Illumin is an online magazine dedicated to exploring the science and technology behind the things we encounter every day. Produced and published by the Engineering Writing Program at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Illumin features the work of talented USC undergraduate engineers along with submissions from universities across the nation. These articles, supplemented with innovative multimedia features, relate the far-reaching impact of the engineering profession, and provide a broader view of the socio-economic and political implications of rapid technological change.
Nearly five years ago, Illumin was conceived at the USC School of Engineering as a way to demonstrate the relevance of engineering to engineers and non-engineers alike. In an effort to highlight the impact of engineering upon everyday life and to showcase the writing skills of USC Engineering students, the Engineering Writing Program at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering began the development of Illumin. Using articles submitted as part of a WRIT 340 class assignment, the editors and multimedia specialists built the Illumin website.
With worldwide readership, Illumin continues to evolve as an academic resource for modern society. Illumin articles have been selected for publication in textbooks and university course readers. Multimedia features now include flash animation, graphics correlating with each article, video and sounds clips, a glossary of terms, and an extensive archive of previously published articles. Additionally, a teacher's edition of Illumin is currently being created for use in high school classrooms.
Illumin is funded by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Office of the Dean. Seed money was also provided by the USC Fund for Innovative Undergraduate Teaching.
Farzana Ansari
Associate Editor
Farzana Ansari is currently a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She has been actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers since her freshman year, and also represents the USC Viterbi School of Engineering as a Viterbi Student Ambassador. She spent her last summer studying abroad in Paris, France, and now hopes to travel as much as possible before her undergraduate years are over.
Andrew Bagwell
Associate Editor
Andrew Bagwell is a sophomore majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering - at least for now. He spends most of his time trying to figure out how to attend concerts on a college student's budget, but he has also started displaying some interest in figuring out what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
Ilya Golosker
Associate Editor
Ilya Golosker is a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His interests include anything automotive, playing the piano, tennis, and graphic design. After graduation he hopes to work in the automotive engineering industry and ultimately pursue a career as an automotive journalist. For now he is dedicated to his positions at Illumin and on USC's Formula SAE racing team.
Meredith Hankins
Associate Editor
Meredith Hankins is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering. She hasn't decided whether she wants to work in a brewery or in the consulting world when she grows up.
Natasha Naik
Associate Editor
Natasha is currently a sophomore BME at USC, and she is very excited about joining the Illumin staff this year. She is actively involved in the ASBME student organization, as well as an ongoing research project at the BMSR lab on campus. She is hoping to fit a Spanish minor into her (overly-full) engineering schedule, and possibly study abroad during her junior year. Upon graduation, she would like to work in the industry or apply to graduate/medical school, although at this point all of these options seem infinitely far away. Getting through her next set of midterms is her biggest priority right now...
Elizabeth So
Associate Editor
Elizabeth So is a senior majoring in biomedical and chemical engineering. She is a multi-talented musician who enjoys odd hobbies, good books, and the company of awesome friends. You may have seen her Fighting On. Upon graduation, she will pursue a future in the fields of intellectual property law and cardiothoracic surgery.
Diana Reichenbach
Graphic Designer
Diana Reichenbach is working on her MFA in Animation and Digital Arts in the School of Cinematic Arts. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and misses cheering for the Gators. Cardinal and Gold just don't evoke as passionate a sense of success and harmony as Orange and Blue.
Josh Villbrandt
Web Designer & Developer
Josh is currently pursueing a BS in Astronautical Engineering. In his free time, Josh enjoys druming for the Spirit of Troy, and playing Ultimate Frisbee with friends. Upon graduation, Josh hopes to work in the Aerospace industry, possibly with a focus in robotics.
