralysis. Alzheimer’ neurodegenerative diseaseslike standing andtreatmentof could proveimportantintheunder use toguideandprotectneurons rons. Identifyingthemoleculesglia synaptic connectionsbetweenneu- growth andmaintainthecritical that thecellsusetoguideneural working tofindthemolecularsignals bound tohaveclinicalimplications.” we canidentifythesefactors,it’ ly duetoafailureofthesynapse.If including Alzheimer’s, maybepartial- stable,” saidKo.“Manydiseases, synapses bigger, strongerandmore “We knowthatglialcellsmake tions betweendamagedneurons. finding awaytorestoretheconnec- believes itmightjustholdthekeyto scientific interestinthecells.Ko tem haspromptedasurge of nerves intheperipheralnervoussys- guide theregenerationofadult about science. leave, pursuingherinterestinwriting master’ Katherine Leitzellrecentlycompleted a Neuroscience GraduateProgram, Editor’ glial cellsinthebrain. new lightontheroleofonce-elusive st Chien-PingKohasshed Neurobiologi Currently, Koandhisstudentsare The realizationthatglialcellscan s inbiologicalsciencesandison s note:AstudentintheUSC s aswellconditionssuch —Katherine Leitzell s 21 - D A keep theairinsideplanesdryto avoid It canleadtocatastrophicfailures. the entranceofmoistureandoxygen. metal producestinycracksthat allow age startswhenordinarystrainonthe titanium andothermetals.Suchdam origins ofstress-corrosioncrackingon atoms inordertolearnmoreaboutthe the behaviorofcountlessindividual School ofEngineering,havemodeled in USCCollegeandtheV K. Kalia,whoholdjointappointments V applications. space, marineandotherdemanding performance metalsusedinaero- Growth in women’s sports stillnotreflectedonTV inwomen’ssports Growth Not Equal U When GoodMetalsGoBad about men’s sports.” cacophony ofmen’s voicestellingus “It’s reallyanalmostcontinuous sociology departmentintheCollege. 1989,” saidMessner, whochairsthe is prettymuchthesameasitwasin which fundedthestudy. Athletic FoundationofLosAngeles, released inJulybytheAmateur Highlights Shows,1989-2004,”was in Televised Sports:Newsand since. and hasbeenupdatedeveryfiveyears Milwaukee. Thestudybeganin1989 at theUniversityofWisconsin- fessor ofhumanmovementsciences with Margaret CarlisleDuncan, pro- and genderstudies,didtheresearch Michael MessnerofUSCCollege. according toastudyco-authoredby sion newsandsportshighlightsshows, 90 percentofthecoverageontelevi- 22 Priority: ResearchwithImpact ashishta, AiichiroNakanoandRajiv In addition,airlinersdeliberately Supercomputing specialistsPriya “The proportion[ofTVcoverage] The mostrecentversion,“Gender Messner, whoteachessociology SC scientistsexplorecorrosioninmetals US ir travelcouldbecomesaferas sports stillreceivemorethan past threedecades,men’s women’s athleticsoverthe espite aseachangein a resultofUSCinterdiscipli- C College of Letters, Arts &Sciences C CollegeofLetters, Arts nary researchintocorrosion- induced failureinhigh- iterbi - pace withopportunity.The photowastakenlastseasonatahomegameagainstNotreDame. hasnot kept ButanewUSC studysaysthatmediacoverageofwomen’ssports their sport. (left) ofthe2004-05 women’sbasketballteam nowcanlookforwardtoprofessionalcareersin Like theirmalepeers,femaleathletes likeTrojans EshayaMurphy(withball)andChloeKerr Going nano: A crack in the surface ofapiecemetal,seenonanatomicscale. Going nano:Acrackinthesurface 20. Theyexamined236sportsnews March 14-27,July11-24andNov. 7- KCBS, KNBCandKABC—from Los Angelesnetworkaffiliates — weeks ofTVsportsnewsonthree able situation. could helpalleviatethisuncomfort with moisture.Theteam’s research corrosion cracking,whichworsens deal withtheproblemless dis may beabletofindwaysthatwill cisely howcorrosiontakesplace, we The researchersanalyzedsix “If wecanunderstandmorepre Fall 2005 - - - the NationalScienceFoundation. Research projectisbeingfunded by science andphysicsastronomy medical engineering,computer a professorofmaterialsscience,bio the project’s principalinvestigatorand comfort fortravelers,”saidV March 14-20,July11-17andNov. 7- “SportsCenter” programmingthatran — 21broadcastsofESPN’s airtime. broadcasts, totalingnearly17hoursof VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME The InformationT The duoalsoanalyzedthreeweeks echnology ashishta, . - manyofthebroadcastsinsam- • • onthethreenetworkaffiliates, • as asexualobject,evenshe’s kick- he said. model ofheterosexualattractiveness,” Sharapova] becauseshefitsthatideal ly tofocusonsomeonelike[Maria element ofthecoverage. ization offemaleathleteswasstillan ful thaninpaststudies,thesexual- of women’s sportswasmorerespect- totaling sevenhours. were viewedonthosesamedates, “Southern CaliforniaSportsReport” weeks —21broadcastsoftheFox 13, totalingnearly16hours.Three said Nakano,aprofessorofcomputer need simulationsofbillionsatoms,” chemicals tobiologicalsystems, you ties ofmanythings,frommaterials to material atonce. visualization ofbillionsatoms computer softwarethatallowsthe tronic devices. materials andincreasespeedsinelec The goalistofindwaysstrengthen model atomicandmolecularbehavior their workusingsupercomputersto earned internationalreputationsfor Viterbi School. ence andcomputerscienceinthe joint appointmentsinmaterialssci astronomy intheCollege,whohas Kalia, aprofessorofphysicsand prevent thiskindoffailure,”said help usfindwaystoinhibitandeven cracking atthelevelofatomswill USC work. grant, with$2millionsupportingthe Purdue aresharingthe$3.8million USC andcolleaguesatCaltech “Male viewerscanpigeonholeher Sports mediaare“muchmorelike- Messner saidthatwhilereporting coverage. ple containednowomen’s sports ly; and percent oftheairtime,respective- women’s sportsgot2percentand3 on theESPNandFoxshows, for women’s sports; the airtime,comparedto6percent men’s sportsreceived91percentof They foundthat: “T The grouphasdevelopedunique The long-timecollaboratorshave “Understanding stress-corrosion o learnthemicroscopicproper - - - .

