Hi! I’m Aurora, a junior at USC double majoring in astronomy and journalism with a minor in French! I hail from south central Pennsylvania, where childhood visits to the Gettysburg College planetarium sparked my interest in all things outer space. That, combined with a love for writing and storytelling, has inspired me to pursue a career in science journalism/communications! When I’m not in class, you can find me on the field playing the alto saxophone with the Trojan Marching Band, performing in a student musical, or watching the latest blockbuster movie.

Hello! I am Avani, a sophomore majoring in physics and minoring in data science and dance. I was inspired to major in physics through research on accelerator and high energy physics, especially major breakthroughs at CERN and other accelerator facilities. Past physics, I am a sports columnist at Daily Trojan, love watching movies, reading books, and reviewing coffee shops around Los Angeles. 

Hi! I’m Naaz, a junior at USC majoring in physics with a minor in astronomy and AI applications. I grew up in Everett, Washington, where my fascination with astronauts and the mysteries of space first sparked my curiosity about the vast universe. Now, I do research with Prof. Kris Pardo at the USC Cosmolab, focusing on the collisions of supermassive black holes. In my free time, I love to watch movies, read books, or frame the world through my camera lens. 

Hello! I’m Symone Henry, a sophomore at USC studying Physics and Astronomy. I’d always envisioned myself as an artist, but my curiosity of blackholes exerted its own gravity to reel me in, and with great fortune, it did. My love for the cosmos is simply beyond words, in turn my hope is that it translates through my writing. Above all, my area of study has greatly impacted me thus far by teaching me how to observe the universe’s complex patterns and processes and their consequences, then reflect those lessons onto my inner world. To me, space embodies a truth that stands unchanged regardless of any singular human experience and in that, I have built a deep respect.

Hello! I am Zimo Li and I am a sophomore majoring in Physics. I was born and raised in Beijing, China. My interest in physics was inspired by my mom, who also studied physics in college! My research interest is in condensed matter physics, and I am currently working on cleaning technique of van der Waals heterostructures. When I’m free, I like knitting and stitching.

Hi! I’m Jason, a freshman majoring in physics, currently researching electron transport and biophysics. I’m especially interested in bridging research and communication—translating complex science into stories people can connect with. Outside the lab, I write about physics outreach and play the violin (I absolutely love classical music). 

I’m Andrew, a freshman majoring in Physics. I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, but was in the Northeast in CT and MA for the past 6 years. I started my love for physics when I attended a space exhibit when I was younger, and have been captivated by the study to define and map the unknown ever since. Ever since I got to research at Prof. Lamorauex’s Lab at Yale, I have been in love with high energy physics and wish to pursue it down the line. During my free time, I like to watch movies, play the trombone, nap, or row!

Hi! I’m Elen Mkrtchyan, a freshman majoring in Biomedical Engineering. My interest in physics first took root during my freshman year of high school when I joined the robotics team; seeing the laws of physics in action sparked a fascination that has since evolved into a passion for its applications in biotechnology. At USC, I’m currently exploring the intersection of these fields by working on machine learning projects with the Neurotech club. Outside of academics, I love to spend my time reading, traveling, and exploring new cafes around the city.

Hey! I’m Kamto, a sophomore majoring in Physics. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My initial fascination with physics was sparked by observing the everyday physical phenomena around me. Now, I study physics as a lens to understand the fundamental workings of the world. Beyond my interest in physics, I am a storyteller at heart and enjoy engaging with the stories of others in film, TV, music, and literature.

Hello! I am Ian, a junior doing a double major in physics and chemical engineering. I am most focused on research and concepts in high energy, and generally in theoretical/mathematical physics. I currently help with physical chemistry research in SSC. I think the reason I am most interested in this area of physics is because I enjoy how beautiful the math and formulation behind it can be. 

Hi! My name is Gwyneth Tenn, and I’m a freshman pursuing a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Astronomy. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, I was fortunate to experience excellent stargazing conditions that first sparked my fascination with space. This early curiosity led to my involvement in research at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy, where I studied exoplanets and protostellar phenomena for two years. At USC, I’m excited to continue exploring the universe, particularly exoplanet research with Dr. Jessica Spake at Carnegie Observatories. Outside of academics, I’ve dedicated much of my life to playing the violin and also enjoy golfing, traveling, and learning Japanese in my free time.

I’m Dimple, an astrophysics PhD candidate at the Carnegie Science Observatories. I study dark matter, the invisible substance we cannot see but know exists through its gravitational pull on stars and galaxies. Using computer simulations, I explore how dark matter shapes the cosmos. I grew up in Mumbai, India, but Los Angeles has been my home for the past nine years. My journey into astronomy has been fueled by mesmerizing astrophotography and gripping sci-fi. I am passionate about science communication and helping others discover how fascinating our universe is.

Hello! My name is Kristi Skane and I'm a junior majoring in Astronomy. I'm from Everett , Massachusetts, where my curiosity for astronomy and physics first started. It wasn't until I took my first physics class in high school that my curiosity turned into passion, and where my Everett teachers helped me recognize my goals for the future. Since coming to USC, I've built on this passion and I am currently doing research with Prof. Vera Gluscevic at the USC CosmoLab, where I'm measuring the radial velocity of a high S/N star from a candidate ultra faint dwarf galaxy. Outside of astronomy, however, I'm involved in Club Softball, where I hold the position of Vice President, and USC Science Outreach, where I help aid first graders in science experiments. Feel free to reach out at kskane@usc.edu!

My name is Sophia Young and I am a sophomore studying chemistry (chemical nanoscience) with a minor in law and technology. I am from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love chemistry with all my heart, so majoring in it was no question. With that love comes the ability and desire to teach it, my biggest feat is that I have taught it to second graders! Outside of The Lab Report, I am the Active Chair for Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity and a writer for The Nucleus. You can catch me at CorePower or in the lab if I’m not studying!

Hey, I am Pırıl. I’m a sophomore studying physics and English (creative writing). I strongly affirm that my ‘indecisiveness’ in choosing a major would be more appreciated back in the renaissance period.