The year 2025 was devastating for many in Los Angeles, where wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. In the wake of the tragedy, students and alumni from the USC Price School of Public Policy stepped up to help, supporting L.A. county’s first response, advising policymakers on recovery strategies, and helping victims rebuild their homes.
The wildfire response is just one example of the USC Price School community working to improve people’s lives around the world. Below are our Top Stories from 2025 that showcase some of the inspiring work our students, faculty and alumni do every day. We are so proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next year.
Faculty Impact
- Nobel Sustainability Award: A global research initiative co-led by Associate Professor Geoff Boeing won a prestigious Nobel Sustainability Award. Read more
- Giving Community Members a Voice: Assistant Professor Santina Contreras has spent the past 15 years helping voices of community members be heard in the wake of disasters. Read more
- Declining Conflicts of Interest: Timely research from Associate Professor Genevieve Kanter finds that reported conflicts on a federal vaccine panel had been at historic lows for years before Health Secretary Robert F. Kenney Jr. fired them. Read more
- Saving Our Democracy: Assistant Professor Mindy Romero is among those leading By the People, For the People, a nationwide nonpartisan initiative that seeks to rebuild trust in U.S. democracy. Read more
- A Vision for the Price School: In a wide-ranging interview, Chris Boone, USC Price School Dean and C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Chair, discusses his vision for the school, his role in supporting students and his photographs of the Milky Way. Read more
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Find Out MoreStandout Students
- On Top of the World: Lucy Westlake, the youngest American woman to reach the top of Mount Everest, has combined her love of climbing mountains with her newly discovered passion for data and research at the USC Price School. Read more
- Rock On: Three recent graduates got the chance to work with a foundation launched by iconic rock band Metallica, quantifying the impact of its trades education program in 75 community colleges across the country. Read more
- A Joyful Future: Recent graduate Lorne Green plans to open a nonprofit school that teaches Black history through games, questions, stories, and art. Read more
- The Ultimate Metro Rider: Ashley Espinosa knows the Los Angeles Metro system better than almost anyone. She’s been to every Metro train station. All 100 of them. Read more
- The Lessons of War: Eighty-one years after Allied soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, 20 Naval ROTC midshipmen trod the same ground to soak up the lessons from history’s largest seaborne invasion. Read more
Outstanding Alumni
- The Trojan Family Network: USC’s storied network of alumni and faculty support one another throughout their careers to a degree that may well be unmatched among universities. Read more
- Protecting the Homeland: Alex McClain, who has worked for the Department of Homeland Security for 17 years, is not exactly James Bond. Still, his accomplishments are sensitive enough that he can’t divulge much. Read more
- Successful Debut Book: Aida Mariam Davis’ first book, ‘Kindred Creations,’ preaches the value of learning one’s heritage and connecting with others. Read more
- Running a Mile-High City: Twentynine Palms Mayor Steven Bilderain and City Manager Stone James lean on their USC education as they navigate the challenges of managing a city. Read more
- Giving Back to His Community: Jorge Zatarain is overseeing the development of a 20,000-square-foot community center in his hometown of San Bernardino. Read more
