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
2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Faculty Experts
October 09, 2024
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The University of South Carolina has many faculty members who can offer expertise on this subject.
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.
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.
USC partners with health systems and patients to address chronic illness care across S.C.
September 30, 2024, Laura Morris
Health science researchers from the University of South Carolina are taking a new approach to address chronic health conditions and reduce patient hardships across the state.
Revolutionizing health care education through virtual reality
September 24, 2024, Nicole Meares
In a world of budding technology and virtual reality, there is an opportunity to view different perspectives on health disparities in new ways. That’s what the USC College of Nursing is aiming to do.
Making space for innovation
September 24, 2024, Laura Morris
In 2025, construction will begin on the College of Nursing's Biobehavioral Research Center that will provide dedicated space for faculty research, enhancing expertise and improving health outcomes for South Carolina and beyond.
US News rankings: USC tops in international business, first-year experience
September 23, 2024, Megan Sexton
The University of South Carolina is home to the nation’s top first-year student experience among public institutions, and its living-learning communities are ranked 10th best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Sept. 24.
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.
Propel AI initiative aims to weave AI into scholarship, research
September 11, 2024, Dan Cook
This fall, roughly 60 faculty members will take part in a new artificial intelligence initiative from the Office of the Vice President for Research. Called Propel AI, the effort aims to empower faculty to incorporate artificial intelligence into their work — regardless of their academic area or previous experience with AI. We spoke with Bryant Walker Smith, associate professor of law and an expert on emerging technologies, about the new initiative.
First renderings of USC's Brain Health Center unveiled
September 10, 2024, Collyn Taylor
USC's Board of Trustees approved the first designs of USC's state-of-the-art center, which will serve as the hub for the university's Brain Health Network.
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.
USC health science researchers play critical role in first-ever S.C. pediatric cancer report
September 04, 2024, Laura Morris
A new report led by the state Department of Public Health provides a comprehensive look at the burden of childhood cancer in the Palmetto State over the past 25 years. University of South Carolina health science researchers played a critical role in developing the report; additional partners include the South Carolina Children’s Hospital Collaborative and the South Carolina Cancer Alliance.
USC research funding jumps double digits
September 03, 2024, Dan Cook
The University of South Carolina reached a new research milestone in fiscal year 2024, attracting $309 million in sponsored awards during the one-year period that ended on June 30. This year’s funding level represents a double-digit percentage increase over last year in critical areas such as health research and energy innovation.
New faculty spotlight: Betty Wilson
August 23, 2024, Gregory Hardy
As Betty Wilson begins this fall as an assistant professor at the College of Social Work, she sees it as a return to her community. The research interests of the two-time USC graduate and South Carolina native cover community-police relations, criminal justice reform, historical and racial trauma, and family and community resilience.
New faculty profile: Susan Newman
August 19, 2024, Gregory Hardy
One of Susan Newman’s newest missions for improving the health of South Carolinians is to encourage more individuals with disabilities to explore nursing careers. The USC health sciences endowed professor joined the nursing faculty in July for a role that allows her to increase training opportunities for health care providers—particularly nurses who work with individuals with disabilities—and expand her research efforts.
USC and Lexington Medical Center open innovative facility to train nurses
August 12, 2024, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina and Lexington Medical Center opened a new 52,000 square foot facility to train the next generation of nurses Monday (Aug. 12). Located on Lexington Medical Center’s West Columbia campus, the satellite clinical education building will be used primarily for the clinical training of the College of Nursing's third- and fourth-year nursing bachelor’s students as well as master’s program students.
Education professor helping prepare teachers of Syrian refugees in Turkey
August 08, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
As refugee children struggle to assimilate, University of South Carolina College of Education Associate Professor Elif Karsli-Calamak has been leading grant-funded support for educators in Turkey who — without adequate resources and specialized training — face crushing disadvantages teaching them.
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.
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.
National Resource Center director eager to lead research on first-year experience
July 30, 2024, Collyn Taylor
Kate Lehman has spent her entire career in higher education, and now she brings her expertise to USC to spearhead the National Resource Center's research efforts.
Four USC building initiatives win awards
July 25, 2024, Thom Harman
Recently, the university was honored by both the state of South Carolina and the Midlands nonprofit Historic Columbia for its historic preservation efforts. In June, USC Columbia and USC Union were both recognized by the S.C. Department of Archives and History for their work in preserving, restoring and renovating buildings. Historic Columbia also honored the university’s Columbia campus with two awards: one for preservation, rehabilitation or restoration for Longstreet Theatre and one for revitalization for Campus Village.
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.
USC energy efforts boosted with new federal funding
July 02, 2024, Communications and Marketing
In a new round of funding announced by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the University of South Carolina will receive $10.2 million for its efforts to advance battery research. The funding is part of an overall award of $45 million to the SC Nexus consortium, of which USC is a founding member and core partner.
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.
