Recent Stories

Jennifer Moore (woman) standing in front of Davis College

New information science professor defies librarian stereotype

November 21, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

A native Texan who earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in information studies from the University of Texas-Austin, Information Science associate professor Jennifer Moore spent her early career years as an elementary school librarian and a middle school language arts teacher. For 11 years, she taught at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Recently arrived in Columbia, Moore moved into a century-old house where she can indulge her love of cooking and gardening.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, College of Information and Communications

a health care worker looks at a computer screen with equipment in the background

USC scientists deploy artificial intelligence, digital twin models to build new resources for medical care

November 20, 2024, Chris Horn

A team of USC scientists is using a $3.4 million grant to develop new technology for personalized medical treatment and more accurate medical diagnoses. USC faculty members from medicine, chemistry and mathematics are leading various aspects of the five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia)

Flooded cars in Clearwater, Florida, after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024.

Saltwater flooding is a serious fire threat for EVs and other devices with lithium-ion batteries

November 15, 2024, Xinyu Huang

Flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted billions of dollars in damage across the Southeast. It caused dozens of electric vehicles and other battery-powered objects, such as scooters and golf carts, to catch fire. Many consumers are unaware of this risk, and lithium-ion batteries are widely used in EVs, e-bikes and cordless power tools. Here is what owners should know about water and the risk of battery fires.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Conversation

A nurse practitioner student watches nursing associate professor Amy Dievendorf demonstrate an ultrasound monitor.

Gamecock nurses first to train with cutting-edge ultrasound

November 14, 2024, Gregory Hardy

Nursing students at the University of South Carolina are getting hands-on simulation training with the newest generation of portable ultrasound equipment this November. Associate Professor Amy Dievendorf led the first immersion training with graduate-level nurse practitioner students in November at the College of Nursing’s new Clinical Education Building.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Nursing

Student taking notes in class

USC awarded federal grant to boost state's college and career readiness

November 12, 2024, Brandon Pugh

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded USC one of its largest-ever grants — $35 million — for the College of Education's GEAR UP SC program to help disadvantaged students overcome barriers to college and career opportunities.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Initiatives, Diversity, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, College of Education

woman in scrubs with a stethoscope around her neck works at a computer station

Bridging the health care gap

November 11, 2024

More than a quarter of South Carolinians call a rural area home, but these populations have a higher incidence of medical emergencies and are at greater risk of death because of barriers to access to timely medical care. USC researchers and alumni are working to change that, both for the state’s communities and at the national level.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health, University System

people stand on a platform in a saltmarsh

National estuarine monitoring system keeps watchful eye on coastal research sites, impact from changing climate

November 08, 2024, Chris Horn

Around the clock and every day of the year for the past three decades, an environmental monitoring system has been keeping a finger on the pulse of 30 diverse estuaries across the country, collecting water quality and weather data. The integrated System-Wide Monitoring Program and Centralized Data Management Office is headquartered in Georgetown, S.C., at USC’s Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

Rutvik Desai

New research explores the 'thoughts' and abilities of AI chatbots

November 04, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

Artificial Intelligence advocates might defensively suggest, in good humor, that chatbots are “only human” and therefore prone to occasional mistakes. New research by a team at the University of South Carolina Department of Psychology basically confirms that notion with some important caveats.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Recognition, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, Breakthrough Research

Rural pharmacists helps patient.

2024 rural health faculty experts

October 31, 2024, Laura Morris

More than a quarter of South Carolina residents live in rural areas and must overcome greater health care challenges than their urban counterparts. USC faculty members are available to offer their expertise in rural health services and research. To coordinate an interview, contact the staff member listed with each expert entry.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

College of Social Work professor Stephanie Hunter stands across from the South Carolina Supreme Court building.

Advocacy and reflection have a force in the legal system

October 25, 2024, Gregory Hardy

Forensic social work is a specific discipline that examines how social workers intersect and interact with the legal system under domains both criminal and civil. Stephanie Hunter has 22 years of experience in the field, specifically working in criminal indigent defense. Now an assistant clinical professor at USC’s College of Social Work, she finds that both students and professionals often require an explanation about the field.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Social Work

Paul Toriello in a navy suit

New Faculty Spotlight: Paul Toriello

October 25, 2024, Faith Militello

Paul Toriello, assistant dean of clinical graduate programs, brings 30 years of experience in mental health counseling and academia to the School of Medicine Columbia. As a clinical professor in the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, he leads initiatives to integrate technology into health care education and expand mental health services, preparing students to become professional caregivers.

