Khim Hernane, a graduate of the University of San Carlos’ Master of Science in Physics program, was acknowledged as the lone Maxima Cum Laude awardee among this year’s graduate program class during the 2025 commencement exercises. 

A licensed mechanical engineer, Hernane’s journey to graduate school took an unexpected turn when he chose to pursue his long-time interest in physics, a field he had always hoped to study.

Before he pursued his master’s degree in physics, Khim had always been drawn to the subject since he was a kid. Initially, he planned to take it as his undergraduate program. However, due to personal problems and coming from a family with an engineering background, he eventually took up Mechanical Engineering at the then Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT).

Even while studying engineering, however, Khim’s interest in physics did not wane. 

After school, he often spent his free time reviewing physics materials outside of his regular engineering coursework. His quiet pursuit continued until a turning point during his undergraduate years. He visited the USC Physics Department—still wearing his CIT uniform—to inquire about their physics program. 

Despite being concerned with the cost, he discovered, by chance, that scholarships were available for students aiming to pursue graduate studies in physics. Thus, after graduating and passing the mechanical engineering licensure exam, Khim made a choice that surprised many—he did not jump into the engineering field. Instead, he applied for a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarship and was accepted into USC’s master’s program in physics.

“The USC Scholarship Office and the Department of Physics were instrumental in my choice,” he said. “They pushed me to finish strong, especially when they saw my grades were trending toward Maxima Cum Laude.”

Despite his strong academic performance, the journey was far from easy. 

During his first year as a graduate student, Khim reached a low point. The pressure of balancing academic expectations with personal struggles affected his mental health. He admitted it was difficult to ask for help, having always tried to handle things on his own.

“I hit a point where I was ready to give up physics,” he shared. “But I sought help from someone in the university. That moment changed everything. It opened doors I didn’t even know were there.”

That turning point marked a new chapter. His thesis was later published, opening career opportunities and reinforcing his decision to continue. With support from his academic adviser, Danilo M. Yanga, Ph.D., Khim found renewed determination to complete his degree.

Though he describes himself as a quiet, independent learner—not particularly focused on grades—his consistent performance led to his recognition as the highest academic achiever in his batch. For Khim, studying was not about ranking high. “If I’m told to do well, I’ll do it,” he said. “But I didn’t expect to finish as Maxima Cum Laude. I just wanted to graduate.”

Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics still at USC. Part of his vision is to build a community of students who share the same passion for the subject.

“My goal is to connect with people who love physics as much as I do,” he said.

In reflecting on his journey, Khim expressed gratitude to those who supported him—the USC faculty, his adviser, his classmates, and his family. “Dr. Yanga saw something in me that I couldn’t. My parents never pressured me to find work even after passing the board exam. And to my classmates—we were only four who graduated—I’m thankful for their support.”

Khim Hernane’s story is a reminder that academic paths are not always linear. For him, success came not from following expectations, but from choosing to pursue what he truly wanted to.

by Erica Gines, USC Corporate Communications