New MRI scanners to bolster university's Brain Health Center
October 10, 2024, Chris Horn
Two new MRI scanners will help USC researchers differentiate possible causes of cognitive impairment as part of the university's new Brain Health Center.
2024 Archive
Carolina Trustees Professorship teaching award winner: Qian Wang
October 09, 2024, Page Ivey
Carolina Distinguished Professor Qian Wang has been described as a “gifted teacher” by colleagues. Wang, who was awarded the 2024 Carolina Trustees Professorship in Public Health, Engineering, Medical Sciences and Sciences, says his teaching methods simply are to reach his students where they are.
Global studies major finds her passion abroad
October 07, 2024, Téa Smith
Before going abroad to Italy, senior global studies major Ella Tocci wasn’t sure what her future post-grad would look like. Her eye-opening experience studying abroad helped her realize she wants to help college students get a similar experience as a study abroad coordinator.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
Garnet Apple Award Winner: Katherine Ryker
October 03, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
Assistant professor of geoscience education Katherine Ryker wins Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation for encouraging students to be more observant and follow their curiosity.
Ken Shimizu teaches organic chemistry like it's a foreign language
October 01, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
Ken Shimizu, USC’s 2024 Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year, explores the complicated properties of molecules in his lab.
Student Success Center offers individualized support for every Gamecock
September 19, 2024, Grace Wilson
From tutoring and writing help to free school supplies, the Student Success Center is a big boost to academic and professional achievement at USC.
Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Kelly Goldberg
September 17, 2024, Megan Sexton
Kelly Goldberg, a clinical assistant professor of anthropology teaching in the South Carolina Honors College, is the winner of the university’s Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Anna Hoppmann leads pediatric cancer research effort
September 10, 2024, Chris Horn
Anna Hoppmann is a pediatric oncologist with Prisma Health and a clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia where she graduated nine years ago. She also chairs the S.C. Childhood Cancer Taskforce, which recently released a 25-year trend report on childhood cancer incidence, survival and mortality in South Carolina.
Fall Arts Preview
August 28, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Soon all of us will experience an arts immersion like no other — autumn. We will marvel at breathtaking color — yellows, russets, reds and browns — brilliantly lighting up the landscape. The University of South Carolina similarly offers a wide spectrum of arts experiences to ignite your imagination this fall. Here is a sampling.
Pillars for Carolina helps prepare incoming freshmen for college
August 20, 2024, Téa Smith
Pillars for Carolina is a four-day student-led leadership and service program designed to help incoming students learn and explore the University of South Carolina and the Columbia community. Student co-directors Evey Konstantopoulos and Jackson Hensley share their experiences participating in the program the summer before starting college.
Why Bowens Island?
August 15, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
When Carolinian magazine was looking for a scenic Low Country location for an interview and photo session with University of South Carolina alumnus and donor Alex Molinaroli and his brothers for the fall 2024 issue, Bowens Island was top of the list.
USC linguistics professor's scholarly journey began in South Asia
August 06, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
A summer in Bangladesh immersed young Emily Manetta in numerous languages, spurring the two decades of work on South Asian linguistics she brings to USC.
From the classroom to the field, USC students carve their own Carolina paths
August 01, 2024
For a lot of University of South Carolina students, the realization that this is a special place comes quickly. One walk around the Horseshoe, one time cheering in the stands at Williams-Brice Stadium, and that’s all it takes. But those signature experiences are only a tiny part of what it means to be a Gamecock. Life-altering experiences can be found all over campus and beyond.
Garnet Apple winner: Augustus 'Way' Fountain
August 01, 2024, Megan Sexton
After a long military and government career, Augustus “Way” Fountain found his way back to the classroom. The chemistry instructor at USC is a winner of this year’s Garnet Apple award for teaching innovation.
New endowed chair brings focus in Alzheimer's drug research
July 31, 2024, Chris Horn
Qun Lu’s quest to develop an effective drug treatment for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases has brought him to the University of South Carolina. Lu, who joined USC in January as the new SmartState Endowed Chair in Neurotherapeutics Chemical Biology, has developed, with his research team, novel therapeutic molecules that have demonstrated effectiveness in rodent models that mimic Alzheimer’s disease.