SPORTS PHOTO BY DAN AVILA; METAL IMAGE COURTESY OF THE COLLABORATORY FOR ADVANCED COMPUTING AND SIMULATIONS AT USC DORNSIFE PHOTO BY LEE SALEM PHOTOGRAPHY resistant materials.” damage andcreatemorecorrosion- “we canfindbetterwaystoprevent the materialisfailing,”Vashishta said, going on,indetail,atthepointwhere face. point wherecracksappearinthesur behavior ofindividualatomsatthe of thematerialandsimulate is tocreatethebasicatomicstructure such insight,Vashishta said. Theidea rials failduetothebuild-upofstress. it offers littleinsightabouthowmate- behave whennew, Vashishta said.But able forecastsofhowmaterialwill al engineeringmethods. to supplementthetraditionalstructur- tions andtechniquesofnanoscience using large-scale computersimula- all thingsarecomposedofatoms.” can beappliedtoeverythingbecause “The principlesinvolvedinourwork science, materialsscienceandphysics. s/tv2004.pdf http://www.aafla.org/9arr/ResearchReport To read thefullreport,goto Sports areanimportantpartofthat.” of women’s potentialandcapabilities. learn earlyontorespectthefullrange women,” Messnersaid.“Theyhaveto they’re workingsidebywith stuff... aremovingintoaworldwhere men whoareouttherewatchingthis spect” forfemaleathletes. contributes toa“climateofdisre- humorous sexualizationofwomen cate themselvesaboutthewaysthat and commentatorsofthoseshowsedu- on theanchordesk;andthatproducers women inprogrammingdecisionsand included: TVsportsshowsinclude don’t getcoveredasmuch.” physical contactandmuscularity... [team] sportsthatinvolvealotof women... whoarereallyengagedin court,” Messnersaid.“Whereas ing somebody’s buttonthetennis “By understandingexactlywhatis Nanoscientific analysiscansupply T In thecurrentproject,teamis “I reallythinkthattheboysand The researchers’recommendations raditional analysisprovidesreli- V iterbi SchoolofEngineering — EricMankin, — UshaSutliff - T scanner houses apowerfulbrain-imaging fall. Dedicatedtoresearch,thecenter Neuroscience ImagingCenterlast opened theDornsifeCognitive Dana andDavidDornsife,theCollege Thanks toan$8milliongiftfrom where scientistswilltakeus.” research isthatwedon’t reallyknow here. But,partofthefunsupporting about whatmightbeaccomplished Dornsife (’65).“We’re optimistic for newdiscoveries,”saidDavid the nation’ examination ofhowmuseumscolored the Prado effect onmuseums.Herbook, dictatorship toademocracyandits ed inthenation’s transitionfroma Goya, PicassoandRibera. area ofexpertise,theSpanishartists intending tospendmoretimeonher Fulbright seniorresearcherinSpain, izing andcritiquing.” thought itwasreallyworthmemorial- been seenbefore,”Holosaid.“I energized thecommunity, hadn’t Oaxaca which,onthescalethatit together andmadeachangein artisans andprivatebusinessescame logical. the colonialtourbanandarchaeo- arts —fromthecontemporaryand shaped itsculturalexistenceinthe latest book,examineshowtheregion sonian Books,2004),ProfessorHolo’ historian SelmaHolo. nation, accordingtoUSCCollegeart political forceswereshapingthe and artisansthrivednomatterwhat life ofmuseums,archaeologicalsites their impactonourcultures. study ofmuseumsthemselvesand toward thestudyofmuseology— shift fromherstudyofarthistory Art historian’s book explores intersection of politics and art historian’sbookexploresintersectionofpoliticsandart Art OaxacanStyle A Separate Art, David andDanaDornsifecontinuefamilytraditionofsupport Generations ofSupport “W The Dornsifescontinueatradition Instead, shefoundherselfinterest- In 1994,Holospentayearas “The privateactivismoftheartists, Oaxaca attheCrossroads The bookalsoreflectedHolo’s Mexico. separate identityfromtherestof he stateofOaxacaalwayshada e wantedtoprovideacatalyst . Oaxaca anditsvitalcultural (Smithsonian, 1999),wasan s senseofself. VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME (Smith- Beyond s tics intheMexicanstate ofOaxaca. andpoli- Selma Holo’sbookfocusesonart to themasthingswerechanging.” wanted toknowwhatwashappening out bythemuseumsthere,andI arts,” Holoexplained.“Iwasknocked supporting artsandculture. political positionathomethrough its positionintheworldand understood thatitcouldstrengthen said. “Butitwasn’t.” to bethesamethingasSpain,”she dictatorship wascomingtoanend. found herselfinacountrywhere Revolutionary Party. Again,Holo entrenched Institutionalized Vicente Foxdefeatedthelong- Imag at thededicationofNeuroscience Dana andDavidDornsifetookanactive role Oaxaca, inparticular, seemedtobe “They putalotofmoneyintothe The Mexicangovernmentalready “I wascurioustoseeifitgoing In 2000,shewasinOaxacawhen ing Cent Fall 2005 er . USC &Sciences College of Letters, Arts being partofthem,”hesaid. to happenthere,andlookforward to the needforanimagingcenter tions withfaculty, whoalertedthemto dent atUSC. mother The focusonsciencecamefromhis He wasverygrateful,”Dornsifesaid. other thanbeafarmboyfromIndiana. gave himachancetodosomething ents. “DadfeltthatUSCbasketball neurosciences, begunbyhislatepar of givingtoUSC,especiallyinthe souls.” while preservingintacttheirlocal gle toparticipateintheworldatlarge globalized communitiesastheystrug- ence andenhanceitsincreasingly power oftheartstopositivelyinflu- temporary regionwrestlingwiththe of theissuesthatconcernanycon- cluded. culture areaninspiration,”Holocon- triumph overglobalization. wrote. the sacrednessofspace,”Holo the venerableoldarchesthatmark keep thenewarchesoutofview they hadtopreserve. juices toremindthepeopleofwhat homemade tortillasandfreshfruit arranged foratamalesupperwith Basque cuisines. and touristsenjoyingOaxaqueño City, aplacetraditionallyfulloflocals the historicalcentralplazainOaxaca tried tobullyitswayintothezócalo, cinemathéque. ums, libraries,gardensanda home state,wherehecreatedmuse- leader andpoliticalactivistinhis Zapotec Mestizo-Indianartistwasa Francisco Toledo,” Holosaid.The ness oftheOaxacanpeople. which Holoattributedtotheresolute- able toexpressitselfthroughthearts, “W The familyhasforged closeconnec- “Its efforts havetouchedonmany “Oaxaca’s efforts intherealmof The artistsprevailedintheirsmall “Many artistsweredeterminedto A groupofartists,ledbyToledo, In 2000,aMcDonald’s restaurant “You hadindividualartistslike e thinkmagicalthingsaregoing , whowasapre-medicalstu — KatherineYungmee Kim . - 23 - I Trojan Connections USC Collegelinksscholarstocommunity,USC campustoSouthernCaliforniaregion constrained bydisciplinarybound qualified scholarswhoseworkis not larly focusedonfindinghighly “Our facultyhiringinitiativeparticu to dothateversince,”saidAoun. five yearsagoandwehavecontinued on cross-disciplinarycollaborations ty the boundariesofacademicdisci the goalofmakingiteasiertocross the effort. Attheheartofplanis College isuniquelyqualifiedtolead community,” Aouncontinued.“The help shapetheSouthernCalifornia plan callsforrenewedimpetusto Rim. globe, particularlywithinthePacific does locallyreverberatesacrossthe world community, whatUSCCollege region areinfluentialmembersofthe Angeles andtheSouthernCalifornia Joseph Aoun.“And,sinceLos community,” saidUSCCollegeDean and university, aswellthelocal serve theinterestsofschool help shapeSouthernCalifornia shape andensuretheregion’s future. notion offindingthewaystohelp College haslongembracedthe Southern Californiacommunity, USC As aresponsiblememberofthe “at” carrieswithitresponsibilities. region itself. shaped thedevelopmentof ations oftheTrojan Familyhave the Trojan Familyassurelygener- munity hasshapedtheidentityof more thanacenturylater. Thatcom- nity thatisstillgrowingandthriving squarely inthemiddleofacommu- founders plantedtheuniversity tives” tocollaboration. for removing“structuraldisincen ef school boundaries...oftenimpede further statesthat“disciplinaryand addressing suchproblems.”Theplan tion... maybethebestmeansof or school,[andtherefore]collabora- in thedomainofasinglediscipline “... societalproblemsrarelyfallwith problems.” ty tobearonsignificantsocial intellectual strengthsoftheuniversi- plines tobringthetrue,collective 24 Priority: ShapingSouthernCalifornia ago. that waysincedayone,125years California, it’s “of.”Andit’s been t’s nottheUniversity“at”Southern , webeganputtingstrongemphasis fective collaboration...”andcalls “The university’s newstrategic “The actionsofUSCCollegeto Of course,being“of”ratherthan This earlyrecognitionbyUSC’s “As acollegewithintheuniversi The strategicplanrecognizesthat US C College of Letters, Arts &Sciences C CollegeofLetters, Arts ------looming shortageofU.S.scientists. addresses aspecificsocietalneed: a attitudes ofyouthaboutscience, ence toinspireandchangethe Quiksilver gram, designedinpartnershipwith Environmental Studies.Thepro of theWrigley Institutefor Education Outreach,runbythestaf Challenge forK-12Science College ishometotheQuikScience of educational outreachprograms target peopleinneed. hospitals andotherorganizations that California community, inschools, teering throughJEPintheSouthern some 2,000USCstudentsarevolun Educational Project,JEP. Currently munity-based programsistheJoint communities. and globalissuesgermanetothose rigor todiscussionsoflocal,national in thecommunitytoaddacademic on workingwithrelatedorganizations Armenian Studies.Thesethreefocus Institute andtheof American Life,theKoreanStudies for theStudyofJewishRolein Among them,theCasdenInstitute been createdtoservespecificneeds. of centersandinstitutesthathave ty isfurtheramplifiedbyanumber resources,” Aounsaid. expertise andtoleverageour tap intoawiderpooloftalentand within andoutsidetheuniversity, to tance offormingpartnerships,both ably successful. aries. Inthiswehavebeenremark- USC oftheSouthernCaliforniaregion. haslongbeenanintegral part fered ornowindevelopment,the In addition,amongmanyother At theheartofCollege’s com- The desiretoservethecommuni- “We havealsostressedtheimpor- , Inc.tousemarinesci Fall 2005 - - - f A launch anewK-12outreachprogram International, theCollegewillsoon explorations ofinternationalissues. dents intoareaschoolstolead other activities,sendsCollegestu- International Studies,which,among the CenterforActiveLearningin K-12 educationalcommunitythrough lives,” Aounsaid. ence asexcitingandrelevanttotheir younger studentswithaviewofsci- enter college.QuikScienceprovides in thesesubjectsbeforetheyeven and toooftenstudentsloseinterest age ofscientistsandmathematicians be welleducated.We haveashort- next generationofAmericansmust ship inaknowledgeeconomy, the said Ferrera,aUSCCollegejunior film, “RealWomen Have Curves.” 2002 starredinthehitindependent actress withamegawattsmile,who in had recognizedtheraven-haired aren’ approached her, “You’re thatgirl, months beforeathird-gradertimidly Actor-student AmericaFerrera volunteers Star ServiceforPeace VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME With supportfromEdison The Collegealsoconnectstothe “For theU.S.tomaintainleader- “The kidswereveryintuitive,” All along,manyofthethird-graders t you?” merica Ferrerahadbeen volunteering insidethe Norwood StreetElementary School classroomfor California.” demic leadersinSouthern business, non-profitandotheraca- lapping interestswithgovernment, our visionandfindingareasofover- strengthening connections,sharing role intheregion.We candothisby the Collegetoplayastewardship central tothecontinuedsuccessof California region,”Aounsaid.“It’s intrinsically linkedtotheSouthern ly work. others whoparticipateinthisscholar- but alsothestudents,facultyand the SouthernCaliforniacommunity, College programsnotonlybenefit the College,”saidHowroyd. opportunity thathasbeenfosteredin of ethnicity, thought,goalsand to attenduniversity. Sisterhood oftheTraveling Pants.” USC studentAmericaFerrera starredin“The “The fateofUSChasalwaysbeen Aoun observedthatallofthese “I verymuchvaluethediversity not otherwisebeabletoafford cation forstudentswhomight increase accesstohigheredu- scholarship funddesignedto of $10millionestablisheda dents. InJanuary2005,hergift her supportofCollegestu- community, inpart,through shape theSouthernCalifornia Howroyd haschosentohelp College CouncilorJaniceB. businesswoman andUSC scholarship programs. example, supportstheCollege region. SempraEnergy, for USC’s connectionstothe called theEdisonChallenge. Likewise, LosAngeles USC studentsbenefitfrom ■