Extreme heat can be dangerous for runners, cyclists and anyone spending time outdoors: 6 tips for staying safe
June 20, 2024, Susan Yeargin
When summer starts with a stifling heat wave, as many states are seeing in 2024, it can pose risks for just about anyone who spends time outside, whether they’re runners, people who walk or cycle to work, outdoor workers or kids playing sports. Susan Yeargin, an expert on heat-related illnesses, explains what everyone should think about before spending time outside in a heat wave and how to keep yourself and vulnerable family members and friends safe.
Faculty members selected as Fulbright scholars
June 20, 2024, Hannah Cambre
Two University of South Carolina faculty members were recently honored with Fulbright Scholars Awards, which will allow them opportunities to mentor students, conduct research and build relationships with international partners.
Bringing the community into the classroom for social work success
June 13, 2024, Gregory Hardy
College of Social Work professor Ann Gowdy sees it as her goal to equip her students with the knowledge that people with lived experience should be invited to the table to talk about housing issues and solutions. One of the most effective ways she’s found to demonstrate to graduate students the need for rural social work is by hosting guest speakers from community organizations who can further their understanding by making deeper connections.
USC finance professor envisions clearer consumer sentiment
June 13, 2024, Brandon Pugh
By seeking survey input from both individuals in partnered households, policymakers and economists can get a truer take on consumer sentiment.
New approach to treating heart failure
June 12, 2024, Chris Horn
A multidisciplinary research team at the University of South Carolina is developing a novel technique for injecting a next-generation therapeutic drug onto damaged heart tissue, a potential breakthrough treatment for millions diagnosed with heart failure.
Project underway to train next generation of cyberwarfare professionals
June 10, 2024, Chris Horn
Jorge Crichigno, professor of integrated information technology in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, is leading a three-year project to prepare a new generation of cyberwarfare professionals.
Introducing USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
June 06, 2024, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing has a new name that reflects the vision and generosity of generations of the Molinaroli family. The official name, the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, was announced on Thursday (June 6) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the college’s Swearingen Engineering Center on Main Street.
Alumnus Joe Rice builds strong legal team by nurturing and empowering attorneys
May 28, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Law school alumnus Joe Rice’s work ethic and tenacity sets an example for representing clients, while colleagues and staff say his commitment to inclusion and mentoring is a model for empowering employees.
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.
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.
Health Watch: Pharmacists play important role in managing hypertension
May 20, 2024, Gregory Hardy
USC’s College of Pharmacy is raising awareness that pharmacists can help patients and their medical providers manage high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is a leading factor in heart attacks, stroke and chronic cardiovascular issues.
A Robot In Every Classroom
May 16, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Van Robotics founder Laura Boccanfuso has a vision for improving education, one dancing, smiling, fist-bumping robot at a time.
USC opens Sumter Brain Health clinic, expands cognitive care
May 14, 2024, Laura Morris
The University of South Carolina opened a Brain Health clinic in Sumter during a ribbon cutting event on Monday (May 13) — expanding cognitive care to patients in rural and underserved areas of South Carolina.
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."
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.
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.
Big Data Health Science Center brings big minds, big ideas
April 22, 2024, Gregory Hardy
Because data will play such a large role in the future of health care, the University of South Carolina launched the Big Data Health Science Center in 2019. The center held its fifth annual Big Data Health Science Conference in February, which attracted almost 100 presenters from five countries and 269 attendees. Here’s the big picture for what’s next for the Big Data Health Science Center and its supporters to accelerate cutting-edge research and discovery.
Flying fast into opportunities
April 15, 2024, Gregory Hardy
Ashley Poyner is rapidly learning all about aerospace. As a first-gen student, she is earning her bachelor of science degree in engineering in only three years. A lot of doors also opened thanks to her acceptance into the Boeing Accelerated Leadership Program.
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.
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.
Remedies for diet-related diseases expand when Food is Medicine
April 04, 2024, Gregory Hardy
Where is it most difficult to access healthy food in South Carolina? It’s an important question. More than half a million South Carolinians experience food insecurity. National data shows that those impacted the most are Black, Latino or from indigenous, low-income and rural communities.
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 has 3 Goldwater scholars in 2024
March 29, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Three University of South Carolina students were awarded prestigious Goldwater scholarships Friday. They are: Caroline Rucker, a junior biomedical engineering major from Powhatan, Virginia; Jeremiah Tobin, a junior biomedical engineering major from Greenville; and Katelyn Wyandt, a junior computer science major from Summerville, South Carolina. All three are Honors College students studying in the College of Engineering and Computing.
The neurological underpinnings of social behavior
March 29, 2024, Chris Horn
Scientists at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia are researching important linkages between brain mitochondrial function and social behavior that could lead to a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder and post-partum depression.
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.
A new understanding of how the fragile X premutation affects women
March 21, 2024, Gregory Hardy
Two decades ago, experts did not think fragile X carriers could have symptoms. Since then, research has revealed that mothers of children with fragile X who carry the FMR1 premutation are at risk for cognitive and physical health problems, which can be exacerbated by the stress of caregiving.
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.
