Health Risk from the Salton Sea

A USC study documents that boys and girls living closest to the landlocked lake experience more respiratory issues than those farther away.

Photo/Wikimedia Commons

USC Trojan Marching Band at USC Capital Campus

Celebrating in the Capital

The USC Trojan Marching Band joined USC President Carol Folt; Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser; university leaders; and hundreds of alumni, friends and local partners at the USC Capital Campus for a very special Trojan Family reception. The event celebrated new event, lounge and classroom spaces built since the building’s grand opening last year.

Celebrating 25 Years of the USC Institute for Creative Technologies

Since its founding in 1999, the USC Institute for Creative Technologies has been at the forefront of research and development in AI, computer graphics, geospatial sciences, human performance, learning sciences, modeling, simulation and gaming, mixed reality, medical VR and more. An integral part of USC’s Frontiers of Computing initiative, ICT’s labs and groups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in computing, embodying the spirit of USC’s commitment to pioneering the future of technology.

STORY AND VIDEO IN USC NEWS  USC FRONTIERS OF COMPUTING

 

Major Science and Technology Groups at ICT

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    Virtual Humans

    The ICT Virtual Human Toolkit is a set of tools and resources designed to help researchers and developers create realistic and engaging digital characters. Since 2009, this toolkit has been the foundation for all research at ICT on conversational AIs — computer programs that can interact with people like a human would.

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    Affective Computing

    The Affective Computing Group focuses on understanding how emotions affect both human interactions and interactions between humans and machines. This includes studying how to automatically recognize emotions from different signals, creating computer models of how emotions develop and influence thinking, and applying these methods to improve teamwork between humans and machines, train people in social skills and expand knowledge about human emotions.

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    Vision and Graphics

    Virtual characters are digital humans that can talk, move and interact, and they are important for entertainment, training and education. The main goal of the ICT Vision & Graphics Lab is to make these characters look as realistic as possible, including lighting them in a way that looks natural. To achieve this, the Vision & Graphics Lab uses its award-winning “Light Stage” technology, developed at ICT, to create high-quality visual details. The lab also works with major film companies like Sony Pictures Imageworks and WETA Digital.

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    Simulation

    The Modeling and Simulation Group creates interactive and educational experiences to help train and support military personnel. They bring together researchers, experts, writers and game designers to make these experiences both interesting and useful. They’ve successfully handed over several of their advanced training tools to the U.S. Department of Defense, including a disaster simulation program and various strategic training games for the Naval Postgraduate School.

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    Mixed Reality

    A cognitive architecture is a proposed model of how a mind works, whether in people or machines. It focuses on the basic structures needed to create intelligent behavior and how these structures work with knowledge and skills to handle various complex situations. The aim of this project is to create a smart system that can support virtual humans and possibly intelligent robots, and ideally, help us better understand human thinking.

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    Integration Environments

    Rapid Integration & Development Environment is a key research and development platform that speeds up the development of simulation technologies for the Department of Defense. It quickly creates and tests new ideas for the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment and is now also used for various Navy and Air Force projects. Rapid Integration & Development Environment offers a shared space where researchers and developers can experiment with real-time modeling and simulation to see what’s possible.

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    Learning Sciences

    The ICT Learning Sciences group studies how AI can improve learning and help students achieve their goals. Its mission is to research and apply effective AI methods to make education better and fairer. It also focuses on creating tools that help teachers and content creators use AI to develop and adjust educational materials. It drives innovation through its research projects and two centers: the AI Research Center of Excellence for Education and the USC Center for Generative AI and Society.

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    Body Computing

    The Body Computing & Human Performance Lab is a research center focused on improving health, wellness and human performance using digital tools and data. It aims to create better health resources for both service members and the general public.

    The lab brings together experts in human performance, digital technology and healthcare, including sensor and app developers, strategists and designers. They work together to test and develop new technologies that enhance health and performance.

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    Leading the Way in Earthquake Research

    USC researchers lead critical earthquake studies, using their expertise to assess seismic risks and enhance community preparedness. Their work helps ensure survival during disasters and supports faster recovery afterward.

    Statewide California Earthquake Center

    Headquartered at USC, SCEC conducts vital research on seismic hazards to improve earthquake preparedness and community resilience. By uniting experts in seismology, geology and engineering, the center advances earthquake science and promotes public safety through research and education.

    USC Earth Sciences

    USC’s Department of Earth Sciences excels in geochemistry, geophysics and climate science, offering advanced research facilities and global fieldwork opportunities. With a focus on climate change and sustainability, USC fosters collaboration and prepares students to tackle pressing environmental challenges.