FERRERA PHOTO BY DIYAH PERA/COURTESY OF ALCON ENTERTAINMENT Partners in Peace USC student volunteers play key role in teaching peace to elementary students

t the playground at Norwood Street Elementary School, three second-graders began squabbling, each certain he Awas the rightful owner of a Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card. As the shouting escalated to shov- “USC right now is ing, one of the boys snatched the a critical part of our prized card out of another one’s hand. “Hey, you guys!” yelled Naya continued growth.” Bloom, marching up. The children snapped to attention —Alice Green, L. A. Peace Games when they saw Bloom, who oversees Norwood’s Peace Games, a program relying on USC College student vol- unteers and teaching children conflict-resolution skills. The nation- wide program is in its fifth year at the 1,200-student campus, one of USC’s A student-painted mural on the Norwood playground is one of many created to promote peace on and off its campus. Family of Schools. Children who understand empa- thy, respect and cross-cultural That is why Bloom is grateful for academic courses with area schools, One game meant to instill team- sensitivity, advocates say, are less the USC students, who teach Peace hospitals and organizations. Through work has a group form a circle likely to commit an act of violence. Games at Norwood through the volunteer work, USC students learn holding hands. Two students clasp “How could you have handled College’s Joint Educational Project what it takes to create a community. hands through a Hula Hoop. They all that differently?” Bloom asked the (JEP). Many earn course credit. Largely as a result of JEP, The pass the Hula Hoop around without now-chagrined boys. Peace Games officials hope to Princeton Review named USC one of breaking the circle. “By talking it out?” offered one. expand the program. 81 nationwide “Colleges With a Another teaching the power of “By sharing it?” asked another. “USC is a critical part of our con- Conscience” from a pool of 900 insti- body language and voice tone asks a “By tearing it into three pieces?” tinued growth,” said Alice Green, the tutions. student to imagine being hungry. asked the third boy with a laugh. group’s Los Angeles regional director. Green praised the partnership The student communicates silently, “The university and JEP have been between JEP and Peace Games. without moving, before using ges- A Challenge Ahead very aggressive in supporting commu- “It’s been a good marriage,” Green tures and speech. Bloom was pleased. The boys nity outreach. We’re a recipient of said inside her office, donated space Antoun understood her impact remembered there are alternatives to that support.” in a building overlooking downtown after asking students to list their fighting. And humor helps. But Los Angeles. favorite peacekeepers. Her name Bloom knows that getting students to A Good Marriage Bloom recalled the disturbing appeared just below their mothers, bring Peace Games lessons to the Now 33, JEP is among the nation’s trend that prompted the program. fathers and Martin Luther King Jr. playground and ultimately to their oldest service-learning programs. The “There were a lot of racial slurs on “I don’t expect this program to homes can be a challenge. program connects students and their the playground,” recounted Bloom, wipe out gang violence or anything director of Norwood’s Healthy Start, like that,” she said. “But it raises which connects students and families their awareness and gives them an with community resources. “There alternative to violence.” were a lot of punching and fighting. majoring in international relations. “It starts on the grand scale,” she Then there were cases of bird mutila- Children Inspired “They never said anything until the said. “There are the huge political tion. That was the culminating thing At Norwood, the message was very last day. They knew that wasn’t powers. “The ‘man’ and government, that made us ask, ‘What can we do?’” clear. A colorful mural outside the what I was there to do.” but it boils down to the individual That year, Norwood used funds from Oak Street campus depicted children Ferrera, 21, regularly visited the and how we treat each other as a $316,000 state grant to implement under a rainbow. Students painted it classroom as a Peace Games student individuals.’’ Peace Games. on a wall usually scarred by graffiti. volunteer. Under the auspices of She understands that as an actress Last year, Norwood began looking Inside the school, walls were blan- USC College’s Joint Educational children look up to her. She considers at ways to continue to fund the pro- keted with messages such as, “Peace Project, the program allows USC it an opportunity. gram. Again, JEP stepped up. is as good as ice cream.” Inside class- students to teach children conflict- “There’s a responsibility that rooms, students posted resolution skills. The goal is to raise comes along with what I do,” said The Nuances of Peace hand-scrawled advice such as, “Never a society of nonviolent adults. Ferrera, the youngest of six children JEP and Norwood obtained a leave someone out.” Juggling her studies with acting, raised by her mother, an immigrant $10,800 grant through USC Such notes hung on the walls Ferrera starred in a big summer from Honduras. “I have no less social Neighborhood Outreach. A grant of inside a fifth-grade classroom, where release: “The Sisterhood of the responsibility than anybody else.” $11,000 was secured for this year, said student Manny Tamayo shared his Traveling Pants” and played the part But it’s not all about being a role Susan Harris, JEP director of academ- lessons. of Thunder Monkey in “Lords of model. ic development. “When someone cuts me down Dogtown.” But her connection with “I do it for selfish reasons, really,” Carmen Antoun, 21, an interna- now,” Manny said, “I just walk children gives her more than any- she said. “It makes me really happy.” tional relations senior, teaches Peace away.” thing Hollywood could offer. —Pamela J. Johnson Games at Norwood. —Pamela J. Johnson PEACE GAMES PHOTO BY PAMELA J. JOHNSON

