“Genuine curiosity pays off in a deeply technical environment”

Adam Russell, AI/nthropologist and Director of the AI Division at the USC Information Sciences Institute (ISI), is on a journey to help build a better world with AI. After launching AI/nsiders in 2023 where he interviewed the ISI humans behind our AI research, he expands his quest to the other disciplines researched at ISI. Networking, cybersecurity, computing, microelectronics, quantum, space, ISI scientists have a lot to say about the state of their fields, their research topics, and how AI fits into them.
Terry Benzel, Associate Director at ISI, shares why fostering connection and communication is so vital to teamwork. She explains how she addresses her own biases when forming teams and the advice she would give to other women attempting to make their way in the workplace. She discusses the habits she’s formed to keep work-life balance, and shares what changes she’d like to see in the Institute when it comes to recognizing behind-the-scenes work. Listen to her episode below!
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Published on June 25th, 2025
Last updated on June 26th, 2025