In this issue, find out how a professor is getting a true view of the destruction caused by the war in Ukraine, discover how an alumna¡¯s history degree aids her career in genealogy, learn tips to develop healthier social media habits and hear about USC¡¯s new game-changing quantum computing partnership. 🗓️ Save the date: 3/29. Examine the future of NATO and have your questions answered by top experts during this free online discussion. Learn More >> |
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1 Big Thing: Cutting Through the Fog of War |
A USC Dornsife Earth scientist used publicly available satellite and military intelligence data to visualize the destruction in Ukraine resulting from the war with Russia. Why it matters: The methods developed by the researchers enable anyone with the appropriate technical expertise to analyze public data and gain a true, unbiased understanding of a conflict¡¯s impact, free of misinformation. Social media has generated a wealth of detailed online information about the war in Ukraine, with an active community documenting aspects like troop movements and infrastructure damage. Sylvain Barbot of Earth sciences and a team of researchers used this information, along with satellite data, to track the war. |
- The team tracked the battles of Rubizhne, Severodonetsk and Lysychansk from March to July 2022.
- They also tracked battles in Bakhmut, which began in May 2022 and ended one year later when the city was completely decimated.
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In his words: ¡°After they¡¯ve bombarded enough stuff, the front line begins to move to the west and the Russian army advances through the crumbles. ¡¦ It looks like cancer spreading throughout the body,¡± says Barbot. Using satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR), researchers followed the destruction of cities and how military tactics evolve over time. |
- SAR uses electromagnetic waves and records the signal reflected back from Earth, regardless of sunlight and clouds.
- The radar normally is used to monitor natural disasters but is equally adept at evaluating the damage of war.
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Of note: Tracking the conflict with SAR revealed that other forms of open-source intelligence data weren¡¯t always reliable. |
- For instance, SAR revealed fighting in Lysychansk that other forms of intelligence data missed.
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Images captured by a satellite that is sensitive to artificial light gave the researchers a somber view of the conflict¡¯s impact on the daily lives of Ukrainians. |
- ¡°We looked at all of Eastern Europe and you can see those lights you¡¯re familiar with, except an entire country is completely black — all of Ukraine was dark,¡± Barbot said. ¡°You could see from space an entire country shutting down.¡±
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Bridging History and Families |
To uncover family histories as a genealogist for Ancestry.com, USC Dornsife alumna Christina Copland ʼ18 uses her skills as a historian. Why it matters: The skills gained through a history degree, such as the ability to contextualize how people lived in the past and accurately interpret primary (original) documents, can set the stage for a variety of rewarding careers. Copland, who grew up in England, has had a long-time fascination with American politics and developed a particular interest in the influence of fundamental Christianity while working on her master¡¯s degree in modern history at York University. |
- Her studies brought her to LA, where she met USC Dornsife history professor William Deverell, who encouraged her to earn a PhD in history at USC.
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Nearing graduation, Copland delved into her own family history and quickly became captivated by genealogy, wondering how she could turn it into a career. |
- She turned to LinkedIn to find members of the Trojan family who worked at Ancestry.com, which led to an informational interview and eventually employment.
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In her words: ¡°At the interview, I sold myself as a candidate who was trained as a historian who could very quickly learn the specific skills I needed for that role. I think it was a good sales pitch,¡± said Copland. As a professional genealogist at Ancestry.com, Copland helps clients build their family trees and overcome obstacles in genealogical research. |
- She also worked on celebrity genealogical projects for TV shows like NBC¡¯s Who Do You Think You Are?
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Word of advice: For those interested in a career in genealogy, Copland advises people to begin by researching their own family history. |
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A Healthier Relationship With Social Media |
The strategies social media companies use to keep users engaged may have negative consequences. USC Dornsife scholars provide guidance to foster a healthier relationship with social media. Why it matters: The negative effects of apps such as Instagram and YouTube, particularly on young adults, are increasingly raising concerns among experts. |
- A powerful tactic called ¡°random reinforcement,¡± the same strategy used in slot machines, keeps users scrolling endlessly.
- Controversial posts generate the most engagement, so apps prioritize them in feeds, often causing harmful or false content to be amplified.
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The solution: As many individuals try to reduce their personal or family usage on their own, the experts offer helpful tips. |
- Create barriers to entry: Turn off notifications, hide or delete social media apps, place the phone in a different room or use a lock box with a timer, and switch to an old-fashioned alarm clock to keep phones out of the bedroom.
- Make a healthy swap: Try replacing social media apps with something more productive, like a language-learning app.
- Model restraint: Parents can avoid scrolling online for hours while their children are present.
- Set aside sacred spaces: Avoid using phones during meals or social gatherings with others.
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In her words: ¡°The research shows that if you even have a phone on the table, it¡¯s like a drug. Part of your attention is on that phone and you¡¯re not really paying attention to those around you,¡± says Albright. |
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| Digital Detox: Strategies for Social Media Sanity |
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