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 25 W E USC CollegelaunchesInstituteofArmenian Studies USC An Institute withAmbitions Ocean Adventure center andmuchmore.” tank, avenueofcreativity, aresource ty, Dekmejiansaid.“Itwillbeathink the needsofArmeniancommuni- research andlearningthatrespondsto sioned asamultidisciplinarycenterof Armenian Studieshasbeenenvi- and Armenians,theInstituteof understanding ofmodernArmenia Armenian church.” music andanotherintheof one’s interestedinArmenianclassical economic developmentinArmenia, ed inhostingasymposiumon call after—onegroupisinterest- science intheCollege.“We’ve had Dekmejian, aprofessorofpolitical sleeping giant,”said time hadcome. institute isanideawhose of callshe’s received,the hands full. Dekmejian, hashadhis Richard Hrair February, itsdirector, Armenian Studieslast answer the frontrowtorattleoff thecorrect counted ontheocean-savvyboyin arms toshootintotheair. Hehadn’t and highschoolstudentsfiredup annual contestismeanttogetmiddle based inHuntingtonBeach,the Quiksilver Environmental Studiesand of theUSCWrigley Institutefor QuikScience Challenge.Abrainchild team thatwonfirstplaceinthisyear’ ready.” recounted. “Ihadawholespeech USC Wrigley’sUSC QuikScienceChallengerewardslearning 26 Priority: ShapingSouthernCalifornia With abroadmissiontoincrease “We haveawakeneda Judging bytheflurry Scott waspartofthehighschool “It reallythrewme,”Scott US Institute of lished theUSC College estab- ver sinceUSC . C College of Letters, Arts &Sciences C CollegeofLetters, Arts ity, hedidn’t expectaseaof fifth-grade classaboutsalin- , Inc.,asurfwearcompany Friedlander queriedthe hen 15-year-old Scott s Adams MiddleSchool.Shementored ence teacheratSantaMonica’s John Steinmetz, aUSCalumnaandsci to beinthecontest,”saidBrigitte efforts. create anartisticpresentationoftheir must performcommunityserviceand based onthefindings.Theyalso curriculum anddevelopalessonplan audit theirgradelevel’s oceanscience Challenge, whichrequiresteamsto California countiescompetedinthe about scienceandtheenvironment. Quiksilver’ Santos, andcruisingaboard Cabo SanLucas,LaPazandT a weekinBajaCalifornia,travelingto from dance,musicandtheartstopol- activities inawiderangeoffields, Armenian-related scholarshipand Southern California.” the Armeniancommunityin “This isagreat,greatopportunityfor Ghailian said,willhelpcreatethat. ship andidentity.” was acommunity“lookingforleader- of theinstitute’s advisoryboard,his according toCharlesGhailian,chair Republic ofArmeniaitself.But, Armenian communityoutsideofthe Armenian descent—thelargest estimated 350,000peopleof “Not allthatmanystudentsasked W Students fromfiveSouthern The instituteaimstopromote The College-basedinstitute, Southern Californiaishometoan inners inbothagegroupsspent s 72-foot Indies T Fall 2005 rader. odos - mals. talked aboutpollutionandseaani cussing salinity, thesixstudents Elementary School.Inadditiontodis Beach visitedneighboringPacific Mira CostaHighSchoolinManhattan Scott andfiveofhisclassmatesat believed wewouldactuallywin.” next year?’Idon’t think people asking me,‘CanIbeontheteam I suddenlyhadadroveofstudents ing nestingseaturtlesandsnorkeling, swimming withwhalesharks,watch- and gottospendaweekinMexico, “But onceeveryoneheardwewon the youngerteamthatplacedfirst. group. Avideotapeshowedhim wav Robbie McCracken,15,saidto the a keyarchitectoftheinstitute.“It extend farbeyondUSC,”saidAoun, said CollegeDeanJosephAoun. the firstacademiccenterofitskind, ty willbeatoppriority. Addressing concernsofthecommuni- itics, religionandcommunityaffairs. VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 6NUMBER VOLUME by an Armenian TV reporter.by anArmenianTV Director RichardDekmejianisinterviewed attention oftheArmenianmedia.Here, Establishment oftheinstitute attracted the “This isTerrence theT For thepublicserviceportion, “The impactofthisinstitutewill The approachmakestheinstitute of newinstitute. friend atFebruary launch (right)and Akaragian Dr. CarieSahagian- Dean JosephAoungreets urtle,” - - - death.” always full,hestarvedhimselfto digest this.Andthinkinghewas were jellyfish.Well, Terrence couldn’t ate threeplasticbagsthinkingthey “Terrence hashadaroughlife.He and intheotheraplasticgrocerybag. ing inonehandapreservedseaturtle even more.Andachancetogo for a was achancetoexploretheocean began attendingUSCthisfall.“This ocean,” saidMattRichards,18, who their mentors. Buckius andCaliTurner actedas tion. Theaquarium’s Christine visitor whytheyenteredthecompeti the MiraCostawinnersexplainedtoa on theManhattanBeachpier, someof ing years.” help theinstitutethriveincom- that levelofcommitmentwill the Armeniancommunity. Andit’s because ofthefullparticipation ceeded increatingtheinstitute vision,” Aounsaid.“We havesuc- themes. Moreeventsareplanned. on theArmenianchurchandrelated explored theimpactofglobalization Vehapar KarekinII.Eventspeakers Armenian ApostolicChurchleader conjunction withavisitbythe attended symposiumandlunchin school ofreligionco-hostedawell- together tosupporttheinstitute.” USC. OurTrojan alumnihaverallied tions ofArmenianshavegoneto Dekmejian said.“Literally, genera- study atUSCover100yearsago,” Secretary oftheNavy. Roski andPaulIgnatius,formerU.S. including USCTrustee EdwardP. “Who’s Who?”ofthecommunity, the 575guestsattendingwasavirtual hour beforethepartybegan.Among Town & Gownafullquarterofan Scores ofguestscrowdedoutside American communitywasevident. enthusiasm oftheArmenian tute’s launchearlierthisyear, the people.” the tragichistoryoftheArmenian society, aswelltoremindthemof many contributionsofArmeniansto will helptheworldtounderstand Later “W “Six yearsago,wehadonlya In June,theinstituteand “The firstArmeniancameto At thegalacelebratinginsti- e allhadapassionforthe , atRoundhouseAquarium — EvaEmerson -

ARMENIAN GALA PHOTOS BY LEE SALEM PHOTOGRAPHY In K-12 education, one of the institute’s most promising new part- Wrigley Institute Turns 10 & 40 nerships was created by Wrigley Board member and USC alumnus Board Chair calls progress ‘astounding’ Bob McKnight with his company Quiksilver, Inc. The QuikScience Challenge is a contest that promotes marine science-based education In May, Delta Murphy, chair of the educational programs have attracted across the region. Reaction from Wrigley Institute for Environmental tremendous attention. teachers and students has been over- Studies Advisory Board, addressed the The Wrigley has attracted top sci- whelming. USC College Board of Councilors. An entists, such as Ken Nealson, a George Boone, a member of the edited version of her remarks appears pioneer of the interdisciplinary field Wrigley Board and USC trustee, has below. of geobiology, whose studies may had an important impact on the lead to the use of microbes to growth of the Catalina campus. Our am delighted to be here today to remove elements in water that are “visionary,” he led the push to build speak to you about a subject I feel harmful to people. the “Tuscan Village” — housing for very passionate about — the USC Nealson’s presence also has been visiting scientists that opened in Wrigley Institute. critical to the development a one-of- 2003. With his encouragement, we I This has been a wonderful year a-kind, advanced geobiology are considering a second addition for the Wrigley. Forty years ago, in seminar, now in its fourth year. The that would further ease the housing 1965, Phil and Dorothy W. Offield seminar has helped the Wrigley shortage on the island. and the Wrigley family dedicated cement its role as a leader in geobi- The Wrigley would not have land to USC, allowing the establish- ology, attracting renowned scientists been able to make such tremendous ment of the Philip K. Wrigley and talented graduate students from strides in the past decade without Marine Science Center on Catalina. Delta Murphy across the globe. Tony Michaels, director of the insti- Ten years ago, William and Julie I first became involved with the Recent recruit Dennis Hedgecock tute, who is a charismatic leader, a Wrigley built on the family tradition Wrigley many years ago when Morty leads a new fisheries program at the much-respected scientist and an with the founding of the USC Shapiro, then dean of the College, institute, established by a gift from ardent advocate for environmental Wrigley Institute. In late August, we asked if I would join the Wrigley the Wrigley Board’s Packy Offield. science and education. will celebrate both of these anniver- Board. As an alumna of USC, an The scientists use genetics and Likewise, Joseph Aoun, dean of saries with an open house at the enthusiastic supporter of the univer- other tools to study the sustainability the College, is an invaluable sup- Catalina facility. sity and, through my work as chair of and restoration of sea bass, sea porter of the institute’s mission, and The Wrigley family and USC the Los Angeles County Planning urchin and marlin fisheries and oys- a beacon for us followers. College have together created a vision Commission, someone involved and ter aquaculture. Early results are Also deserving recognition are for Catalina island and its value to sci- enamored with Catalina and its citi- exciting — they have bred an oyster members of the Wrigley Board, fac- ence and society that is truly ahead of zens, I thought it was a perfect fit that promises to triple aquacultural ulty and staff — notably Ann Close its time. Four generations of this gen- and later became chair. oyster production. — who have played key roles in the erous and thoughtful family have It has been a wonderful experi- Wrigley faculty study an array of institute’s continuing transformation. committed themselves to this com- ence. In that time, there has been coastal problems. Dave Caron The road ahead is full of wonder mon goal. We are grateful for their astounding progress at the Wrigley; researches the causes and impacts of and infinite possibilities. I sense that efforts. It has been a joy and privilege it’s been explosive. The institute’s red tides. Doug Capone’s work on the Wrigley is only at the beginning to get to know them through the research has gained international the marine nitrogen cycle sheds light of what will surely prove a rewarding institute that bears their name. prominence, and its outreach and on processes of climate change. journey for USC and the world. ■

