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 senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She has been actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the Viterbi Student Ambassadors during her time at USC. She also spent several weeks studying abroad in Paris, France, and Galway, Ireland as an undergraduate, and now hopes to continue traveling as much as possible when she graduates.
Andrew Bagwell
Associate Editor
Andrew Bagwell is a junior majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering. 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 finding the best tacos in Los Angeles.
Ilya Golosker
Associate Editor
Ilya Golosker is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He enjoys playing the piano and guitar, as well as making the most out of his senior year before becoming a grad student. His technical interests include mechanical design, reliability engineering, and communicating the engineering behind everyday life.
Meredith Hankins
Associate Editor
Meredith Hankins is a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering. Upon graduation, she wants to work in the environmental consulting industry, at least until she saves enough money to open her own brewery.
Dennis Krouse
Associate Editor
Dennis Krouse is a senior working to complete a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. During his limited free time he enjoys reading constantly and looking for new places to travel after school. Upon graduating he plans to pursue a career in the medical device industry.
Colin McCall
Multimedia Designer
Colin McCall is a graduate student in the Department of Animation and Digital Art's MFA program. He is new to California, having lived in Colorado until coming to USC. He is a story-driven animator who puts his satirical sense of humor into all he creates.
Natasha Naik
Associate Editor
Natasha is currently a junior BME at USC and is looking forward to an exciting year at Illumin! She is also President of ASBME and a student researcher on campus. She is looking to study abroad in Madrid Spring 2009 (Spanish minor) and still graduate in four years, after which medical school seems most likely. Hobbies: traveling, eating, sleeping.
Josh Villbrandt
Website Designer
Josh is currently pursueing a BS in Astronautical Engineering. In his free time, Josh enjoys drumming for the Spirit of Troy Marching Band, and playing Ultimate Frisbee with friends. Upon graduation, Josh hopes to work in the Aerospace industry, possibly with a focus in robotics.
