First Year Academy
All first-year students in Viterbi are invited to enroll in First Year Academy (ENGR 102), a class that allows new Viterbi students to learn about the field of engineering, understand how engineers think and approach problem-solving, and examine the ethical, societal, and political impact of engineering. The class also brings together students from all engineering majors, giving students the opportunity to meet other first-year students and build their Viterbi community. Each Academy section is led by an experienced faculty member and two upper-division engineering students called First Year Academy Coaches who serve as mentors and resources for questions about student life in Viterbi.
All-Academy Lectures
Students in First Year Academy are provided with the opportunity to hear from professionals, innovators, researchers, and USC alumni in the engineering field through the All-Academy Lecture Series.
Fall 2026 Coaches
First Year Academy Coaches are current Viterbi sophomores, juniors, and seniors in different engineering majors. Coaches can answer any questions you have about the course, Viterbi, USC, and any issues or challenges that you might face during your first year.
Cedric Bagwell
Hi I'm Cedric! I am a biomedical engineering student here at USC with a mechanical engineering emphasis, originally from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. My interests lie at the intersection of engineering and medicine, where I hope to develop technologies that improve patient outcomes and expand access to care. Outside of USC, I enjoy hiking, watching movies, and performing as a professional drag artist in the Los Angeles area.
Sarah Gaensbaur
Hi I'm Sarah, an astronautical engineering senior from Denver, Colorado. Of course, I am interested in space, but in my free time I like to read, play sports, and travel.
Hansini Ramachandran
Hi Everyone! My name is Hansini, and I am from Fremont, CA. I am a senior doing my Bachelors and PDP in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a minor in Dance. I am involved in research on biomedical devices as well as mathematically modeling optimization algorithms on campus. I have also been a course producer for multiple EE undergraduate courses. I love to sing and dance in the Indian Classical Arts during my free time.
Aadi Shah
Hey, I'm Aadi! I'm a senior studying mechanical engineering, and I'm from Singapore. Most of my time outside class goes into tinkering with many things. If I'm not building something, I'm on my road bike, in the kitchen, or watching F1. Ask me anything: classes, design teams, internships or food recs
Abigail Combs
Hi, I'm Abigail Combs! I'm a sophomore studying Civil Engineering with a Building Science emphasis from Boise, Idaho. At USC, I'm a part of Society of Women Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Peaks and Professors. Outside of school, I love baking, hiking, going to the beach, sewing, reading, going to concerts, and trying new restaurants in LA!
Alana Desai
Hi! My name is Alana, and I'm a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering. I'm from Santa Clarita, and I've spent my whole life in beautiful Socal. I'm so excited to be a coach this year! I love hiking, trying new food spots, and going to the beach.
Alexander Bartolomei
I am Alex Bartolomei, and I am originally from Healdsburg CA. I am a senior at USC studying Environmental Engineering and am pursuing a progressive degree in Mechanical Engineering. At USC, I am the president of the Association of Energy Engineers and co-founder of Ember-Corps, a company making firefighting drones. I love to hike, backpack, and play basketball in my free time, and I'm a big Warriors fan!
Amelie Tangtam
Hi! My name is Amelie and I'm from Los Angeles, CA. I'm a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an Electrical Engineering emphasis, and I'm interested in medical sensors and advocating for accessible medicine for all. Outside of classes, I'm involved in the MADLab, the Microsystems Lab, ASBME, MEDesign, and mathematics tutoring. I also love playing the guitar, going hiking, and hanging out with friends!
Brianna Niizawa
Hi! I'm Brianna Niizawa and I am from the Bay Area California, more specifically I live in Burlingame. I am majoring in Environmental Engineering, but am also on the PreMed track. I love watching women's basketball and am a huge fan of the Valkyries! I am part of a sorority and I am in ASCE on the environmental design team.