    USC Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Threats and Emergencies

    CREATE at USC focuses on assessing and mitigating risks from disasters. Through expertise in economics and risk analysis, the center develops strategies to improve public safety and protect critical infrastructure, supporting both government and private sectors in managing threats effectively.

    In Focus: USC’s Art Schools

      USC Kaufman School of Dance

      Established in 2012, the USC Kaufman School of Dance embodies the power of artistic innovation and dedication. Through its cutting-edge research and innovative dance education, the school cultivates a profound passion for dance while preparing the next generation of dancers, choreographers and leaders in the industry. By fostering a spirit of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration with renowned artists, the program propels its students toward success and empowers them to make a lasting impact on the dance world.

      A USC Roski School of Art and Design student painting

      USC Roski School of Art and Design

      The mission of USC Roski School of Art and Design is to enrich the dynamic research and creative communities of USC, Los Angeles and beyond. By providing an immersive studio curriculum rooted in historical and critical discourse, the USC Roski School aims to foster creativity and cultivate the analytical thinking skills necessary for artists and designers in the 21st century. Programs are designed to challenge students to illuminate, question and reshape how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Faculty and students collaborate to explore innovative hybrid forms of art, design and critical studies, collaboratively envisioning and shaping the future.

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      USC School of Architecture

      The USC School of Architecture is a dynamic hub dedicated to educating and motivating future architects to confront challenges and create design solutions that envision a brighter built environment. USC architecture faculty and alumni have pushed the limits to introduce groundbreaking practices for over a century. Located in Los Angeles and connected to worldwide concerns, USC architects and academics work with communities to gain understanding and become adept and bold professionals who generate innovative solutions.

      AI, Creativity and The Future of Film discussion forum held at USC School of Cinematic Arts

      USC School of Cinematic Arts

      For almost a century, the USC School of Cinematic Arts has been a launching pad for visionary talent in cinema, television and new media. Since its founding in 1929, the school has combined cinematic theory with hands-on practice, preparing graduates for success in the entertainment industry. Our programs attract creative minds worldwide, providing a unique opportunity to explore and expand artistic potential in Los Angeles — the world’s entertainment capital. Taught by industry leaders and academic experts, the USC School of Cinematic Arts curriculum challenges students to refine their vision and contribute to a lasting artistic tradition.

      An actor singing, wearing a bandana and overalls, in a USC School of Dramatic Arts stage performance of

      USC School of Dramatic Arts

      The USC School of Dramatic Arts believes in empowering artist-scholars to redefine the future of entertainment. Its dedicated faculty from the industry and exceptional production opportunities in Los Angeles equip our students with hands-on experience to forge successful careers. Our unwavering commitment to professional growth and programs such as the Institute for Theatre & Social Change cultivate empathetic and innovative storytellers prepared to confront the world’s obstacles.

      USC Thornton School of Music Jazz Band performing on stage.

      USC Thornton School of Music

      Established in 1884, the USC Thornton School of Music inspires musical excellence and collaboration, blending the rigorous training of a conservatory with the depth of a top research university. Our world-class faculty and diverse programs, including early music, popular music, orchestral performance, screen scoring, jazz, composition and the music industry, provide students with the tools to pursue their passions. USC Thornton opens doors to exceptional career-building opportunities, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.

      A USC Roski School of Art and Design student painting
      Student adding their architecture model to a presentation wall
      AI, Creativity and The Future of Film discussion forum held at USC School of Cinematic Arts
      An actor singing, wearing a bandana and overalls, in a USC School of Dramatic Arts stage performance of
      USC Thornton School of Music Jazz Band performing on stage.

      Around the University

      Trojans in the Big Ten

      Donate Blood and Help USC Win

      You can help USC win a $1 million award to advance student or community health by donating blood in a Big Ten competition.

      Students will be able to donate at mobile blood drives on campus, and alumni, fans and students alike can donate at blood donation centers nearby. Results will be tracked in real time at as participants attribute donations to USC.

      Join the competition of our lifetime to fight the largest blood shortage in a generation.

       

      Carving the Divine

      Film Screening and Q&A about 1,400-year-old Buddhist Woodcarving Tradition

      Carving the Divine is a documentary that explores an ancient tradition in Japan and efforts to preserve it. Focusing on Master Koun Seki and his search for a new apprentice, the film reveals the austere realities of this craft and the collaborative spirit of the guild in the context of Shingon Buddhism and the aftermath of the Tōhoku Tsunami. The screening will include a Q&A with film director Yujiro Seki.

      Friday, Nov. 1, noon-2:30 p.m.

      RSVP

      USC students with hands raised at a spirit rally

      Thinking about USC?