ed Nora Hedgecock, daughter of USC’s Dennis Hedgecock, a professor of biological sciences. Steinmetz’s students are continu- ing their service project, making beach cleanups a monthly routine. After spending time with Mexican students in Baja, they’re also working to create an exchange program. One of Steinmetz’s students, Dylan Braun, said he now wants to become a The Indies Trader marine scientist. That’s exactly the point, said Judy knowledge.’’ Lemus, Wrigley’s director of educa- During their trip, Steinmetz’s tion: “The more they learn, the more group of seventh-graders enjoyed they’ll want to protect the ocean.” swimming with a 40-foot whale shark. Second-place winners, Animo But they were disturbed to see that a Leadership Charter High School in steel rod had pierced the creature’s Inglewood and St. Mary’s Middle Students from John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica, first-place winners in their age group, build a sand sea turtle at the beach in Baja California with children from Todos Santos. thick grey skin. Even worse, when it School in Fullerton, spent a weekend Third from left is Dylan Braun, fifth from left is Joanna Martin and far right is Nora Hedgecock. was removed, it appeared that the rod at Wrigley’s marine lab in Catalina. had been sharpened. Registration for this year’s contest really great prize: Cabo.” Cruz. “We developed knowledge “They were so saddened that begins in October and is open to stu- “For personal growth,’’ said Ashley about the ocean. Then as volunteers, someone would do that,” said dents throughout the state. Okada, 18, who is attending UC Santa we got to reach out and share our Steinmetz of the group, which includ- —Pamela J. Johnson MURPHY PHOTO BY STEVEN BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY; QUIKSCIENCE PHOTOS AUELA CHOY

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 27 College Commons

Center for Investment Studies, and is A Gift for Science, International Style a trustee of the USC Hillel Foundation, a member of the Hebrew Broidy Fellowships fund Israeli scientists at USC College Union College Board of Governors and its Board of Overseers. Robin Broidy serves on the USC College Board of Councilors and on hree life sciences graduate stu- opportunity to work with and learn the board for the Wilshire Boulevard dents and two top professors or from these life science pioneers and Temple Elementary School. She is postdoctoral fellows from The other senior researchers who are also the Vice Chair of the Aviva Technion – Israel Institute for poised to pave the way toward novel Family and Children’s Services, a res- TTechnology will be recruited for grad- strategies for understanding, treating idential treatment center for abused uate fellowships and visiting and preventing complex diseases. teenage girls. professorships at USC College. In May, USC College opened the “Graduate fellows recruited A $500,000 gift established the Molecular & Computational Biology through the Robin and Elliott Broidy Robin and Elliott Broidy Program for Building, which houses researchers Program will not only strengthen the Graduate Fellowships, which will pro- focused on computational and experi- life sciences at USC,” said USC vide two years of full tuition and mental genomics. Their work is vital College Dean Joseph Aoun, “but also reasonable living and travel expenses to understanding the causes of and will open the College to the world’s for students wishing to pursue studies finding cures for some of the most next generation of scientists. This is in computational biology at USC common and devastating diseases with truly a world-class educational College. The fellowships will be Robin and Elliot Broidy complex genetic components, such as experience.” awarded to Israeli students who have heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s —Katherine Yungmee Kim demonstrated exemplary academic disease. achievement and whose courses of comparing and analyzing nucleic acid Robin and Elliott Broidy have a Correction: “A Virtual World of study are grounded in the life sciences. and protein sequences essential to long-standing commitment to Languages” (Vol. 6, No. 1) incorrectly USC College is home to one of the genome mapping. Tavaré conducted strengthen USC’s educational offer- describes an online virtual museum leading groups of molecular and com- research leading to the development ings. They are also dedicated to that allows students of Spanish depart- putational biologists in the world. of BLAST, the most commonly used causes that support Israel. ment lecturer Galina Bakhtiarova to Trailblazing professors such as sequence-analysis software in gene Elliott Broidy (B.S., Business explore poetry, arts and culture of the Michael Waterman, Simon Tavaré and research. Arnheim co-led the team Administration, ’79,) has served on the Spanish-speaking world. The Virtual Norman Arnheim have made key con- that discovered the polymerase chain USC Associates Board of Directors Museum is a Web site of the National tributions to genomic sciences, reaction technology that makes it pos- and the Board of Councilors for the Institute for Technology and Liberal including work crucial to the success sible for scientists to amplify a very USC Marshall School of Business’ Education. of the Human Genome Project. small amount of DNA to a quantity Nearly 25 years ago, Waterman large enough for laboratory study. helped develop the algorithms for Graduate fellows will be given the

Senator Boxer Speaks at USC Casden Institute Event

In April, California’s U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer addressed a crowd of over 500 USC students, alumni, faculty and friends as part of the Carmen and Louis Warschaw Distinguished Lecture Series at the USC Casden Institute for the Study of the Jewish Role in American Life. Boxer, a senator since 1993, spoke about her Jewish upbringing, recent travel to Iraq and her work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She inspired students in the audience to “go into public service in a way that is honest and authentic,” and told them to “look around for the issues that motivate you... it’s about your country and your future.”

