This is a Guest Blog from Sam Gold a Sophomore, Environmental Engineering major (ENE).
Favorite class: ENE 215: Energy Systems & Environmental Tradeoffs with Prof. Kelly Sanders
I chose ENE because engineering for the sake of human and natural health is my calling. I believe that the fate of humanity as a species is inextricably tied to how well we take care of our planet, and ENE provides me with the most direct route of improving and maintaining that relationship. My goal for ENE falls within the water-energy sphere, as I believe that completing the circular water economy (recycling wastewater back into drinking water) is the next frontier of water development, and a necessary innovation for continuing life on Earth.
I chose USC Viterbi specifically for its special emphasis on engineering research, as well as its water-centric ENE program. I have been a part of the Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) since my first semester at USC, and the opportunities for research and recognition through McCurry Lab where I work have been incredible (published my first paper in October!). The department is full of nothing but the best professors who engage with all of their students passionately and intellectually, and I have never been so excited to go to classes (even at 9 in the morning). I am also involved in Engineers Without Borders (working on building a water filtration system for a remote village in Bolivia), the Association of Energy Engineers (a brand new student organization working as the hub for renewable energy on campus), and Das Family Innovate X LA competition (building and marketing a novel air filtration device) among other things.
My advice for prospective students would be to follow your passions. The cliche is true: your time in college is what you make of it. No matter where you end up, get involved, explore your options, talk to your professors and peers! These are the people that you will end becoming friends with, suffering through classes with, and later working with 20 years from now. The most important part of my college experience so far has been the community that I’ve built along the way.
