Viterbi Student Spotlight: We are proud to highlight a few of the incredible students who continue to make an impact in our community through their achievements, leadership, and dedication. Below, you’ll find a snapshot of their stories—paired with photos, quick highlights, and links to learn more.
Alexa Garcia
From First-Gen Engineer to PwC: A Four-Year Yes Strategy
CLASS OF 2026 – The first engineer in her family, this Industrial & Systems Engineering graduate from USC Viterbi’s Daniel J. Epstein Department is heading to PwC this fall – with two degrees, a passport full of band trips, and a philosophy she learned the hard way.
Mitchell Kirby: Fire, Water, Data: Elements of an Engineer-Entrepreneur’s Education
CLASS OF 2026 – Mitchell Kirby has a talent for converting civil and environmental engineering concepts into promising business models. As he prepares to graduate, he’s chosen to bet on a venture that takes him back to his roots.
Alara Berkmen: From Maui to Medicine, Viterbi Helped Her Chart Her Own Path
CLASS OF 2026 – The daughter of Turkish immigrant physicians, Maui-raised Alara Berkmen is graduating from USC Viterbi with a bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track, a business club she built from scratch, and a hard-won clarity about who she wants to be and why.