28 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Why My Silver is Gold (Authorhouse, Alums Launch eBay Rival Alumni News 2005). Crear, who won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics and a bronze medal Travelling Inside Out at the 2000 Olympics, wrote about the struggles he overcame on his Olympic Gary S. Felton (Ph.D., journey. he bonds Psychology, ’70) has students cre- written a unique prac- Top Honors ate at USC tical travel manual Alexandra Campbell (B.S., Political extend far entitled Travelling Inside Out (Book Guild Science, ’02; B.A., Creative Writing, ’02) Tbeyond the class- took top honors at the USC Law School Publishing, 2005). The room, campus and book is “for anyone 2005 Hale Moot Court Honors even graduation — who is not getting Competition. Campbell will serve next as proof, take the enough out of interna- year as advocacy chair of the Moot Court Board and captain of the USC Law four USC alumni tional travel, but can’t quite work out School National Moot Court Team. She who have launched why.” Felton is a licensed clinical psy- chologist in private practice in Los also received a California Bar/BRI Bar an online business Review scholarship that will pay half the USC Alumni at the ClassifiedBuyers offices (from left): Employee Angeles. that they say will and fellow Trojan Cliff Cohu (Viterbi, ’05) with Web site founders cost of a bar review course. “provide a better Kelsey Durkin, Jeff Grant, Casey Cosgrove and Mike Willman. Presidential Appointment Doctoral Scholarship way than eBay.” Theodore R. Smith (B.A., International Alumni Jeff Grant (USC College, ties, the USC student community Relations, ’60; M.A., Economics, ’64) has Nmerichi Umennachi (B.A., East Asian ’02), Casey Cosgrove (Marshall, ’99), provides a lasting opportunity for been named President of the Moroccan Languages, ’04) received the Japanese Ministry of Education Research Kelsey Durkin (Annenberg, ’04) and people to network. That’s one reason American Trade & Investment Council Scholarship. The scholarship is the high- Mike Willman (Viterbi, ’04) opened why ClassifiedBuyers continues to by King Hassan VI of Morocco. Smith has previously served as financial advisor est awarded by the Japanese ClassifiedBuyers (www.classifiedbuy- recruit from the Trojan Family. to Sultan Hassal Bolkia of Brunei. government. It will allow Umennachi to ers.com), an auction-based buy/sell “My education at USC gave me work toward a Ph.D. in media science. Web site, up for business in early the confidence to dream big and also Wall Street Journal New President January of this year. showed us all the value of a strong Deputy National Security Advisor to the The group established the online work ethic. By doing so, USC pre- U.S. J.D. Crouch (B.A., Linguistics, ’80) Susan Marie service as an alternative to fee-based pared us for the reality of today’s wrote an editorial “From Bucharest to Maloney (Ph.D., Social Ethics and Internet e-commerce sites, offering business environment,” he said. Baghdad” that was featured in the Jan. 13 Religion, ’93) was such free features as a built-in pay- The prominent feature of issue of The Wall Street Journal. Crouch previously served as U.S. ambassador to elected president ment service, secure transaction ClassifiedBuyers is its “buyer Romania. President George W. Bush of the Western technology, competitive offers, auto- approval” process: once offers are for- announced Crouch’s appointment to the Region of the American Susan Marie matic e-mail notifications and malized with a purchase order, funds post of Deputy National Security Advisor Maloney shipment tracking. are held for safekeeping and both in early 2005. Academy of Religion. The region includes scholars “Collaboration is key to develop- buyer and seller are notified. The Dentist Honored of religion from colleges, universities ing a great Web site,” said Grant, buyer has seven days in which to and seminaries in California, Nevada, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psy- authorize the seller to be paid. This May C. Louie (B.S., Biological Sciences, Arizona, Hawaii and Guam. Maloney is a chology and met Durkin, Cosgrove process protects both parties from ’78), a practicing dentist in Arcadia, member of the Sisters of the Holy Calif., was awarded the prestigious and Willman through the USC Greek fraud, according to Grant. Names and teaches at the University of Fellowship Award by the Academy of Redlands. system. “More than most universi- — Kaitlin Solimine General Dentistry (AGD) during its Annual Meeting in Anaheim. The fel- Good Therapy lowship recognizes excellence in the dental profession and a commitment to Heather Barnes (B.A., Sociology, ’05) is 50 Years of Devotion providing exceptional patient care. working as a therapist for children recently diagnosed with autism at the Joseph Aoun, dean of USC College, presented Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute Thai Minister Lovaas Institute For Early Intervention. of Religion (HUC-JIR) with a commendation Feb. 7 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. For Life of Service more than 30 years, HUC-JIR and USC have enjoyed academic reciprocity. USC offers a On June 18, Carl R. Terzian (B.A., B.A. in religion with an emphasis in Judaic studies cooperatively with HUC-JIR and Ph.D. History, ’57) was honored by the League students from either school can work with USC and/or HUC-JIR faculty. for Children, an auxiliary group of “USC offers students an education in Jewish studies that most universities cannot Children’s Bureau, for his civic, philan- hope to match, thanks in large measure to our strong bonds with Hebrew Union College,” thropic and professional leadership on behalf of children. Terzian graduated said Aoun, who presented the commendation on behalf of USC President Steven B. magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa Sample. “This fruitful partnership has strengthened and enhanced both institutions as well USC College alumni (from left) Walter and was student body president. as our community.” Ladwig (B.A., Economics, ’98), Kantathi Suphamongkhon (’84), D.C. Alumni Club President Bob Kurkjian (B.A., Political Science, ’95; M.Acc. ’00) and Sue Anne Tay Student News (B.A., International Relations, ’03). Luce Scholar Thailand’s Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appointed Kantathi Sam Bazzi, a senior Suphamongkhon (Ph.D., International majoring in interna- Relations, ’84) as the nation’s Minister of tional relations and Foreign Affairs. On May 13, the USC economics, received Alumni Club of Washington D.C. held a a Henry Luce reception to honor Suphamongkhon dur- Foundation ing his first official visit to the nation’s Scholarship. The capital. Sam Bazzi highly competitive awards support 15 Olympian Memoirs students doing internships in Asia. Bazzi, interested in economic development, Mark Crear (B.A., Sociology, ’92), a two- From left: Burton Lehman, chair of the board of governors of HUC-JIR; Dean Joseph Aoun; hoped to go to Southeast Asia. Rabbi David Ellenson, president of HUC-JIR; and Lewis M. Barth, dean of the HUC-JIR L.A. time Olympic medalist in track and field, campus. has written an autobiography entitled continued on page 30 CLASSIFIEDBUYER PHOTO COURTESY OF CLASSIFIEDBUYERS.COM; HEBREW UNION COLLEGE BY MARVIN STEINDLER

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 Fall 2005 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences 29 College Commons

