Media Coverage - Sonny Astani @ USC Viterbi

Lessons of Switzerland’s Crans-Montana Fire

Jan 05, 2026Costas Synolakis contributed a piece on the recent tragedy in Switzerland and the risks presented by public spaces.

USC Viterbi’s Visionary: The Man Who Invented 3D-Printed Buildings

Dec 09, 2025How USC Viterbi Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis invented Contour Crafting 30 years ago and pioneered the entire field of large-scale 3D construction printing.

Fire at Chevron Refinery Extinguished

Oct 05, 2025Najm Meshkati was interviewed about the fire and discussed CA's strict safety standards.

A Flash Flood of Failures in Texas

Jul 13, 2025CEE Professor Costas Synolakis contributing a piece discussing the critical role of technology in forecasting extremes in local climate conditions

Insight with Haslinda Amin

Jun 23, 2025Najm Meshkati spoke about the impact of nuclear material in the waterways in the Middle East.

Is nuclear power the key to a low-carbon future?

Apr 28, 2025Najm Meshkati contributes on a piece on nuclear power's potential and what is needed to make it a viable option for clean energy transition.

US port operators turn to automation

Mar 16, 2025Geraldine Knatz was quoted bout how U.S. ports are adopting automation to handle rising import volumes.

Disaster Training in LA

Feb 23, 2025 Costas Synolakis was quoted in a story highlighting the importance of preparation as emergency services struggle to keep up with the increasing number of climate-intensified events.

Toxic dangers lurk in LA, even in homes that didn’t burn

Feb 23, 2025Daniel McCurry was interviwed about his research revealing that fire retardants used to suppress wildfires contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that pose health and environmental risks.

Reagan Airport Plane Crash: Experts Warn ‘We’re Ignoring the Real Threat’

Feb 23, 2025Najm Meshkati contributed a piece after the recent crash.

Reagan Airport Plane Crash: Experts Warn ‘We’re Ignoring the Real Threat’

Feb 02, 2025Najm Meshkati was interviewed and said airport runways are the biggest threat to aviation safety. He was also interviewed by the BBC.

Power lines, involved in previous CA fires will be under scrutiny again

Jan 26, 2025Najm Meshkati was quoted saying power lines should be brought underground.

A national, nonpartisan study of the Los Angeles fires could improve planning for future disasters

Jan 26, 2025Najm Meshkati contributed a piece calling for a independent investigative commission on the LA fires.

For Those Who Don’t Trust Tap

Jan 05, 2025Daniel McCurry pointed out the problem of this trend and discussed tap water's safety.

20 Years Ago a Tsunami Killed 230,000 People. We can do better now.

Jan 05, 2025Costas Synolakis contributed a piece on how we can improve technology and communication to avoid casualties in the face of tsunamis.

How would a tsunami impact the Bay Area? Scientists weigh in

Dec 08, 2024Costas Synolakis and Jose Borrero were interviewed

Mysterious chemical byproduct in U.S. tap water finally identified

Nov 21, 2024Daniel McCurry commented on a new (non-USC) study that identified a compound in the U.S. drinking supply.

Wildfire retardant is laden with toxic metals, USC study finds

Nov 17, 2024Research by Daniel McCurry and his students was featured.

Design considerations for building safety

Nov 17, 2024Burcin Becerik-Gerber was interviewed about design considerations for building safety, focusing on the importance of structural integrity, fire prevention, accessibility, and sustainability in modern construction.

Study: Some wildfire suppression products contain ‘surprising’ levels of heavy metals

Nov 17, 2024Research by Daniel McCurry's lab was highlighted

Some wildfire suppressants may be unleashing heavy metals into the environment: Study

Nov 03, 2024Published on Last updated on

New study raises questions about heavy metals in fire retardants

Nov 03, 2024Research by Daniel McCurry's lab was highlighted

Phillips 66 Quietly Explores Redevelopment of LA Refinery

Oct 20, 2024Najm Meshkati was interviewed about the challenges of remediating soil

CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags

Oct 13, 2024Professor McCurry Daniel McCurry, was interviewed about speed at which Americans will wastewater recycling.

Landslides Swallowed Up Houses in California

Sep 29, 2024Amy Rechenmacher was interviewed about the challenges of addressing landslide's impact on a structure.

Innovate x LA – CEE’s Das Family Competition 2024

Apr 25, 2024Step into the world of creative problem solving with the second annual Das Family Innovate x LA Competition, presented by USC CEE alums Kelly and Santanu Das

Aviation Safety Specialists Testify on Boeing Safety Culture

Apr 21, 2024Safety expert Najm Meshkati was called to testify in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

White House and Gretchen Whitmer to buy a nuclear power plant

Mar 31, 2024Najm Meshkati was interviewed about changing sentiment towards nuclear energy and the importance of plant safety

‘Saving Michelangelo’s Dome’ Review: Looking Up in Rome

Mar 31, 2024A book review of Saving Michelangelo's Dome: How Three Mathematicians and a Pope Sparked an Architectural Revolution, noted author Wayne Kalayjian is a civil engineer who lectures at USC.

