About Us

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.

History

In the Spring of 1999, 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.

Core Team

Illumin’s core team is composed of students who edit and format papers for the online medium. Our staff also includes a web developer and multimedia guru. We interview and hire for open staffing positions every Spring.

Ashly Lam is a junior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. Outside of Illumin Magazine, she is involved with Makers at USC and the Society of Women Engineers. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature and journaling.

Jessica Li is a junior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. Outside of Illumin, she is a part of USC Helenes, Science Outreach, and SEEDs. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, traveling, and hiking.

Lehar Goenka is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering with an electrical engineering emphasis. Outside of Ilumin she’s a part of the Thematic Options Honors Program, the treasurer for the Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME), and an undergraduate research assistant at Khan Lab. In her free time she likes hiking, journalling, and listening to new music.

Lauren Smiley is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. In addition to Illumin, she is part of the RPL and EWB. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and doing crossword puzzles.

Karl Revale is a sophomore studying Computer Science & Business Administration. Beyond Illumin, Karl is also part of the creative team at 840 West Records. He makes music in his spare time, along with his other passions for design and photography.

Judy Zhao is an Expanded Animation Research + Practice MFA student working in 2D and 3D experimental animation. In her free time, she enjoys watching short films, making jewelry, and drawing.

Phu Quach is a junior studying Industrial & Systems Engineering. Outside of Illumin, Phu is also a part of USG, FGSA, and Troy Camp. In his free time, he enjoys exploring LA, hiking, and gymming.

Stephen Bucher is the Director of the Engineering in Society Program at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. He is the founder of and faculty advisor to Illumin magazine.

Past Editors

About Us

History

Core Team

Ashly Lam

Jessica Li

Lehar Goenka

Lauren Smiley

Karl Revale

Judy Zhao

Phu Quach

Steve Bucher

Past Editors