Connect with us

Innovation

Alumni Couple Supports Student Innovation – USC Viterbi | School of Engineering – USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Santanu and Kelly Das, B.S. ’95, B.S. ’96 met at USC. Now they’re kickstarting a CEE student innovation competition for a more sustainable Los Angeles
Santanu and Kelly Das, B.S. ’95, B.S. ’96 met while they were CEE students at USC Viterbi. They are now returning to USC to spark an innovation movement among students.
Santanu Das, B.S. ’95, packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles to study at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering as a trustee scholar with a vague idea of what he would do with a degree in civil engineering.

“I was young and idealistic. My father was a structural engineer and I always found his work interesting but thought there was a faster way to do things using automation through computers. I wanted to advance infrastructure and give back to society,” Das recalled.
During his freshman year, the L.A. riots broke out. Then, in 1994, the Northridge Earthquake devastated the city killing more than 60, injuring more than 9,000, and causing over $20 billion in damage.  These formative experiences in the City of Angels inspired Das to work on impactful projects like coming up with new computer simulations to improve the safety of structures.

The young idealist had moved from his native New Jersey  – a state whose entire population was the size of Los Angeles. His fondest memories are the adventures he had with the USC Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), building a concrete canoe for a competition in Hawaii.
It was also at ASCE that he met fellow CEE classmate and future wife, Kelly Das ’96. The two went on to successful careers that defy expectations of what civil and environmental engineers do.

The couple will kickstart a student innovation competition at the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering that launches in the Fall 2022 semester.  The competition will be be focused on smart cities, smart infrastructure, equity and sustainability in Los Angeles. Kelly and Santanu envision students partnering with industry to come up with bold, innovative ideas of how we can make Los Angeles a more sustainable, smarter and equitable city to live in.

“USC is a fertile ground for great ideas,” Santanu said. “And we can now build cooler things than a concrete canoe. We must connect the dots between industry and academia and society in a way that sparks innovation and entrepreneurship and takes engineering from the classroom to the street.”

After graduating at the top of his class at USC Viterbi, Santanu was awarded a full graduate scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned his master’s in civil engineering.

“We must connect the dots between industry and academia and society in a way that sparks innovation and entrepreneurship and takes engineering from the classroom to the street.”
He cut his teeth in the world of finance before joining Research Engineers International in 1998 as a senior programmer, then eventually its president, transforming the world-renowned STAAD structural line of products into an open architecture platform where other applications could seamlessly integrate. He also opened new markets in Southeast Asia before the company was acquired by Bentley Systems – a world leader in developing the computer software used to build our roadways, bridges, and infrastructure. He is currently the chief acceleration officer at Bentley Systems, where he manages the corporate strategy for acquisitions, investments, and new startup businesses.

He also serves on the Sonny Astani Department’s advisory board, and on the board of MATHCOUNTS, an organization dedicated to sparking a love for math in junior high students.
Kelly went on to earn her M.B.A from UCLA, then worked in tech consulting and management roles at IBM and Nissan. She is now the president of a real estate company and assists with fundraising and volunteer efforts at multiple charitable organizations. The Das couple is part of a generation of alumni that sought to break down silos. The two remember a time at USC when there wasn’t much collaboration between engineering and other disciplines.
“Engineers have had this historical stigma of, you know, pocket protectors and calculators and doing hard math problems,” he said. “Now we need to take those problem-solving skills and apply them to huge societal challenges.”

That, according to Santanu, requires a spirit of spirit of innovation and understanding societal, economic, and environmental realties.

“Today we see disciplines like sociology, life sciences and engineering combined,” added Kelly Das. “So we need people with technical backgrounds who also understand the basics of marketing and finance. And that is ultimately going to make for smarter engineers and smarter engineers build smarter cities.”

More information on the student innovation competition will be announced in late June 2022.
Published on April 19th, 2022
Last updated on April 19th, 2022
Share This Story
Share this Post
The Return of the Viterbi Awards
April 12, 2021
After last year’s postponement because of COVID-19, the 42nd annual event celebrated honorees General (retired) Ellen Pawlikowski, alumnus Juan Perez of UPS and Geena Davis.
How do you innovate inclusion?
November 10, 2020
HackSC, SHPE, NSBE, and Girls in Tech host USC’s first ever Diversity & Inclusion Hackathon
AgriCulture Wins The Min Family Challenge
May 1, 2020
The USC Viterbi-led team aims to improve the diets and health of low-income, urban residents in unique contest pairing engineering and societal challenges
USC Map Visit UsContact Us

source

Continue Reading

Innovation

Leo Horacio: A Successful Entrepreneur in the Ecommerce and Online Sales Industry

Leo Horacio is a name that resonates in the world of entrepreneurship and ecommerce.