Smog, the effects of the war in Ukraine

Mar 17, 2024Research by Constantinos Sioutas and colleagues showing how air pollution increased in Milan increased as a result of the war in Ukraine was featured

Review Panel’s Final Report on Organization Designation Authorizations for the Design and Production of Airplanes

Feb 29, 2024Najm Meshkati served on a panel to inform regulatory oversight, safety culture, safety management systems, and human-systems integration related to aviation.

Laurel Canyon Continues To Be A Sore Spot When It Rains

Feb 11, 2024CEE Professor Amy Rechenmacher explains why canyons are vulnerable during storms

Hundreds of mudslides affect the Los Angeles area, how are these phenomena created?

Feb 11, 2024CEE Professor Amy Rechenmacher gave an interview about how landslide occur

State aims to outlaw common landscaping tactic

Jan 07, 2024Adam Smith was quoted about PFAS or forever chemicals in synthetic turf and the potential harm to human health.

Repairs to the I-10

Nov 19, 2023Bora Gencturk was interviewed by this outlet and local news about the state of the I-10 infrastructure.

California moves to restrict synthetic turf over health concerns

Oct 22, 2023Professor Smith discussed how synthetic grass contains chemicals that may be harmful.

Why Didn’t Hawaii Evacuate Sooner During the Fires?

Aug 19, 2023Professor Synolakis penned a second piece on the tragedy in Hawaii.

A.I. Can’t Build a High-Rise, but It Can Speed Up the Job

Aug 16, 2023David Gerber was quoted about the technology adoption in the construction industry.

The Fire in Maui and the Lessons of Greece

Aug 13, 2023Costas Synolakis penned a piece that shows the differences in emergency responses which had tragic consequences.

Don’t call it ‘toilet to tap’

Aug 06, 2023Daniel McCurry weighed in on the safety of drinking treated water

This beer is made from recycled shower water

Aug 06, 2023Daniel McCurry discussed the methods for recycling water for drinking

How AI Might Change the Way We Supply and Consume Energy

Aug 06, 2023Kelly Sanders offered ideas on how AI could applied to energy markets

Water is the likely culprit in Rolling Hills Estates landslide

Aug 05, 2023Amy Rechenmacher discussed the warning signs of landslides

LA is finding a way to capture water from heavy rains and save it for dry weather

Jun 25, 2023Daniel McCurry was interviewed about the current state of water reclamation in the LA area.

Why One Upscale Apartment Building Became at Death Trap

May 21, 2023Bora Gencturk contributed to an interactive article focused on the collapse of an apartment complex in Turkey

Backup Power: A Growing Need

May 14, 2023Najm Meshkati was quoted about the vulnerability of power girds

For Earth Day, Faculty Talk Sustainability Research on “Academic Minute”

Apr 21, 2023Research by Bistra Dilkina, Thomas Petersen and Essam Heggy was featured.

Discovery of antibiotic-resistant superbugs in L.A. wastewater sparks worry

Apr 16, 2023Adam Smith's research was highlighted in a front-page article

Here’s What You Need To Know About That Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found In LA Wastewater

Apr 16, 2023Research by Adam Smith with featured.

Would better regulations and equipment mandates have prevented the Ohio rail disaster?

Mar 05, 2023Najm Meshkati commented on the role of organizational leadership in changing safety cultures.

A pioneer in engineering diplomacy coursework

Feb 01, 2023Najm Meshkati and USC Viterbi's Engineering Diplomacy minor ,which incorporate environmental engineering, and industrial systems engineering, including climate risks, were highlighted.

Can 3-D Printing Help Solve the Housing Crisis?

Jan 22, 2023The article indicates that "the idea of 3D printing a building with concrete originated with Behrokh Khoshnevis"

Ukraine’s energy grid, the target of repeated strikes, is like a network of roads

Nov 27, 2022Najm Meshkati was quoted about the impact one part of an energy grid can have on the whole network

Universal AC access? CA’s power grid likely can’t handle it

Sep 11, 2022Kelly Sanders was interviewed regarding the heat wave's strain on the region--on health and energy resources

Embattled Nuclear Plant Is Cut Off From Main Power Line After Shelling

Sep 05, 2022Najm Meshkati was interviewed about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine.

The Future of California’s Last Nuclear Power Plant

Aug 28, 2022Najm Meshkati was quoted about the future of Diablo Canyon.

Imperiled Ukrainian nuclear power plant has the world on edge

Aug 28, 2022Najm Meshkati contributed a piece on the potential dangers around a Ukranian nuclear power plant

Western drought is pushing the power grid to the brink

Aug 21, 2022Kelly Sanders was interviewed about how drought and heat waves will affect energy production.

What’s in your drinking water?

Aug 21, 2022Daniel McCurry was interviewed about the use of recycled wastewater to meet water demand.

