COMMENCEMENT: Bella Chavez is headed to the Philippines for an internship in public affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

COMMENCEMENT: Hunter Hinson talks about the people and experiences that have left a mark on him, a thesis that earned him the prestigious USC Discovery Scholarship Distinction and Prize, and where the future may take him.

COMMENCEMENT: After overcoming a difficult sophomore year, Claire Barbrack is passionate about speaking out on mental health issues and raising awareness of eating disorders.

COMMENCEMENT: To reach his goal of becoming a conflict photographer, Yannick Peterhans realized he had to become a better journalist and utilized a master's degree in specialized journalism to get there.

COMMENCEMENT: Former U.S. Navy Blue Angels team member Amber Lynn Scott, who is receiving her doctorate this week, became interested in studying high reliability organizations for her dissertation to make a positive impact for military and first responders.

Some states cap the number of ounces or grams consumers are allowed to buy — but even a little cannabis can amount to a lot of THC, said Rosalie Liccardo Pacula of the USC Price School of Public Policy.

COMMENCEMENT: During a 3-month-long trip across Southeast Asia, she is finishing up her last class as she prepares to graduate from the Digital Media Management online master’s program.

COMMENCEMENT: MJ López, a soon-to-be Master of Public Administration, helps young people from disadvantaged communities develop soft skills and find jobs.

A USC study shows that metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health problems — more than doubles the risk of advanced liver disease among heavy drinkers.

COMMENCEMENT: Hers is an honorary degree; his is a doctorate of musical arts. The conferral is a prelude to an operatic interpretation of Huerta’s remarkable life, which the composer calls “a microcosm of loss and perseverance.”