
Joanna Clay
Joanna Clay is a former writer and multimedia producer for USC News.
Stories by Joanna Clay:

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.

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.

🎧 A walk into history: Archaeologist and old photos offer glimpse into USC’s historical past
The USC University Park Campus has a fascinating history: For one, it wasn’t always a campus. Listen in as USC archaeologist Ken Seligson takes USC News’ Joanna Clay on a walk into history.

Student-founded She Leads pairs teen girls with female entrepreneurs
USC senior Avni Barman thought there should be support for getting women into positions of power at tech companies, so she did something about it.

🎧 How driverless cars will change the world, in ways you never imagined
Hotels on wheels? Empty ERs? Jeff Cole of USC Annenberg’s Center for the Digital Future takes us on a ride into the very-near future.

USC 2018 | Did you see who was on campus?
✌ Year in review: There are definitely perks to being in the entertainment capital of the world and the business capital of the West. Take a look at some of the famous faces who stopped by for a visit.

USC 2018 | Trojans who inspired us this year
✌ Year in review: Get a warm glow from the uplifting stories of these USC students, professors, alumni and employees.

DIY braces? USC orthodontists say to think twice before straightening your teeth solo
People are attracted by the do-it-yourself price, but experts say other issues should be considered to avoid high costs over the long run.

How to win at gift-giving this holiday season
The quality of the gift matters, USC experts say; the size or cost of the item isn’t as important.

USC tackles ‘loneliness epidemic’ in a world of social media
Feeling alone at college, especially as a freshman, is nothing new. But in an era of Facebook friends and Instagram followers, Trojans consider: How do you encourage real friendships?

Warped Tour founder finds new calling in classroom
As the music industry changes, Kevin Lyman wants to help the next generation of industry pros get millennials and Gen Z to attend shows.

How fast you walk says a lot about your health
Researchers use gait speed as a way to identify patients who might have difficulties recovering from surgery, or other health issues.

Ben Kingsley reflects on Gandhi, other top projects at Spotlight@SDA event
The Oscar-winning actor looks back at a stellar career that once included work with 300,000 extras and a funeral carriage.

Much-lauded Earth Works exhibition finds beauty in a climatological disaster
Justin Brice Guariglia’s work, on display at the USC Fisher Museum of Art, captures gorgeous images of glaciers as they melt away forever.

After helping her children get into college, it’s mom’s turn to pursue a USC degree
Transfer student Margarita Lopez home-schooled eight kids. Now, at 58, she sets her sights on a psychology degree.

Transfer student Ethan Ward finds home (literally) at USC
A new Trojan at 36, he endured homelessness and more before settling in as a USC Annenberg student. Among private universities, USC ranks No. 1 for transfer students.

Ryan Bell’s winding road from adventist pastor to USC humanist chaplain
An atheist in USC’s Office of Religious Life, he helps secular students with their spiritual journey. He’s had a remarkable spiritual journey of his own.

Proud of yourself for taking home leftovers? Think again
Research shows that the sense of accomplishment — especially when it was a large portion — causes people to eat more afterward and exercise less.

First-generation student Anthony Llamas has come far: ‘It’s not any college; it’s USC’
Proud parents take a rare day off to share a milestone as their son moves in at college.

Sexual violence prevention and services make campuses safer
Brenda Ingram, who came to USC in July to oversee relationship and sexual violence prevention and services, wants to be part of a cultural sea change.