Brooke Decker
Hi my name is Brooke and I am majoring in mechanical engineering. I am from the Bay Area an love to go to the beach, run, or just spend anytime outdoors 🙂
Cameron Coen
Hey y'all, I'm Cameron! I'm a senior majoring in Astronautical Engineering, and I'm originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. At USC, I'm involved in RPL (the Rocket Propulsion Lab) and the ASPEN lab (Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and Energy). I enjoy playing card games, indoor rock climbing, and trying new places to eat around LA!
Danielle Akinosho
Hi, I'm Danielle from Chicago, Illinois. I'm studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at USC, while also exploring fashion and product development. Outside of class, I'm involved in the triathlon club, Greek life, and Theta Tau. I also enjoy working out, eating, DJing, and learning about anything and everything.
Dominic De La Torre
Hi everyone! My name is Dominic De La Torre and I'm a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering: Molecular-Cellular Engineering Emphasis with a minor in Healthcare Studies. On campus, I'm involved as an ultrasound undergraduate research assistant, President for the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering, a violist in the Student Symphony Orchestra, a Viterbi Student Ambassador, and a TA for various engineering classes, including ENGR 102! Outside of school, I love watching a new show or movie, trying new matcha and sweet treat places, or food tripping around LA! Fight On!
Ella Thomason
Hi! I'm Ella and I'm from Lafayette, CA. I am a junior studying industrial and systems engineering. Outside of class, I am involved in the women's club lacrosse team, Women in Engineering (WIE), and am an analytics intern for USC Football. In my free time, you can catch me at just about any USC sports game, watching TV with my roommates, trying a new coffee shop, or reading.
Erica Williams
Hi everyone! My name is Erica, I’m from Chicago, and I’m studying Industrial & Systems Engineering. At USC, I’m involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), 180 Degrees Consulting, and I’m a math tutor, but I’ve also done research through CURVE if anyone’s curious about that. In my free time I like watching tv (especially thrillers and reality shows), going to concerts & sports events, playing games, and side questing around LA. I also love to eat so always open to any restaurant or cafe recommendations. Fight on!
Eryka Yu
HI! I'm Eryka, and I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines until I came all the way to LA to go to USC. I'm a Computer Science & Business Administration major and have been immersing myself in both of those fields through different clubs here like HackSC or TMG! I'm into a lot of things, I love taking photos during my travels, have seen every teen drama imaginable, and have a soft spot for seeing my favorite singers in concert. I'm super thrilled to be coaching FYA this semester and truly can't wait.
Gavin Huang
Hi, my name is Gavin, and I'm excited to be a FYA coach this semester! I'm from Philly and am currently studying Computer Science. I'm involved at USC as a Tech Lead for Code the Change, work on the Eboard for Trojan Pickleball Club, and have gone through CURVE/LavaLab in the past. When I'm not busy coding, you can usually find me out playing pickleball, Secret Hitler or BOTC with friends, or going out to eat somewhere in K-town.
Isabel Ketterson
Hi! My name is Isabel, I am a junior studying environmental engineering, and I am from Dallas, Texas. Within USC, I am a part of the Undergraduate Student Government, Smith Research Group, Environmental Student Assembly, OFFSET Consulting, and Student Assembly for Accessibility. In my free time I really enjoy hiking, working out, traveling, cooking/baking, and exploring LA with friends!
Kartikeya Daiya
Hi, I'm Kartikeya (KTK), from Mumbai, India, studying Mechanical Engineering. Outside class, I'm big into hiking, photography, and playing piano. I've done Eaton Canyon Falls, some hot springs near LA, and Yosemite, plus a Peaks and Professors camping trip near Sequoia led by an astronaut professor. When I'm not out exploring, I'm usually hanging out with friends or at the gym. I've also enjoyed taking some fun two-unit courses recently, like Intro to Video Editing on Avid, and Trojan Vision live television production.
Landyn Kelly
My name is Landyn Kelly, I am from North County San Diego, and I am a sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Building Science. At USC, I’m a part of the American Society of Civil Engineers EBoard, and a captain of both Sustainable Solutions and Concrete Canoe design teams. I also work in the Physical Education department as an office assistant. Some of my interests include hiking, running, and cooking, and in my free time I am always looking for a new store to shop at or restaurant to try!