Students lead adventure trips from the mountains to the sea
July 24, 2024, Grace Wilson
A lifelong nature enthusiast, senior Eric Young has been leading outdoor adventure trips for five years and spent this summer as a trip leader for campus-run tours that are open to all University of South Carolina students. Young credits a childhood gift with getting him started on the rivers that flow through and around his native Columbia and ultimately why he chose to major in environmental science.
U101 instructor of the year calls on lifetime of experiences to guide students
July 24, 2024, Page Ivey
Kitty Sutton began her professional life as an attorney and thinks the lawyerly ability to hear a person’s story without passing judgment is part of what makes her successful as a University 101 instructor. In fact, her students were so impressed with Sutton’s skills that she is the 2024 recipient of the M. Stuart Hunter Award for Outstanding Teaching in University 101.
Clean Water Institute partnering with state to do more comprehensive water quality monitoring
July 17, 2024, Chris Horn
In its first year of operation, USC’s Institute for Clean Water has launched a partnership with the state Department of Environmental Services to provide detailed analyses of water samples collected across South Carolina.
For alumna Emma Jackson, every week is a shark week
June 28, 2024, Valerie Weingart
Emma Jackson, who earned her degree from USC in marine science, is pursuing her passion for elasmobranchs: the family that includes sharks, rays and sawfish.
USC ranked one of top patent-producing universities in the world
June 26, 2024, Collyn Taylor
USC is the top patent-producing university in the state and among the leaders in the SEC.
Student body vice president advocates for good mental health
June 14, 2024, Grace Wilson
Courtney Tkacs is committed to fostering a safe community for students on campus while prioritizing mental health activism.
Student body President Patton Byars leads campus into future
May 29, 2024, Grace Wilson
Student body President Patton Byars is a generational Gamecock dedicated to creating long-term improvements at the University of South Carolina and is focusing on enhancing campus safety and the four-year student experience.
Honors College alumna finds success in higher education
May 29, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kimberly Rogers recently completed her first year as a college president — an impressive achievement for anyone, especially a first-generation university graduate. She took the first steps on that path in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she discovered a passion that would lead her far.
Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the 'ocean twilight zone'
May 22, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kayla Gardner’s passion for protecting the ocean and teaching others to do the same led her to pursue a career in marine science. Unlike many young people who are drawn to dolphins, turtles or sharks, much smaller creatures sparked Gardner’s interest.
Public history alumna helps developers preserve historic buildings
May 21, 2024, Page Ivey
Historic preservation consultant Janie Campbell, 2016 public history, has made a career of going into opportunities with low expectations and coming out of them realizing they were exactly what she needed at the time.
2-time James Beard Book Award finalist rescues food staples of yesteryear
May 21, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Carolina Distinguished Professor David Shields is a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Book Award for his book The Ark of Taste: Delicious and Distinctive Foods that Define the United States.
Roll out the Barrel!
May 15, 2024, story by Craig Brandhorst | photos by Kim Truett
Study abroad can change a student’s life. For Bierkeller founder Scott Burgess, it led to a dream come true.
Honors College alumna teaches about the beauty of wine
May 08, 2024, Téa Smith
Kellie Martin thought once she completed her international studies degree, she’d become a foreign service officer, but that never happened. During her studies, she developed an interest in wine and that changed the trajectory of her career. Now, she teaches people the ins and outs of wine as the owner and chief sommelier of the Colorado-based SommSchool.
Supporting 'democracy' is hard for many who feel government and the economy are failing them
May 06, 2024, Matthew Wilson
A recent survey shows that a substantial portion of people across countries feel unrepresented by their governments and are dissatisfied with how their democracy is functioning. Political science professor Matthew Wilson writes for The Conversation about this pattern of "democratic backsliding."
Unique experiences make graduating Cocky's time as mascot worth it
May 04, 2024, Michaela Taylor
When Tramont Miles first read the email, he thought someone was pulling an April Fools' prank on him. It was April 1, 2022 and the email was telling him he was selected for one of the most undercover jobs at South Carolina.
2024 hurricane faculty experts list
May 01, 2024, Laura Morris
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2024 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.