CALIS in the News Ordenana and Emese Schloegl. Sociologists for Women in Society Triple Crown Distinguished Feminist Lecturer. As dis- USA Today’s April 12 Life section featured Heather James, associate professor of Women in Chemistry tinguished lecturer, he will deliver a talk a workshop run by USC College’s Center English and comparative literature, has at two U.S. university campuses. for Active Learning in International Chemist Lyudmila scored a triple crown win — she is the Studies. The workshop showed teachers Slipchenko recipient of a senior American Council of Excellence in Mentoring how they might use the film “Hotel received the 2005 Learned Societies Fellowship, a National Rwanda” in the classroom. Anna Louise Gerald Davison, professor and chair of Endowment of the Humanities Folger Hoffman Award for psychology, was awarded a Mellon Award Shakespeare Library Fellowship, and a Earthquake Research Outstanding for Excellence in Mentoring by USC’s Huntington Library Research Fellowship. Achievement in Center for Excellence in Teaching. Graduate Research Lehmann Medal Chair of NSF from Iota Sigma Pi, Lyudmila Committee The American Geophysical Union award- the national honor Slipchenko ed University Professor Tom Jordan, W. society for women in chemistry. The Anthony Michaels, M. Keck Foundation Chair in Geological award recognizes women who have professor of biologi- Sciences and professor of earth sciences, demonstrated superior scholastic achieve- cal sciences and the Inge Lehmann Medal in recognition ment and high professional competence director of the USC of outstanding contributions to the under- in the field. Slipchenko and adviser Anna Wrigley Institute for standing of the structure, composition Krylov have co-authored papers about Environmental and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle and their discovery of the first organic triradi- Studies, has been In November 2004, undergraduate interns core. cal molecule. appointed chair of in the Southern California Earthquake Anthony Michaels the National Science Center Undergraduate Studies in L.A.’s Environmental History Foundation Advisory Committee on Earthquake Information Technology pro- Environmental Research and Education. As part of a new series gram competed at the Sigma Xi Student Faculty News on the environmental Research Conference in Montreal. The Collaborative Success history of U.S. cities, interns won first place for their poster and history Professor Bill software demonstration entitled “Software Chemistry Honors Deverell and Greg Engineering for Earthquake Research.” The 2005 Priestley Hise, associate profes- Pictured are participants along with advis- Medal, the American sor of urban planning ers Tom Jordan, director of SCEC, and Chemical Society’s and history, have co- Sue Perry, program manager. highest honor, was authored Land of awarded to George Sunshine: An Environmental History of Trusten Award Olah, USC Metropolitan Los Angeles (University of Biology faculty selected molecular biolo- Distinguished Pittsburgh Press, 2005). Shri Narayanan and Dani Byrd gist Ronda Bransteitter to receive the Professor and George Olah 2005 William E. Trusten Student Award, Donald P. and Book Review The U.S. Office of Naval Research award- the department’s top graduate student Katherine B. Loker Chair in Organic Political scientist John Barnes’ book ed a five-year, $5-million multidisciplinary honor. Chemistry. In recognition, the Nobel Overruled? (Stanford University Press, grant to USC scholars Dani Byrd, associ- Prize-winning chemist was featured in a 2004) was reviewed in Perspectives on ate professor of linguistics, Shri Student Research Showcased cover story and feature article in the Politics. It was called a “great example of Narayanan, associate professor of electri- March 14 issue of Chemical & Engineering persuasive social science research” by the In May, five undergraduates from an envi- cal engineering, linguistics and computer News, the weekly news magazine of ACS. flagship journal for reviews in political ronmental studies course shared their science, and their collaborators at Stanford Yosemite presentations at a meeting of the science. Sociology and Feminism and the University of Washington. The Los Angeles Geographical Society. The funding will support the project “Human- English Honors USC students were: Sean Carney, Michael Messner, professor of sociology like Speech Processing.” Carol Muske-Dukes Elizabeth Hurst, Daniel Kenny, Miguel and gender studies, will serve as the 2006 Carol Muske- Dukes, professor of English, was named one of Introducing Medical Ethics medicine? What obligations does it four finalists for the California have? What ethical issues tie the Poet Laureate. Student launches speaker series physician to the patient?” Gerald Larue, an emeritus profes- Paleo Pop sor of religion and adjunct Paleontologist David Bottjer wrote an t was standing-room only at the first professor of gerontology at USC, account of he and his colleagues’ remark- symposium last spring in the spoke in early March at the sec- able 2004 discovery of the oldest fossils of College’s speaker series, “Becoming ond symposium on a bilaterian — animals that display bilat- a Physician,” which examined “Physician-Assisted Suicide: eral symmetry and lived some 580 to 600 million years ago — in the August Iissues in medical ethics. Over 350 pre- Dignity or Desertion.” Over 250 Scientific American magazine. The find health students — pre-medicine, students attended the discussion pushed back the genesis of complex ani- pre-nursing and pre-pharmacy — between Larue and Rabbi Elliot mal life by as many as 50 million years. attended the discussion entitled Dorff, co-chair of bioethics at the “Stem Cells: Hope or Hype?” University of Judaism. Anthropologist Sings on Chinese TV The speaker series is the brain- The next two topics were Earlier this child of Joshua Hornstein, a Rabbi Elliot Dorff (l), co-chair of the bioethics “HMOs: Commercialism Meets year, Eugene philosophy/pre-med senior in the department at the University of Judaism, Professionalism” and “Rationing Cooper, a pro- Joshua Hornstein (c), series director, and fessor of College, who put together a 10-speak- Healthcare: Can We Afford Our Gerald Larue (r), emeritus professor of reli- anthropology er, four-event series for the spring gion and adjunct professor of gerontology, at Current System?” who studies semester. the second symposium, “Physician-Assisted Based on last year’s successes, Chinese folk Hornstein attributes his desire to Suicide: Dignity or Desertion.” Bovard Auditorium has been designat- customs and become a physician to his training in ed as the venue for this year. trade fairs, plucked his philosophy. “It brought out the moral University, where he met with lead- —Katherine Yungmee Kim Eugene Cooper guitar and sang dimensions in medicine that I found ing writers in medical ethics, learning two Chinese folk songs at Beijing televi- worth pursuing,” he said. the issues and theories of the field. For more information on the “Becoming a sion’s “Arts of Our Land” competition — In the summer of 2004, Hornstein Hornstein said he wanted to bring Physician” speaker series, please contact a talent show featuring non-Chinese peo- was the only undergraduate attend- those ideas back to the pre-med stu- Joshua Hornstein, Program Director at ple performing Chinese skills. With over ing a bioethics course at Georgetown dents at USC. “What are the ends of [email protected] 100 million viewers tuned in, Cooper cap- BYRD AND NARAYANAN PHOTO BY STACEY HALPER

30 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2 U

CONVOCATIONHONORS PHOTO BY IRENE FERTIK A 2 versity’ Librarian Emeritus,wasawardedtheuni- professor ofhistoryandCaliforniaState 2005 PresidentialMedallion chology she teaches,heruseofinnovativeteaching political science,fortherangeofcourses in T US behavior. social psychology, and drugsandhuman classes instatistics,researchmethods, social psychologyfromBritain,hastaught US director until1996. Earthquake Centerandservedasits creation oftheSouthernCalifornia retirement in2000.In1991,Akiledthe Chair ofGeologicalSciencesuntilhis where hewastheW.M. KeckFoundation earthquake. ure oftheener moment, theseismicmomentisameas- earthquakes. SometimescalledanAki oped asawaytomeasurethesizeof the “seismicmoment,”whichhedevel Academy ofArtsandSciences. Sciences andafellowoftheAmerican member oftheU.S.NationalAcademy Seismology thored theimportanttext, than 200papersandbookscoau- published more century, Aki spanning ahalf- In acareer Indian Ocean. island inthe La Réunion died May17on ogist ofhisera, leading seismol- Edwards Ward Keiiti Aki emeritus, 75 sciencesprofessor Keiiti Aki,earth ence favorite”awards. tured secondplaceoverallandthe“audi- USC’s received research and ioral decision field ofbehav- pioneered the emeritus, who psychology professor of Obituaries 005 OutstandingTeaching Assistant ward C Associates Awards forExcellence K Mathew Curtis Alison DundesRent In 1984,AkicametoUSCCollege, Aki wasbestknownforhisconceptof eaching evin O.Starr s highesthonor . Curtis,adoctoralstudentin C HailsItsBest Convocation inMarch. USC’s 24thannualAcademic and studentswerehonoredat SC Collegefacultymembers , 77, . Amongmanyhonors,hewasa , 75,a gy releasedduringan , UniversityProfessor , departmentofpsy- Keiiti Aki W . ard Edwards eln Quantitative , professorof , - Psychiatr tory A USC Faculty Lifetime Achievement Germany, 1890-1930. Research andScholarship USC Associates Awards forCreativity in ent studentprojects. techniques andhersupervisionofindepend- A Phi KappaFaculty Recognition work inthefieldofneuroanatomy psychology andneurology, forhispioneering Sciences andprofessorofbiologicalsciences, Lucille ApplemanProfessorofBiological Sung andY W Asian languagesandcultures,forherbook, ferent courses. USC from1960to1987,hetaught35dif- 19th centuryandtheRenaissance.At cialized inEnglishliteraturefromthe school studentsandteachers.Cassonspe- improve thequalityofeducationforhigh was knownnationallyforhisworkto English emeritus,diedApril1.Casson Ventura. BorninChina,Thompsonpio- cultures emeritus,diedJuly10in professor ofEastAsianlanguagesand to educationandthecommunity. recognition ofhisdistinguishedservice USC OutstandingEducatorof1973in during the1970s.Hewasselectedas mathematics departmentformanyyears Antosiewicz waschairoftheCollege mathematics emeritusdiedDec.3,2004. Soule Dorothy Fisher the UniversityofMichigan. teaching atHarvard,JohnsHopkinsand Research Institutefrom1973to1995and serving asdirectoroftheSocialScience in 1995afteracareerthatalsoincluded decision research.HeretiredfromUSC tistical decisionanalysisandbehavioral Feb. 1.Edwardswasanauthorityonsta- Distinguished EmeritusAward, died arne“ar”G.Thompson Laurence “Larry” Allan Perham Casson Henry A.Antosiewicz Esther Klages Environmental Projects. served asdirectoroftheHarbors remained curatorofBryozoaatUSCand before herdeath.Althoughretired,she until oneweek phylum Bryozoa researching the actively 5. Shewas tus, diedMarch biology emeri- sor ofmarine research profes- worker, diedDec.13,2004. 100, aretirededucatorandchurchmission ward wards omen, PropertyandConfucianReactionin Rober P Larry W Bettine Birge , forhisbook, aul F. Lerner , 81, y andthePoliticsofTrauma in t B.Kaplan uan China:960-1368 . Swanson (Ph.D., Philosophy, ’43), VOLUME 6NUMBER5 21 , associateprofessorofEast Hysterical Men:W , associateprofessorofhis Dorothy Soule , emeritusprofessor , theMiloDonand , 72,professorof , 79,professorof . . ar , , 80, - California-based physician Christian MovementforEconomicJustice book Methodist ministerandauthoredthe Dec. 22,2004.Hewasanordained versity’s departmentofreligion,died Hawai’i atManoaandchairofthatuni- Institute forPeaceattheUniversityof ’60), 80,foundingdirectorofthe T Associates Award forExcellencein face ofthemoon.HereceivedUSC Leonardo daVinci’s drawingsofthesur- and thehistoryofastronomy, including studied theHirayamafamiliesofasteroids verse. Forthepastdecade,Reaves most abundantkindofgalaxyintheuni- dwarf (underluminous)galaxiesarethe research, showingforthefirsttimethat Reaves specializedinextragalactic of physicsandastronomy, diedApril8. Chester ClarenceChang 1961 and1975.Hemajoredinzoology. attended USCinthe1950sandagain Boyce, 78,aUSCalumnus,diedJan.21. T.Robert Bobilin Gibson Reaves Studies Center. first directoroftheCollege’s EastAsian Asian languagesandculturesthe 1965 to1986,hewastwicechairofEast the field.AUSCfacultymemberfrom wrote manyofthetextsfundamentalto neered thestudyofChinesereligionand Martin L.Gecht Martin art collector. of threebanksinChicago,andwasan downtown Chicago,headedtheboards real-estate developerwhobuilthotelsin cine formorethan50years,wasa 84, diedJan.4.Gechtpracticedmedi- a collectorofKoreanart. the FederalAviation Administrationand director oftheWestern-Pacific Regionof Chang Sr., alongtimeUSCsupporter, is assailant inLosAngelesonMay7. was shotandkilledbyanunknown alumnus ChesterChangSr. (M.S.,’87), Kappa Under Kasukurthi A Phi KappaStudentRecognition for aresearchpaper A ence, Katherine T Awards forStudentAchievement mentoring. cy andplanning,academicwriting contributions tolanguageeducation,poli- trastive rhetoricandhis40yearsof of linguistics,forhisseminalworkoncon- in ShortStories. for anunpublishednovel, the 1990s.” Revived: TheAfghanPipelineBattlesof for ascreenplay, “TheHiddenEquation.” University T eaching in1974. wards. wards A Rahul Kasukur W Melissa Rosen Kay Kenneth Basin ar an SonyaTang Revolution fromBelow:Buddhistand Emma JosephineBradleyBovard thy Kannappan Fall 2005 tie M.Lee , biologicalsciences,PhiBeta refz, rustee Award. graduate Awards. , 81,anemeritusprofessor history andpoliticalsci (B.A., Zoology, ’41), , professionalwriting, , internationalrelations, thi , “The‘GreatGame’ (Ph.D., Philosophy, , professionalwriting, , Spanish,and , biologicalsciences, and Missing: ANovel , 26,sonof Merle Hunter Rahul USC &Sciences College of Letters, Arts . - Kathy Yoshihara, Letitia Franklin, Leitzell Nicole St.Pierre,UshaSutliff, Katherine Alfred Kildow, EricMankin,CarlMarziali, Contributing Writers: Katherine Yungmee Kim,KaitlinSolimine Kirsten Holguin,PamelaJ.Johnson, Staff W Eva Emerson, Alexis Bergen, USC CollegeMagazine Relations Alexis Bergen, Business andFinance David D.Houser for Advancement Diane MacGillivray, Administration andPlanning Roger D.Stewart, Jennifer W Peter Starr, Wayne Raskind, Michael Quick, Joseph Aoun, Administration Rosemary Tomich Glenn A.Sonnenberg Alicia Smotherman Debra L.Reed Lawrence Piro Gerald S.Papazian Robert Osher Philip Morais Katherine Loker David Y. Lee Suzanne NoraJohnson Stephen G.Johnson George “Chip”Hughes Janice BryantHowroyd Gary R.Hooper Patrick C.Haden Jana Waring Greer Ilene Gold Allen Gilbert Robert Dockson James S.Corfman Richard W. Cook Susan Casden Robin Broidy Gregory Brakovich George N.Boone Robert D.Beyer Jay V Mark Benjamin Joan Abrahamson Robert F. Erburu, Board ofCouncilors &Sciences Arts USC CollegeofLetters, [email protected] Los Angeles,CA90089-4012 ADM 304 c/o LetitiaFranklin USC CollegeMagazine Please sendallcorrespondence to: “USC CollegeMagazine”isappreciated. republish isgivenfreely. Attributionto Southern California.Permissiontoquoteor Arts &SciencesattheUniversityof times ayearbytheUSCCollegeofLetters, USC CollegeMagazineispublishedthree . 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• A device to monitor alcohol use page 19ng