Topics: Faculty, Graduate Studies, The Graduate School, Medicine (Columbia)

Nursing student with stethoscope.

Nursing excellence: Gamecock nurses lead the way

October 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing

There is also no doubt that nurses — an integral part of the nation's health care system — are in short supply. From opening a new building at Lexington Medical Center to being the home of the top-ranked online graduate program in nursing education, the University of South Carolina College of Nursing is committed to addressing the need.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Student Voices, College of Nursing

woman stands on a street in italy

Vatican synod open to wider roles for Catholic women

October 11, 2024, Carol E. Harrison

At the current Vatican synod, whose purpose is to address “communion, participation, and mission” in the church, women’s role is on the agenda. History professor Carol Harrison writes for The Conversation on how Catholic women have historically found ways to speak to and about their church leadership, even when they have been excluded from its proceedings.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, History, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

man and woman embrace while looking at flooded buildings

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, Safety, Economic Engagement, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

man gestures while talking from a podium

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

USC professor and alumna Anna Hoppmann stands in the atrium of the children's hospital at Prisma Health-Midlands.

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.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College

Two young boys draw with sidewalk chalk on a sunny day.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Leadership, Medicine (Columbia), Medicine (Greenville), Arnold School of Public Health

Two femaie dancers

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Signature Events, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Music

Susan Newman discusses spinal cord injuries to a group in India.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Nursing

Exterior of the College of Nursing's satellite clinical education building on the Lexington Medical Center campus

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, College of Nursing

robert mcnair

McNair Institute fosters entrepreneurial mindset

August 05, 2024, Rebekah Friedman

Many students enter the University of South Carolina with entrepreneurial dreams. But the entrepreneurial mindset is as much about how you think about solving problems as it is about launching a new business or bringing an invention to market — and acquiring that mindset requires a very particular kind of educational environment. Since 2017, USC’s McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise has provided exactly that.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Economic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Darla Moore School of Business

portait of a man with greenery in the background

Garnet Apple winner: Khalid Ballouli

July 31, 2024, Page Ivey

Khalid Ballouli’s path to academia took a detour through professional baseball, so it’s only natural this his teaching style is a little different. An associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Ballouli teaches undergraduate classes in sport and entertainment marketing as well as graduate-level courses in research design and business research and analytics.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Recognition, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

woman stands outside with grass and trees in the background

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.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Recognition, College of Arts and Sciences, South Carolina Honors College

a large bank of batteries surrounded by sky and gravel

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.

Topics: Faculty, University President, Research, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

A young male jogs for exercise outdoors on a hot day.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, The Conversation

Four female College of Social Work students pose in front of a display at the Advancing Health Equity in South Carolina summit.

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.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, College of Social Work

Woman outdoors on ship

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.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Undergraduate Admissions, Careers, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, South Carolina Honors College

Satellite image of an Atlantic hurricane

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, College of Pharmacy, College of Social Work

Carol Harrison smiles outside on USC's campus

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, College of Arts and Sciences

Multiple black and white scans of a brain with red highlights.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health

Data from a computer screen is reflected in the eyeglasses of a researcher.

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.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

Gail V. Barnes stands in the doorway with students playing string instruments behind her

USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes

April 05, 2024, Megan Sexton

The gold standard in string music education is marking its golden anniversary this year. For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Initiatives, Service, Careers, Student Voices, School of Music

Icon of how an artificial intelligence brain connects to concepts of technology, transportation, vision, the brain, ideas and health care.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, College of Information and Communications, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health

A man plays guitar on stage.

Live at the Underground: USC's live music venue run by students for students

March 29, 2024, Maddie Lee

The University of South Carolina’s Music Industry Studies program is offering a new and exciting venture into experiential learning — a live music venue. Live at the Underground features live music weekly on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Located in the Russell House Underground, this venue is completely run and operated by students for students.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, School of Music

MInuette Floyd poses with students and teachers in front of a school library in Ghana.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Service, College of Arts and Sciences

Gates to Horseshoe of USC campus

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), School of Music, Arnold School of Public Health

A photo of a group of colorful rubberbands isolated on a white background.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Entrepreneurship, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Breakthrough Research

An illustration of a brain with a red targeted spot on it.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Leadership, Careers, Medicine (Columbia), Breakthrough Research

An illustration of a robot arm handing a Rubiks cube to a human hand.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Leadership, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Breakthrough Research

A person in protective gear with clipboard observing waste in a landfill.

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Leadership, Careers, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Breakthrough Research

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