Welcome new faculty! Research on masks, redistricting, and more.
The Price Review
To ‘build back better,’ new research suggests President Biden should expand tax credits to undocumented immigrants
President Biden is promising to cut childhood poverty in half. New USC Price research suggests that in order to accomplish that goal, key tax credits must be extended to undocumented immigrants. As Dr. Roberto Suro and alumna Hannah Findling (MPA ‘21) show in their analysis, one-sixth of children living in poverty are citizens who are ineligible for incentives because of their parents’ legal status. Read more >
The most effective intervention against the spread of COVID-19? Early adoption of mask mandates
A new study co-authored by Price Professor Shui-Yan Tang and USC Price alumnus Brian An presents evidence that adopting mask mandates early is the best way for policymakers to lower COVID infection rates. Read more>
Independent redistricting commissions are key to increasing trust in elections
Redistricting is underway across America. Three USC Price professors say independent redistricting commissions are one route to boost trust in the democratic process – but only if the public is well-informed about how they help. Read more >
From legalizing marijuana to decriminalizing opioids, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula's research informs change
Congress is considering a number of sweeping changes to drug regulations, including decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level. See how Professor Rosalie Liccardo Pacula's recent work is informing decisions at the highest levels. Read more>
Expertise in Action
Faculty Advancing Change Through Research
Welcome to environmental planning expert Dr. Santina Contreras
Originally from Whittier, the professor with expertise in engineering, environmental planning and community engagement is excited to be working in Southern California. “To be able to positively impact the community I call home, I can’t ask for anything else,” she said. Read more >
Visiting scholars will provide new perspectives, make research strides
USC Price is partnering with historically Black colleges and universities to launch the Diversity Initiative for Visiting Distinguished Scholars. For the program’s inaugural year, Dr. Miesha Williams from Morehouse College and Dr. Jevay Grooms from Howard University will lead research, engage diverse populations, provide mentorship opportunities, and foster dialogue among faculty and students. Meet the scholars >
Collaborative USC summer program connects kids with world-class educators
A free program is allowing kids around the country to learn from professors and professionals in fields ranging from filmmaking to astrophysics. “The Discovery Project” was co-founded by USC Professor Elizabeth Currid-Halkett. Read the full story >
On a Mission
Students and Alumni Making a Difference
With an ‘eye on equity,’ USC Price grads help Pasadena achieve 85% vaccination rate
Pasadena has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in California. The city’s health department, where several Price alumni hold several key positions, partnered with community organizations to educate the public. Read the full story >
Price grad among 3% admitted to Cleveland Clinic’s Administrative Fellowship
New Price graduate Kyle Underwood says he wants to lead a health care system one day. The prestigious Administrative Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic is his first step toward that goal. Read more>
Price and School of Dramatic Arts students collaborate on play about innovative criminal justice reforms
Price students undertook a new challenge to help create and perform a play in partnership with their peers in the USC School of Dramatic Arts. People with firsthand experience of the criminal justice system provided perspective as students used art to advocate for reform.Read more >
After years of military service, two new undergrads pursue a fresh mission
Price is proud to welcome a number of military veterans to campus this year. We spoke to two students about their academic goals and how they plan to bring their expertise to the classroom. Learn more >
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Erin Trishwas named co-director of the USC Schaeffer Center. She will serve alongside USC Price Dean Dana Goldman.
The New York Timesquoted Neeraj Sood on his concerns around mandatory masking for school children.
The Los Angeles Timesquoted Jason Doctor on unexpected bills for supposedly free coronavirus tests.
The Los Angeles Timesquoted Genevieve Giuliano on the likelihood that even free public transit would not entice new riders.
The Los Angeles Timesquoted Dana Goldman on Delta Airlines’ raising of insurance rates for unvaccinated employees.
USA Todayquoted Robert Myrtle on how hospitals measure capacity.
The Atlanticquoted Mindy Romero on how outreach to Latino voters could affect California's gubernatorial recall election.
Politicoincluded an op-ed from Gary Painter about the need for a long-term solution to stabilize the rental market.
Business Insider featured research from Dowell Myers on millennials being less likely to move than previous generations, which is in part fueling the housing crisis.
Marketplacequoted Gary Painter on the record-low number of foreclosures.
The Conversationfeatured an op-ed from David Sloane about grief and joy coexisting in the latest era of the pandemic.
CalMattersfeatured Christine Beckman on the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on mothers.
The Sacramento Beequoted Michael Thom on the falsehood that tax breaks keep TV shows filming in California.
The Los Angeles Daily Newsfeatured Adam Rose on the economic cost of lessening future COVID-19 preventative efforts.
The Los Angeles Daily Newsfeatured an op-ed co-authored by Neeraj Sood about mandatory masking in schools.
The Los Angeles Daily Newsquoted Jakub Hlávka on the need to continue pressing people to get vaccinated for COVID-19.