USC Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology
University of Southern California
About USC Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology
Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology (QuEST) is a welcoming student organization at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to creating a supportive community for LGBTQ+ students pursuing interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As the USC chapter of oSTEM, a national movement focused on uplifting and empowering queer people in STEM fields, QuEST embodies the principle that everyone belongs in science and technology—regardless of their major, background, or identity.
At its core, QuEST celebrates the diversity of STEM by affirming that all scientific and technical fields matter, including traditional hard sciences and social sciences alike. The organization operates from a place of genuine inclusion, recognizing that you don't need to be a STEM major or queer-identified to be part of their community. What matters most is a desire to connect with others in a space where authenticity is celebrated and support is unconditional.
QuEST cultivates belonging through a balanced approach of professional development and social connection. Weekly events range from career-focused programs that build professional networks and skills to casual hangouts where students can simply be themselves and build friendships with peers who understand their experiences. This combination ensures that members develop both their professional capabilities and their personal support systems.
The organization maintains active engagement through multiple community platforms, including their Que-mail mailing list, Instagram, Facebook, Discord server, and engageSC presence. By fostering these connections across Los Angeles at USC, QuEST creates a dynamic network where queer students in STEM can thrive academically, professionally, and personally, knowing they have a genuine community standing behind them.