ALUMNI FOCUS Straight to the Top Goldman Sachs’ Suzanne Nora Johnson (’79) recalls Trojan days and the lessons that have helped her reach the top-rung in business

or Suzanne Nora Johnson, Angeles, where she choosing USC over other first- shares a home with rate universities was all about her husband. location, location, location. "Besides being mentors to the At USC, Johnson FFilled with hope and a desire to studied economics, change the world, the then-18-year- kids, I'd love to see JEP become religion, philosophy old decided that the inner-city of and political science Los Angeles was the place to be if as an interdisciplinary an economic development she wanted to make a difference. major. In 1982, she “It’s the seminal reason I went to earned her J.D. at USC,” recalled Johnson, who was resource for the community Harvard Law School. born and reared in Chicago. “It was At Goldman Sachs, located in a vibrant community in [around the university]." located in cities such the inner-city. The university had as London, Frankfurt, the geographic proximity and oppor- Tokyo and Hong tunity to be a partner in resolving —Suzanne Nora Johnson, Kong, Johnson partici- issues such as economic develop- USC Trustee and USC College Councilor pates in a program ment, improving educational called, “Community opportunities and relations among Teamwork.” It different cultures.” involves giving

The 1979 graduate went on to Generosity of Spirit: Suzanne Nora Johnson brings her Wall Street know-how home to USC employees one day off become vice chair of one of the a year to volunteer in team-based world’s largest investment banking projects with non-profit groups. Last firms, The Goldman Sachs Group, After Johnson’s arrival at USC, a simple financial statement,” she year, more than 14,600 employees Inc. Based in New York, the compa- she became acquainted with a priest said. “It was pretty basic. We talked and non-profit members assisted ny has offices in 24 countries and 50 in the Pico-Union neighborhood. about a budget and how to stick to people, planted trees, built homes cities, and roughly 21,000 employ- Together, they developed programs your budget with so little cash.” and cleaned-up areas in cities such ees. Johnson, also director of the that worked with low-income chil- The group was able to take the as Atlanta, Johannesburg and Milan. firm’s Global Investment Research dren and their families. She said she trip inexpensively by camping out She applauded USC’s continued Division, is among a handful of figured out early on that the only and learned they could succeed with efforts in the community. women who hold the very highest way to create real change was to proper planning. “The university’s partnership and posts on Wall Street. help families learn to support them- While a student, Johnson was commitment to the neighborhood But Johnson has kept strong ties selves financially. involved with the College’s Joint community is critically important,” with her alma mater. She is a current “The thing that became very clear Educational Project, a service-learn- Johnson said. “There is something USC trustee and College councilor. to me was the importance of devel- ing program that connects students very compelling about having a uni- She said her college years helped oping an economic opportunity for and their academic courses with area versity in that community. I know it plant the seeds of her professional parents,” Johnson said. “That’s the schools, hospitals and organizations. gave real life and relevance to what I life. The oldest of five children, her only way to really get results and pro- Student mentoring and volunteer was studying.” father was a surgeon and her mother vide stability within a community.” work is crucial, Johnson said, but she Johnson also serves on the boards stayed home raising the family. She These lessons can start young. hopes to see the program expand. of The Goldman Sachs Foundation, said her parents instilled in her a One program Johnson developed “Besides being mentors to the the Carnegie Institution of strong work ethic and sense of entailed taking a group of Pico- kids, I’d love to see JEP become an Washington, RAND Health, responsibility. Union children on a trip to economic development resource for Technoserve, Children Now and “My parents were always very Sacramento. The children who par- the community, with adults in the Women’s World Banking, and is on committed to doing the right thing,” ticipated were responsible for raising families being trained,” said an advisory council of Harvard Johnson said. “They had a generosi- the money to cover the costs. Johnson, who works in New York Medical School. ty of spirit.” “We taught them how to develop and on weekends returns to Los — Pamela J. Johnson

32 USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences Fall 2005 V OLUM E 6 NUMBER 2 JOHNSON PHOTO COURTESY OF S. N.