Susan Cutter elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Sciences
May 01, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Susan Cutter, director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute at the University of South Carolina, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.
Class of 2024
April 25, 2024, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2024 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
Double honor: USC historian lands Guggenheim Fellowship, Rome Prize
April 25, 2024, Laura Erskine
Carol Harrison is headed to Rome for the upcoming school year thanks to two major fellowships supporting her research on the First Vatican Council (1869-1870). A professor in USC’s Department of History, Harrison recently won both the Guggenheim Fellowship — one of the world’s most prestigious grants for scholars — and the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome.
Autism-related research part of wide-ranging USC focus on neuroscience
April 24, 2024, Communications and Marketing
The University of South Carolina is focused on the brain. From autism and aphasia to Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, university researchers are working across several academic disciplines to better understand how the brain works and to develop solutions that will improve people’s health.
Father's writing 'to survive' loss of young son turns into inspirational book
April 19, 2024, Page Ivey
USC alumnus Stephen Panus has written an inspirational book about surviving the loss of his teenage son Jake. Panus, who also established a scholarship for football walk-ons to honor the memory of his son, will be in town to talk about his book "Walk On."
Board member Miles Loadholt dies
April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Attorney, higher education advocate and University of South Carolina trustee Miles Loadholt passed away April 17 at the age of 81.
Sullivan Award winner plans to continue volunteerism as physician
April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Edgar Lemus Rivera plans to continue his dedication to volunteerism and service as he works his way through medical school to become a physician. The biochemistry and molecular biology major from Toms River, New Jersey, is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor.
Exploring the world of research at Discover USC
April 11, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Each year, Discover USC showcases the wide-ranging research being done by University of South Carolina students and postdocs. From health science to humanities and AI to public health, USC scholars — including undergraduate and graduate students, medical scholars and postdocs — are working with faculty mentors and others to explore topics that interest them, learn more about research skills and work on how to present their findings to an audience.
Biology major's research experiences inspire her to help others
April 10, 2024, Téa Smith
When Vrutti Patel transferred to the University of South Carolina, she wanted to expand her horizons and get out of her comfort zone. In pursuit of her goal, the fourth-year biological sciences major has participated in undergraduate research and gotten involved with the on-campus organization the Alliance for Women in STEM.
Would you sit on a jury to review government regulations? Citizen oversight panels could make this process more open and democratic
April 10, 2024, Samuel Bagg
Samuel Bagg, assistant professor of political science, writes about the importance of having a democracy and why professional bureaucracies matter in today’s society.
Cool Classes Fall 2024
April 07, 2024, Erin Newman
We're back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for Fall 2024. For this list, we've brought back fan favorites and added some new classes that are sure to make you say, "I want to take that!" There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.
2024 artificial intelligence faculty experts list
April 03, 2024, Gregory Hardy
University of South Carolina researchers explore how artificial intelligence can be used for advancements in health care, education, manufacturing, energy, disaster management and transportation. They are also helping shape and inform the ethics and policies surrounding these emergent solutions.
USC professor wins PEN/Faulkner award for her debut novel
April 02, 2024, Bryan Gentry
English and African American Studies professor Claire Jiménez has won the PEN/Faulkner Award, one of the highest prizes for American fiction, recognizing her debut novel "What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez" as the top novel of 2023. In addition to a cash prize, Jiménez has earned validation for her longtime dream of professional writing.
USC professor wins governor's award for arts in education
March 28, 2024, Thom Harman
Minuette Floyd, a professor of art education in the University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and Design, won a governor’s award in the arts in education category. The award, announced by the South Carolina Arts Commission on behalf of the sitting governor, is the state’s highest award for exceptional achievement in practicing or supporting the arts.
2024 Autism Acceptance Month: USC faculty experts list
March 28, 2024, Gregory Hardy
April is Autism Acceptance Month. The CDC estimates that 1 out of every 36 eight-year-olds is affected by autism, a lifelong developmental disorder. As South Carolina’s leader in health sciences, USC has researchers across disciplines who specialize in autism.
Researcher hopes to improve access to emerging therapies for autism
March 08, 2024, Chris Horn
Prevalence of autism among children is rising, but access to new, evidence-based interventions is often spotty at best, an obstacle that one University of South Carolina clinician hopes to improve through her research.