Gas prices keep falling, but Americans still feel inflation’s bite

Aug 14, 2022Kelly Sanders was interviewed about energy consumption trends

Newsom: California must boost water recycling, desalination

Aug 14, 2022Daniel McCurry was interviewed about California's water conservation and supply

Lives Not Grades Wins LA-Area Emmy

Jul 25, 2022A filmed that featured a USC Viterbi class and was made by Daniel Druhora, Yannis Yortsos, Sonny Astani, Burcin Becerik-Gerber, David Gerber, Brad Cracchiola, Adam Smith, Rommel Villa, and Teodora Totoiu, and distributed by PBS was featured.

I Drank Recycled Sewage To Get A Taste Of SoCal’s Water Future

Jul 10, 2022Dan McCurry was interviewed about the viability of recycled water.

In The Face of New Water Restrictions, What Else Should Be Done?

May 01, 2022Daniel McCurry was interviewed about wastewater reclamation to augment water resources

More water restrictions are coming to Southern California

May 01, 2022Kelly Sanders offered tips on how people can conserve water

Inglewood’s proposed $1.4-billion fix for SoFi Stadium’s traffic problems

Mar 13, 2022Jim Moore was quoted about the environmental review process.

EXPLAINER: How dangerous was Russia’s nuclear plant strike

Mar 13, 2022Najm Meshkati contributed a piece about the dangers surrounding nuclear plants during warfare.

A safety expert explains how warfare and nuclear power are a volatile combination

Mar 11, 2022Najm Meshkati granted an interview on the dangers of nuclear power plants during war.

The tsunami that battered Santa Cruz highlights the threat facing California’s coast

Feb 05, 2022Patrick Lynett was quoted about the underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga which caused a tsunami to hit the CA coast

How safe is LA’s water?

Nov 14, 2021Daniel McCurry, assistant professor in the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was quoted on thresholds for water regulation

Make Flying Simple

Oct 31, 2021Najm Meshkati was interviewed about safety issues surrounding pilot-free helicopters

How 3D Printing Could Help Tackle Homelessness in LA

Oct 31, 2021dot.LA featured Berok Khoshnevis about the potential of 3D printing to tackle homelessness in LA.

The Grid Isn’t Ready for the Renewable Revolution

Oct 10, 2021Wired featured Kelly Sanders' research on 'precooling' to optimize energy usage.

Heat is Baking Cities

Oct 10, 2021George Ban-Weiss spoke to Wired about methods to cool down cities

Texas’ efforts to fix electrical grid may not be enough to prevent future blackouts

Sep 20, 2021Marketplace quoted Kelly Sanders on Texas’ efforts to fix electrical grid that may not be enough to prevent future blackouts.

Ways to Save Water During the Drought

Aug 22, 2021Kelly Sanders suggested that people consider their indirect water footprint to when thinking about saving water.

How California can prepare our communities and homes for heat waves

Aug 22, 2021Research by Kelly Sanders' and George Ban Weiss' labs was cited.

Amy Childress named Charter Member to EPA Science Advisory Board

Aug 06, 2021Childress was also appointed to the EPA Drinking Water Committee.

Unlike Florida, California leaves the safety of aging high-rises largely in owners’ hands

Jul 26, 2021Los Angeles Daily News quoted Henry Koffman on California's strict building requirements compared to Florida.

Champlain Towers parking garage flooded often before collapse, residents and ex-worker say

Jul 18, 2021The Washington Post featured Henry Koffman on what caused the recent collapse of a condo building in Florida.

China Denies Radiation Leak at Reactor But Admits Fuel Rod Damage

Jun 27, 2021The New York Times quoted Najmedin Meshkati of the USC Viterbi School on possible outcomes at a nuclear reactor in China.

Opinion: Removing Metro fares will make public transit accessible, but it won’t fix bad service

Jun 27, 2021A piece in the LA Times referenced Jim Moore's research on L.A. Metro's funding of rail projects.

California Dreaming: Historic Offshore Wind Project Will help Bolster State’s Economy

Jun 27, 2021ABC7 features Kelly Sanders on the Biden Administration's effort to open the Pacific Coast for its first offshore wind development project.

New Research Builds on USC Viterbi Study of Tsunami in Palu, Indonesia

May 18, 2021A New Study Building on USC Viterbi Research Shows Strike-Slip Faults Can Generate Large Tsunamis

L.A. could be powered entirely by renewable energy in 25 years

Apr 19, 2021The effort could achieve dramatic reductions in greenhouse gases without significant disruption to the economy or people’s lifestyles, according to USC research.

USC Students Travel to Greece to Develop Real-World Solutions to Refugee Crisis in World Premiere of New Documentary ‘LIVES NOT GRADES’ Presented by KCET

Apr 14, 202136 Young Innovators fLearn Lessons Beyond the Classroom Going Up Against “The Greatest Humanitarian Crisis Since World War II"