Joanna Clay
Joanna Clay is a writer and multimedia producer for USC News. She previously was a reporter for The Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times community news. Reach her at joannacl@usc.edu.
Stories by Joanna Clay:
LLC or sole proprietorship? USC expert answers your burning small business questions
The director of USC Gould’s Small Business Clinic addresses many of the major questions he hears from individuals looking to get their businesses off the ground.
Trojans honor body donors who make realistic anatomy classes possible
USC’s Anatomical Gift Program gives students the opportunity to dissect real bodies. Spurred on by Professor Mikel Snow, the students also pause once a year to give back in their own way.
USC grad tested his love of filmmaking in the jungles of Peru
Inspired by an animation class, 2019 graduate Amri Rigby embraced filmmaking, directed a Sundance-winning short film and was commissioned by Werner Herzog to shoot a documentary in Peru, all as a USC student.
USC senior uses his past as a refugee to help others in the same situation
As an Afghan refugee who grew up in Pakistan, Omer Azizi understands the refugee experience. That’s why one of his first tasks as a USC graduate will be to launch an app for those in refugee camps.
USC celebrates commencement; more than 19,000 degrees conferred
The Class of 2019 is sent off with inspiring words from valedictorian Ivana Giang, interim President Wanda M. Austin and U.S. Rep. Karen Bass.
University awards its first degree in dance to 33 graduates of USC Kaufman
The first group of students to attend the USC Kaufman School of Dance was taking a risk. Friday, that risk was rewarded, as friends, family, faculty and Mikhail Baryshnikov sent them off into the world with degrees.
Valedictorian Ivana Giang channels her refugee family story to combat global education inequality
As the proud child of Vietnamese refugees, Giang has spent her time at USC tackling education disparities at a local, national and international level.
Salutatorian Haochen Wang went from struggling in middle school to singing with the Rolling Stones
Growing up in China, Haochen Wang struggled with his studies. But after deciding to learn for fun, this USC 2019 salutatorian found his passions: math, science and even music.
Salutatorian Diviya Gupta wants to make medicine more accessible
Diviya Gupta became interested in medicine when her grandfather was diagnosed with an unfamiliar disease. With graduation right around the corner, she is looking forward to bringing her skills as a physician to underrepresented areas.
The 21st-century ballerina: Graduating senior hopes to inspire future brown dancers
As a child, Lenai Wilkerson was told she couldn’t be a ballerina because of how she looked. Now, as she prepares to graduate from the USC Kaufman School of Dance, she wants to further the conversation on diversity in dance.
USC Kaufman School of Dance ready to graduate first class of creative ‘game changers’
USC Kaufman went from being an idea to a top-level dance program with incredible speed. As they prepare to depart, its first graduates recall why they took a chance on an “unknown.”
No time to exercise? Work out at work
“No time” is no excuse to skip a workout. According to USC researchers, even a brief walk or a few squats during your workday can make a difference.
Authors and readers mingle at the 24th L.A. Times Festival of Books
The event — the largest literary and cultural festival in the nation — attracted more than 150,000 people.
9/11 first responder and social work professor inspires students around the world
Combat veteran Laura Owen has an enthusiasm that rubs off on her students at USC, even if they’ve never met her in person.
For Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, thoughtful design can have big impact
New research from a USC professor reinforces the value of designing to maximize natural light, especially for aging adults with a variety of health issues.
Trojan Air Force cadet, a first-generation student, has his eyes on the skies
Giovanni Flores has long been interested in space. The university’s ROTC program has put it within his reach.
Hundreds remember the life of USC student Victor McElhaney
Family, friends and fellow musicians remember the talented percussionist who touched so many lives during his time as a Trojan.
Professor’s acting class in an unexpected locale — Saudi Arabia — allows for cultural exchange
Anne DeSalvo had never been to the Middle Eastern country before; her experience there was not what she expected — in a good way.
Is year-round daylight saving time a good idea? Maybe not
USC experts confirm biological challenges of the time change; if anything, they say we should be on standard time all year.
Students learn more than writing working alongside former prisoners
A special section of Writing 150 — a course required of freshmen — gives eye-opening perspectives to everyone in the class.
Hate exercise? It could be genetic
We all don’t react the same way to exercise. USC experts are looking at the reasons for the differences.
Is the keto diet safe? USC experts have some serious concerns
Dietitians may recommend the popular high fat, very low carbohydrate plan for certain patients, but most of us can get the same results without going to such extremes.
USC State of the University: ‘I really believe this is a defining moment’
In the president’s annual address, Wanda M. Austin praises staff and faculty accomplishments and calls for USC to cultivate a community that works together.
Meet the lawyer-turned-professor behind USC Gould’s Small Business Clinic
Michael Chasalow’s innovative program turns law school upside down, taking real-world experiences and making them an academic exercise. Students love it — and so do the clients.