Law professor Josh Eagle works to expand public beach access
March 06, 2024, Page Ivey
Helping courts and regulatory bodies determine who has a right to the coastline is the focus of University of South Carolina law professor Josh Eagle’s scholarly work. His goal is to get courts to recognize greater public rights and to expand access to beaches.
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.
School of Medicine researchers pursue new treatment options for glioblastoma
March 05, 2024, Page Ivey
Assistant professor of medicine Deepak Bhere was drawn to the study of stem cell therapy because he wanted to do research that has real impact on patients’ lives. His team at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia has the potential to do just that as they pursue new treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.
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.
Breastfeeding benefits mothers as much as babies, but public health messaging often only tells half of the story
March 01, 2024, Tisha Felder
Public health and nursing researchers Tisha Felder and Joynelle Jackson write for The Conversation about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Engineering team experiments with new method for processing problematic landfill compound
February 29, 2024, Chris Horn
An experimental project led by a team of USC engineering researchers could lead to a more efficient process for converting landfill gases into cleaner fuel — and simultaneously deal with a silicone-based compound called siloxane that has become problematic for landfills.
Engineering professor Sarah Gassman works to improve road pavement design
February 29, 2024, Megan Sexton
Engineering professor Sarah Gassman and her team collect road performance data, the rutting and the cracking, and feed that data into a model that gives us better predictions for how a pavement will perform.
USC researcher leads group studying ethics, safety and impact of AI
February 23, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Shannon Bowen, a professor in the University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communications, researches ethical decision making and AI within organizations, heads the AI-Ethics Advisory Board and conducts ethics training with leaders of organizations to help them avoid and solve problems and develop strategic communications plans.
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.
Race, media professor Jabari Evans co-produces Chicago White Sox documentary
February 16, 2024, Maddie Lee
Chicago native and race and media professor Jabari Evans explores the intersection on culture and baseball in producing Fitted in Black: How Hip-Hop Fueled the Greatest Rebrand in Sports.
Strategies for Parents, Part II: Managing emotional behavior for children
February 14, 2024, Gregory Hardy
It’s natural for anyone to become anxious or scared about entering a new environment. As children cope with their anxieties, parents can help by building routines to follow.
Gamecocks come together for Carolina Day
February 09, 2024, Communications and Marketing staff
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, alumni and advocates of the University of South Carolina will come together for Carolina Day. The annual event is a chance for Gamecocks near and far to show their love for the university as well as the importance of USC in improving the lives of every S.C. resident.
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.
Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery embarks on clinical trials, major research
February 06, 2024, Page Ivey
Health care professionals refer to the southeastern United States as the “Stroke Belt” for a reason. And South Carolina is essentially the buckle.
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.
Matt White's approach for "Lowcountry" has him headed to Spoleto
January 26, 2024, Thom Harman
From a new program home to new music to continued research, Matt White, Jazz Studies Program chair, is rather busy. His novel approach to a 2023 release, “Lowcountry” — incorporating Gullah histories and stories with contemporary jazz — has earned White and his collaborators a chance to perform the piece during the 2024 Spoleto Festival.
Carolinian Spotlight: Kevin Bennett
January 24, 2024
As director of the S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, Kevin Bennett understands the challenges facing one of South Carolina’s most vulnerable populations.
Carolinian Spotlight: Patti Fabel
January 24, 2024
When Patti Fabel was named executive director at USC’s Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center in 2017, the move marked a new phase in the clinical associate professor’s career.
Engineering teams notch progress in first year of alternative fuel research for Navy
January 24, 2024, Chris Horn
Engineering research teams at USC have progressed in several key areas in the first year of a project to design a non-carbon fuel supply chain for the U.S. Navy. The three-year project aims to reduce the Navy’s carbon dioxide emissions with practical alternative fuels for the next-generation fleet.
New initiatives expand USC's first-gen support
January 22, 2024, Hannah Cambre
The University of South Carolina is committing to providing more comprehensive support to its first-generation student population, including a First-Generation Center launching in August 2024, a living and learning community for first-gen students, and an expanding partnership with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
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.
Research center combats spread of HIV, STIs in rural communities
January 09, 2024, Megan Sexton
Rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV are higher in rural communities than urban areas in South Carolina. The Rural and Minority Health Research Center is working to understand and address the problem.
Strategies for Parents, Part I: Teaching problem solving to children
January 05, 2024, Gregory Hardy
It’s inevitable that children of all ages will struggle with the social and academic expectations of their years in school. Parents can easily feel overwhelmed with providing answers, especially as children continue to struggle with stress and anxiety from the disruptions of pandemic shutdowns. Cheri Shapiro, a research professor in the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work and the director of USC’s Institute for Families in Society, focuses her research on prevention of social, emotional and behavioral problems in youth and implementation of evidence-based interventions in community settings.
USC researcher studies the growth of sports gambling
January 04, 2024, Megan Sexton
Stephen Shapiro, a sport and entertainment management professor at USC, looks at the characteristics of those who gamble on sports, how much money they wager, and how the increase of gambling can change how people consume sports.