USC Viterbi’s CURVE Program Hosts Annual Student Research Showcase

Students converse in front of a research display, with posters and laptops visible.

Students engage in discussions about their research projects.

Each year, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering celebrates the achievements of its CURVE (Creating Undergraduate Research Experiences) scholars through an inspiring research showcase. This event highlights the hard work of undergraduate students who have spent the year conducting hands-on research alongside USC faculty mentors. Student experiences range from as little as just one semester of research experience to 2 years.

The showcase featured a diverse range of projects spanning engineering disciplines—from artificial intelligence and robotics to biomedical innovation and environmental engineering. Students present their research posters, share their findings, and engage with peers, professors, and industry professionals on topics that serve humanity by addressing health, security, sustainability or enriching life.

A man with a microphone addresses audience in front of a presentation title projected on a screen behind him

Associate Director of Leadership Programs for USC Viterbi, Dr. Kamau Jamal Abercrombia introduces the podium presentations.

This marks the first year CURVE and the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) have been brought together along with teams from Professor Matthew Gilpin’s AME 441 senior projects course. The combined projects highlighted USC Viterbi as an Engineering+ campus with the four Grand Challenges themes embedded throughout the undergraduate curriculum, including in research.

Among the audience participants was Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, one of the original co-creators of the GCSP program. “This event is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our undergraduate researchers,” Yortsos said. “It’s inspiring to see how these students are already making meaningful contributions to their fields.”

The CURVE program not only celebrates student achievements but also underscores the value of undergraduate research in engineering education. By participating in faculty-led projects, CURVE fellows gain critical skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and technical communication, preparing them for future academic and professional success. As USC Viterbi continues to promote a culture of research excellence, programs like CURVE play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of innovators.