USC chemist elected to National Academy of Engineering
March 07, 2024, Hannah Cambre
Susan Richardson was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering for her pioneering work in improving water quality by measuring disinfection byproducts.
Ring polymer research points way to new industrial and biomedical applications
March 06, 2024, Chris Horn
Imagine smartphones that bend, twist and stretch like rubber. Or 3D-printed material that mimics the pliable characteristics of human cartilage found in knees, noses and ears. It’s not much of a stretch for Ting Ge, an assistant professor in chemistry and biochemistry who has just begun a five-year CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to delve deeper into the field of ring polymers.
From agribusiness to health care to flood management, artificial intelligence research clicks into place
March 01, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Artificial intelligence is making plenty of headlines these days — and, in some cases, even writing them. Some concerns are valid, some are overblown, but as the global economy embraces the emerging technology, there’s no avoiding the larger conversation. There’s also no denying AI’s real-world potential. For every Sports Illustrated byline scandal or news story about the danger of self-driving cars, there’s an untold story of how AI research promises to change our world for the better, and a lot of that research is happening right here at the University of South Carolina.
USC youth summer camps 2024
March 01, 2024, Communications and Marketing
With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.
What ancient farmers can really teach us about adapting to climate change - and how political power influences success or failure
March 01, 2024, Chelsea Fisher
Recent discoveries show how people in the past dealt with climate change and highlight success stories of how farming practices assisted civilizations.
Alumni couple use 'complementary skillset' to create thriving taproom
February 26, 2024, Page Ivey
Brian and Nicole Cendrowski spent more than a decade dreaming of opening their own brewery before settling on a plan and a location. Their Fireforge Brewery & Taproom in downtown Greenville weathered the pandemic and is now a thriving member of the Upstate community they call home.
Improving care in the Stroke Belt
February 19, 2024, Communications and Marketing
As the state’s flagship institution, the University of South Carolina is well has many strengths in both research and treatment of stroke and aphasia — a common consequence of stroke characterized by difficulty speaking or understanding others’ speech. The research is critically important in the state with the seventh-highest incidence of stroke mortality in the U.S.
Tammi Richardson honored with 2024 SEC Faculty Achievement Award
February 16, 2024, Hannah Cambre
Tammi Richardson's excellence in teaching and research have earned her the 2023 SEC Faculty Achievement Award and SEC Professor of the Year nomination.
2024 heart health faculty experts list
February 09, 2024, Gregory Hardy
February is American Heart Month. The University of South Carolina is home to many faculty members who are available to offer their expertise in cardio care and research.
Supreme Court heads into uncharted, dangerous territory as it considers Trump insurrection case
February 07, 2024, Jessica A. Schoenherr
On Feb. 8, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Trump v. Anderson. Scholars dive into the importance of this case as it could affect the legitimacy of the court and shine light on the legality of his ballot removal.
USC students bring untold history of Sumter, S.C., to the public
January 31, 2024, Laura Erskine
Public history student Stevie Malenowski spent his summer digitizing images from boxes of archival materials, uncovering the history of the Williams Furniture Company, a staple of Sumter, South Carolina, for decades, alongside specialists at University Libraries. The archival materials are a key resource for a traveling exhibit coming in 2024.
Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley to join faculty at USC law school
January 25, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley will join the faculty of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law on March 1.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman inspires next generation of journalists
January 22, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
In March 2023, University of South Carolina alumnus Leroy Chapman Jr. made headlines — as the first person of color to be named editor-in-chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was a big deal for the 155-year-old paper, for the city of Atlanta and for journalism in general. It was also a big deal for Chapman’s alma mater, which recognized his professional achievements with the 2023 College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award.
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly is lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city's tech sector
January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly has a history of helping early stage entrepreneurs. Now, he’s lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city’s tech sector.
AI and data science: The new frontier of autism research
January 16, 2024, Chris Horn
Analyzing large datasets of heart rhythms and brain wave activity with AI and machine learning, a team of University of South Carolina professors is making progress toward better understanding of autism spectrum disorder and identification of ASD diagnostic biomarkers.