His journey is a testament to determination and success, and his story inspires many.

As an immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of 11 after losing his father in a tragic car accident, Leo faced significant challenges from a young age. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his first business at the astonishing age of 17. Surprisingly, before turning 22, he had already reached his first million dollars. With over 10 years of experience in the ecommerce and online sales industry, Leo Horacio has founded and led four multi-million-dollar companies in the United States.

One of his most notable achievements has been the establishment of a company dedicated to managing ecommerce brands, which generated $10 million in its first 12 months and contributed to $125 million in sales for its clients. Furthermore, he has assisted over 450 investors in earning automated monthly incomes of $6,000 to $8,000 through his team.

But Leo has not only excelled in the business world. He has also shown his social commitment by donating to local foundations that rescue abandoned dogs and provide toys for needy children.

Leo’s motivation for entering the ecommerce industry is clear: it is a trillion-dollar industry that continues to grow, and more Latin American countries are adapting to online sales. This means that opportunities continue to expand every day.

His achievements have earned him recognition and awards, including plaques for taking eight stores to reach $1 million in less than 12 months. Additionally, in 2023, he will receive an award for reaching the astounding figure of $25 million in sales in a single year.

Leo’s personal experience as an immigrant in the United States, where he had to leave school to work and support his family after losing his father, has been a fundamental influence on his journey.

Leo’s impact in his field and in society is undeniable. He has been invited to major conferences where he has inspired hundreds of thousands of Latin American entrepreneurs with his story and impressive results.

Looking to the future, in 2024, Leo plans to expand his foundation to build homes for needy families in low-resource countries and continue growing his personal brand to share his story and expertise with a wider audience.

You can follow Leo Horacio on his social media platforms, where he shares his vision and knowledge in the world of ecommerce and entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Continue Reading

Innovation

Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh: A Visionary Language Educator Transforming English Learning with Puzzling Method

Meet Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh, a pioneering language educator whose relentless pursuit of native-like proficiency in English led to the creation of a revolutionary teaching method known as the Puzzling Method. As a native Persian speaker, Mehdi’s determination and innovative approach have empowered over a hundred thousand language learners to master English in record time.

From the ages of 8 to 11, Mehdi attended various language classes in pursuit of his dream to become fluent in English. He believed he had attained a high level of proficiency during those years. However, his first encounter with an English-speaking person at the age of 11 exposed a glaring flaw in the traditional language education system—the materials he had learned were of little practical use, leaving him unable to form even a basic sentence in English. This experience ignited a passion within Mehdi to find a more effective way of learning the language.

In his quest for a better approach, Mehdi discovered the Grammar Translation Method (GTM), a teaching method that resonated with him. Embracing the GTM, he experienced a remarkable transformation, achieving fluency in English within just six months and shedding all his negative feelings and insecurities.

Recognizing that many of his friends faced similar challenges in their language learning journey, Mehdi took it upon himself to help them. He began teaching English to his friends using the GTM, and to his delight, they too experienced rapid progress and newfound confidence in their language skills.

Fueled by his friends’ success and driven by a growing demand for effective language learning methods, Mehdi was inspired to refine the GTM.

He created the Puzzling Method to address the shortcomings of conventional language teaching. This groundbreaking approach focuses on practical communication skills, encourages active student engagement and interaction, and provides a more immersive cultural experience.

The Puzzling Method has since proven to be a game-changer in the world of language education. Mehdi’s unique approach allows learners to visualize their progress after each session, encouraging motivation and dedication. Instead of directly learning English grammar, learners construct sentences in their native language and then translate them into English using puzzle pieces.

In 2010, Mehdi’s unwavering commitment to effective language education led him to establish the Manoochehrzadeh Language Academy. Through this institution, he has successfully taught English to over a hundred thousand language learners, providing comprehensive educational packages tailored to individual needs.

