About
Our Mission
Grounded in the mission of Academic Programs, USC Academic Honors and Fellowships (AHF) supports students in their pursuit of transformative academic experiences. We offer advisement, programming and resources that encourage the exploration and attainment of high-impact experiential learning opportunities. We partner with USC faculty, staff and alumni to support applicants throughout prestigious fellowship application processes that require evaluation, endorsement and feedback.
Our Vision
To help students construct meaning from their lived and learned experiences, so that they can develop self-efficacy, personal agency, aspirations, sense of purpose, and understanding of one’s self in relation to the world. As such, research and fellowships are valued not for their outcome, but for the enriching insights the process can provide each student.
Our Focus
To achieve our mission and vision, AHF prioritizes three core areas of focus in alignment with Academic Program’s call to “support every USC student by broadening their horizons and connecting them to opportunity.”
Cultivate Success
- Visualize multiple pathways towards success
- Support cohort models and mentorship
- Celebrate achievement journeys
Support Inquiry
- Create opportunities for exploration
- Partner with faculty mentors
- Facilitate access to academic resources
Mindful Advising
- Meet students where they are at present
- Promote diversity of opportunities
- Develop a network of advocacy
Our Portfolio
Signature Academic Events
Our Signature Academic Events invite undergraduate students to explore diverse disciplines, showcase scholarly and creative endeavors, and foster academic and professional growth. Events include the Undergraduate Writers’ Conference and Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly & Creative Work. Learn More
USC Awards
AHF recognizes the outstanding abilities of its undergraduate students and has created various opportunities to financially support students in their pursuit of interdisciplinary study, global exchange, and civic engagement. Awards include the Academic Achievement Award and Africa Student Fund. Learn More
Commencement Honors
AHF coordinates Commencement Honors for graduating seniors in partnership with USC Schools and faculty committees. Honors include the three USC SCholar Distinctions (Renaissance, Global, and Discovery) Learn More
External Fellowships
AHF supports applicants with individual advising, information sessions, and workshops for select competitive national and international scholarships and fellowships. AHF facilitates campus review committees for endorsement required awards such as Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Rhodes, Marshall and Truman Scholarships. Learn More
Meet Our Staff
Katie Capra, Director
Katie Capra is a Higher Education professional with a passion for study abroad and other high impact academic experiences that enrich the lives of students and their communities.
She is a first-generation college and transfer student that earned a B.A. in Spanish from Northeastern University and an M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from UCLA. With over a decade at USC and a Fulbrighter herself, Katie’s areas of focus include advising for competitive scholarships such as the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and facilitating campus-wide Signature Academic Events and Honors. Before joining the USC staff, Katie served as Director of WorldTeach Ecuador and Panama.
Lisseth Murillo, Assistant Director
Lisseth Murillo is a Higher Education professional dedicated to expanding access to fellowships and high-impact academic opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
She is a first-generation college graduate who earned a B.A. in Comparative Literature from UCSB and an M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC. Lisseth began her career at Irvine Valley College , where she created equity-focused programs to expand opportunities for historically underrepresented students. She then served as an academic advisor at USC before joining the AHF team. Lisseth focuses on making fellowship advising accessible, transparent, and empowering while reducing financial and systemic barriers so students can pursue ambitious goals.
Ruby Gutierrez, Graduate Assistant
Ruby Gutierrez is a current graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Sol Price School of Public Policy, dedicated to community-based work and expanding access to resources for underserved communities.
She is a first-generation college graduate who earned her B.S. in Ethnic Studies from Santa Clara University, with a double-major in English and minors in Latinx Studies, Creative Writing, and Urban Education. She is pursuing a career in the nonprofit and strategy consulting sectors, with a focus on improving institutional practices to advance equity and collective well-being.
Schedule an Appointment
Advising appointments are designed to support you as you prepare for a specific opportunity within our Advising Portfolio. Together, we’ll assess fit, clarify your goals, and discuss how your academic, leadership, and professional experiences might align with the fellowship.
Appointments are one-on-one and typically last 30–60 minutes.