Just as physiological vital signs, such as heart rate or body temperature, reflect essential bodily functions and are indicative of health or sickness, this lab’s vital signs reflect our core values:
Impact Orientation
Prioritizing research and development efforts that have the potential to generate positive societal impact, improve quality of life, and address pressing global challenges
Innovation
Encouraging and fostering a culture of innovation to drive technological progress and development
Civics
Fostering civic growth and development through, and at times despite, technological advances to empower individuals to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital world
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Embracing a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a commitment to staying abreast of emerging technologies, best practices, and evolving societal needs
Ethical Responsibility
Recognizing the ethical implications of technological advancements and promoting responsible and ethical use of technology for the benefit of society
Accessibility
Ensuring that technological advancements are accessible and inclusive, with a focus on addressing the needs of diverse populations
Collaboration
Promoting collaboration across Viterbi and USC among professors, industry professionals, and students to leverage collective expertise and resources
Projects
Ethos Project
Viterbi Conversation in Ethics magazine
Visiting Scholar
A practitioner or research fellow in tech ethics will engage in rigorous research, produce publications, and serve as a mentor and facilitator during Tech Ethics Workshops
Ethics Across the Viterbi Curriculum Initiative
(Currently called Ethics consultations for Viterbi Faculty) Viterbi faculty are invited to book appointments with Engineering in Society and VITAL affiliate faculty to discuss ethics and social impact modules, learning outcomes, and assignments
Ethics Bowl
In collaboration with the Philosophy Department, VITAL trains and sponsors the USC Association for Practical and Professional Ethics Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team
Distinguished Lecture Series
Postdoctoral fellows across USC are invited to join the VITAL discussion group to network, collaborate, and get to know other fellows interested in interdisciplinary approaches to engaging with advances in technology.
Viterbi Ethics in Industry Cohorts
The Ethics in Industry Cohort is composed of engineering-based industry professionals who are interested in the ethics and social impact of technology.
Interdisciplinary Post-Doc Discussion Group
Postdoctoral fellows across USC are invited to join the VITAL discussion group to network, collaborate, and get to know other fellows interested in interdisciplinary approaches to engaging with advances in technology.
The Good Life
The Good Life is a series of luncheon discussions for undergraduate engineering students dedicated to exploring what it means to live a good life as a person and as an engineer.
Meet our Team
Katherine Brichacek
(Lead Faculty)
Harly Ramsey
(EiS Faculty)
Martha Townsend
(EiS Faculty)