Students Archives

May 20

Associate Professor John Walsh introduces PhD graduate Mengzhao Yan during the USC Leonard Davis School Commencement ceremony on May 15, 2026.

Double Trojan and Celebrated Teaching Assistant Aims to Help People Age in Place Safely

By Beth Newcomb Alumni, Featured, Q&A, Students

2026 PhD in Gerontology graduate Mengzhao Yan, who also received his MA in Aging Services Management in 2019, investigates the use of services, home modification, and technology to help older people and people with disabilities age in place.

May 15

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

By Beth Newcomb Alumni, Featured, Honors and Awards, Students

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology celebrated more than 200 graduates of its undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs during USC's 143rd Commencement on May 15, 2026.

May 14

Maxim Averbukh PhD in Bilogy of Aging 2026

Biology of Aging PhD Grad Appreciates Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Community

By Beth Newcomb Alumni, Featured, Q&A, Students

From basic biology investigation at the lab bench to social science research in populations across the globe, USC Leonard Davis scientists study aging across numerous disciplines. This "creates a uniquely holistic way of thinking about aging" for students and trainees, says Maxim Averbukh PhD '26.

May 11

2026 PhD in Gerontology Grad Works to Improve Care and Safety for Older Adults

By Beth Newcomb Alumni, Featured, Q&A, Students

In her dissertation research, Eleanor Batista-Malat PhD '26 found that, contrary to conventional wisdom, older adults receiving home- and community-based services still had the same likelihood of experiencing abuse as those not receiving services. After graduation, she will begin a VA fellowship to further her research in improving health care.

Apr 29

Award-Winning Essay by USC Leonard Davis Student Describes Intergenerational Connection via Music

By Beth Newcomb Alzheimer's and Dementia, Featured, Honors and Awards, Students

Sophomore Aani Nagaiah's essay, "What Endures," won the Schwarzenegger Institute first place prize at the 2026 USC Undergraduate Writers' Conference.

Apr 08

Concept illustration of brain aging generated by MidJourney

For the First Time, Scientists Have Mapped the Genetics of How the Brain Ages, Region by Region

By Beth Newcomb Alzheimer's and Dementia, Featured, Research, Students

Nicholas Kim, a senior majoring in biomedical engineering and minoring in geroscience, led the landmark study with hopes that it could one day help improve the treatment of dementia and other brain disorders.

Aug 19

Trojan Undergrads Spend Summer Immersed in Life-Changing Research

By Beth Newcomb Featured, Research, School Culture, Students

USC undergraduate researchers, including senior in human development and aging Tiffany Wang, thrive during months of “uncompromised time” in labs under guidance of mentors.

May 27