Mehdi’s contributions to the field of language education have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized and celebrated for his achievements, earning accolades and awards throughout his career. Some of his notable milestones include:

  • Education Management Certificate from LEEDS University, England in 2014.
  • Establishment of the Manoochehrzadeh publishing company in 2016.
  • TTC Certificate from Petrel College, Canada, in 2017.
  • Paper Presentation Certificate at the International NTELT Conference in 2018.
  • Article Publication and Presentation at NTELT titled «Exploring the Relationship between EFL Learners’ Self-Efficacy Belief and their Language Proficiency: The Case of Reading Comprehension in Focus,» in 2018.
  • Article Publication Certificate in the LTRQ Journal in 2019.
  • Article Publication and Presentation at ICSLS exploring the interplay between Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions of research and their academic degrees in 2019.
  • Article Publication and Presentation at SSYJ titled «The Interplay between Young Learners’ Sense of Self-Efficacy in Reading Comprehension and English Language Proficiency» in 2019.
  • Book Publication: «Fundamental Terms in Language Teaching Methodology» explaining English language teaching terminology, published by Society Publications in Canada in 2021.
  • Book Publication: «Syllabus Design and Material Development» regarding curriculum design, published by Society Publications in Canada in 2021.
  • Book Publication: «101 Key Points in Language Teaching Methodology» about various language teaching methods, published by Lambert Publishing in Germany in 2022.

Mehdi’s commitment to continuous improvement and future endeavors is evident in his dedication to learning and developing other languages. He remains focused on expanding his expertise and knowledge in language education to empower even more learners worldwide.

Stay connected with Mehdi and his transformative Puzzling Method on Instagram, where he shares valuable insights and updates @demanoochehrzadeh. For more information and to explore Mehdi’s work, visit his official website at drmanoochehrzadeh.com.

Through his exceptional contributions to language education, Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh is leaving an indelible mark on the world of English learning, making proficiency achievable and accessible for learners of all backgrounds.

Continue Reading

Innovation

Flavio Esteban Calvo: A Role Model in Psychology and Mental Health

Dr. Flavio Esteban Calvo’s journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to mental health. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, specializing in cognitive and systemic psychology, and a Ph.D. in systemic, cognitive, and neurosciences, Dr. Calvo has become a prominent figure in his field.

His career extends beyond the classroom, as he has shared his expertise as a university lecturer in Argentina and in postgraduate programs in Ecuador, Chile, and Spain. His contribution to the education of future professionals is undeniable.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Calvo is the author of two significant books: «Better Decisions» and «Boost Your Finances.» These works reflect his dedication to improving people’s quality of life through psychology and conscious decision-making.

Dr. Calvo’s impact transcends borders, having been recognized both in Argentine and international media. His focus on systemic and cognitive psychology has earned him respect in the psychotherapy community.

One of the most notable achievements in his career is the recognition awarded by the Ecuadorian Association of Psychotherapy in 2022. This accolade is a testament to his dedication and contribution to psychology and mental health.

When asked about his most significant accomplishments, Dr. Calvo emphasizes that beyond academic and professional successes, what fills his heart is witnessing transformed lives through his work. The stories of people he has supported in overcoming challenges are his greatest reward.

For him, the most important moment of his career is always the present. Currently, he feels fortunate to teach in different countries, lead a team of over 30 professionals at Dynamos, and continue to support individuals through conferences and personal therapy.

Dr. Calvo has developed a comprehensive program for managing anxiety, panic attacks, and stress, which has had a positive impact on the lives of those who have followed it. This effort adds to his commitment to enhancing people’s quality of life.

Regarding his role as «Motivational Influencer of the Year,» Dr. Calvo sees himself as someone who seeks to inspire and promote healthy discussions through his content. His authenticity and desire to contribute to the world drive him forward.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is clear: consistency is key, and authenticity sets you apart in a world where many imitate others.

Looking to the future, Dr. Calvo dreams of becoming a reference in research, teaching, and treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, and stress. His mission is to help those who suffer regain a high-quality life.

In summary, Dr. Flavio Esteban Calvo is a prominent figure in psychology and mental health. His human-centered approach and passion for personal growth and the well-being of others serve as an example to follow. You can connect with him through his social media or website to learn more about his activities and contributions to the community.

Continue Reading

Trending