Leah Moore
Hi! I’m Leah from Toronto, Canada. I’m a junior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and I’m involved in MEDesign, undergraduate research, club beach volleyball, and Greek life. Outside of school, I love running, baking, journaling, reading, and live music!
Madison Ford
Hi! My name is Madison, and I’m from Inglewood, California. I’m a Civil Engineering student with an emphasis in Construction Management, and I’m passionate about creating spaces that positively impact communities. Outside of class, I enjoy playing soccer, photography, collecting vinyl records, and exploring new coffee shops around LA. I’m also involved in Black Student Assembly, where we build community and celebrate Black culture.
Marcela Lopez
My name is Marcela Lopez, and I am from Miami, Florida. I am a Junior studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. In my free time, I like to read, do pilates, and learn Brazilian Portuguese! Outside of this, I am the VP of SHPEtinas for the USC Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I am also a member of the Blueprints for Pangaea Development branch.
Maria Fernanda Assad
Hi! My name is Fernanda Assad, and I am from Monterrey, Mexico. I am studying ISE and minoring in AI Applications. I am interested in consulting, traveling, corepower, reading, and snowboarding. I am involved in EWB and the Career Center!
Matthew Lin
Hi! My name is Matthew and I am a Sophomore studying Computer Science with a minor in AI Applications. I’m from Fairfax, Virginia and I enjoy reading, watching dramas, or just exploring/wandering around in my free time. I am currently involved in clubs such as TAO and ACM and I plan on joining more this semester so I look forward to seeing everyone around campus!
Maya Andres
Hi! My name is Maya Andres, and I’m a rising Senior majoring in BME with a Mechanical Engineering Emphasis. I'm also pursuing my Master's Degree in Medical Device & Diagnostic Engineering under USC's Progressive Degree Program. I'm a Filipino-American born and raised on the beautiful island of Guam. When I’m not studying, you’ll probably find me watching Friends for the millionth time, spending time at the beach with my family and friends, or enjoying an iced mocha latte. On campus, my involvements include the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Madhatter Knits, and Research at CAM with the Zhao Research Group.
Rakshay Jain
Hi, I'm Rakshay. I'm from Jaipur, India, and I'm studying Computer Science and Business Administration. I'm big into startups, always curious about new ideas and how businesses actually work and grow. I follow a lot of different sports, and outside of that I play golf and drums.
Rubi Chavez
Hello! My name is Rubi Chavez and I'm a junior studying Aerospace Engineering! I'm from Delano California, and a little about me is that I'm a big YouTube watcher and love watching silly YouTubers and streamers. I love watching TV as a whole and my favorite show right now is Big Bang theory! Some of my extracurriculars include sewing, crocheting, painting, and playing volleyball!
Shristuti Srirapu
My name is Shristuti Srirapu, but I go by Stuti. I’m from Bangalore, India, and I’m a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with a molecular cellular emphasis. I am interested in the pharmaceutical industry, drug development, and research. Currently, I work at Wang Lab as a research assistant for a project on Genetic Engineering. I am also a part of the Society of Women Engineers, ShiftSC and Descent Magazine here at USC! Apart from school, I love creative writing, art, concerts, museums and swimming.
Sriya Pidaparthi
Hi, I’m Sriya! I’m a sophomore studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. I’m from the Bay and I love playing/watching basketball, going on hikes, and spending time with friends.
Sydney Padilla
I'm Sydney, a born and raised Filipino and I'm studying mechanical engineering with a minor in AI. I love to do calligraphy, graphic design, travel, and read non-fiction. Because I want to work in robotics, bioengineering, or design in the future, you will see me involved in MAIA, RPL, Terra Labs, and Spark SC. I'm hoping to join more but I'm still exploring, so if you're trying to look through all the opportunities at USC, please feel free to message me and we can figure it out together!
Tarana Sharmin
Hello I’m Tarana! I’m a C.S Games Major from Orlando Florida! I really enjoy listening to music, visiting new places, fashion, and horror movies!