2020 News Archive

Forbes recognizes UofSC graduate for cleaner fracking tech

Geophysics alumnus Paris Smalls (2016) is developing technology that could help companies cut costs and pollution from the fracking process. Just four years since he graduated from UofSC, the U.S. government has awarded his company more than $1 million in research grants and Forbes Magazine named him one of the top 30 Under 30 in Energy.

Remembering Don Fowler

Don Fowler, a longtime University of South Carolina professor and mainstay in South Carolina politics, died Tuesday, December 15. He was 85.

Mentoring the Youth

Devin Lemon started college out of state, but he felt something was missing. When he came home to South Carolina, he found his sense of belonging in the University of South Carolina criminal justice program.

Graduation fulfills a promise

When Dorcas Larry transferred twice and took time off from college to travel the world, some people told her it would be too difficult to come back and finish. But she was determined to complete her degree.

Creative writing students inspire creativity and community

A creative writing class has found ways to serve the community, even with social distance requirements in place.

Cicely was young, Black and enslaved – her death during an epidemic in 1714 has lessons that resonate in today’s pandemic

As COVID-19 affects frontline workers and communities of color far more than other demographic groups, and protesters agitate for racial justice, American society is wrestling with its racial memory and judging which monuments and memorials deserve a place. In The Conversation, history professor Nicole S. Maskiell looks back at how a few marginalized and oppressed people who served on the front lines of prior epidemics have been treated and remembered.

Drawing on both sides of the brain

If you think the visual arts and the hard sciences don’t mix, think again. Or maybe just talk to Eliza Stierle. The Dayton, Ohio, native and 2020 University of South Carolina graduate double-majored in studio art and biology (with a minor in art history) and aspires to become a medical illustrator.

Connect Lab shifts online to promote fitness

Student researchers got creative to make new ways to promote physical fitness in after school programs in South Carolina.

Garnet Apple winner: Hayden Smith

Take a criminal justice course with Hayden Smith, and at some point in the semester, you’ll probably find yourself behind bars, inside a 6-by-9-foot cell. You might also hear voices and see hallucinations, just like inmates diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Mungo award winner: Mary Robinson

As a professor in the School of Visual Art and Design, Mary Robinson believes in creating a sense of community – both in the classroom and beyond.

3 professors earn AAAS honor for scientific accomplishments

Three faculty members in the University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences have been elected fellows in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The recognition is an honor bestowed by a scientist’s peers to recognize distinguished contributions to science.

Garnet Apple winner: Micky Myrick

Two things you should know about chemistry professor Micky Myrick: He doesn’t shy away from a challenging task even if there’s little reward in it, and once he has committed to something, he’s in it for the long haul.

The class assignment that morphed into legislation

A speech that Gweneth Gough wrote for an English class eventually influenced a new law that gives middle school students more access to mental health education.

Mungo award winner: Anna Swartwood House

Knowledge is constructed, not passively received. That, in a nutshell, is Anna Swartwood House’s teaching philosophy, the underpinning of everything she does in the classroom. But the University of South Carolina assistant professor of art history isn’t the sole architect of her students’ education; everyone shares in the heavy lifting.

U.S. Navy veteran embarks on a new mission to earn doctorate

Before Marco Hernandez was incubating proteins in a laboratory, he was flinging fighter jets from aircraft carriers. The veteran’s job in the U.S. Navy was to maintain and operate the steam catapults that launch jets and the cable systems that catch them as they land.

Student leads volunteers in Census work

David Olds spent the past 15 months working to make sure everyone in Columbia, South Carolina, had the chance to be counted in the U.S. Census. For this geography major, this was about much more than gathering data, but about making sure people have the resources they need.

First-generation alumnus returns to UofSC to pursue history Ph.D.

Trey Capps excelled in high school and graduated at the top of his class in the tiny town of Aynor in eastern South Carolina. When he considered his college plans, he knew he was ready for new experiences in a larger city.

History background inspires cancer researcher

Matt McMillan is a prolific science researcher at the forefront of radiation oncology. But it was the history major at UofSC that inspired his interest in science and prepared him to succeed in medical school.

Gamecock Battalion tops among Navy ROTC programs

The University of South Carolina has the best Navy ROTC program in the country. That recognition comes as no surprise to the midshipmen and alumni of the program that began at Carolina in 1940. And it comes as the result of hard work by a team of staffers and the university’s support for it and other military-affiliated programs on campus.

Garnet Apple winner: Andy Schumpert

Andy Schumpert got his first taste of teaching in graduate school at the University of South Carolina. Now an instructor and lab coordinator for the university’s Department of Biological Sciences, he credits his early experience as a graduate teaching assistant with kickstarting his career.

An example for her siblings

History professor Myisha Eatmon's experience as a first-generation college student shapes her approach to teaching.

'Series of discoveries' leads to breakthrough Parkinson's research

Richard Youle has made breakthrough discoveries regarding the cause of Parkinson's Disease thanks to a scientific approach he learned at the University of South Carolina.

How do pandemics end?

In all of human history, only one disease has been truly eradicated. The others remain, although vaccines and other measures help keep them in check. Nükhet Varlık, a history professor whose research focuses on the history of pandemics, wrote about the topic for The Conversation.

'Pandemics in Literature' class shines light on history

UofSC students are exploring stories written about pandemics, ranging from medieval to futuristic, despondent to hopeful. They've found that 2020 isn't so different from similar moments throughout history, and there are some lessons to learn.

UofSC research finds trigger that leads to faster nerve healing

Damaged nerves regenerate faster when protein clusters are broken apart, releasing components that can be used to rebuild the nerve. South Carolina scientists have found the trigger that could be used to accelerate regrowth more.

Saltwater data can predict monsoon seasons, UofSC student finds

The 2019 monsoon surprised forecasters and hit India harder than any other monsoon in 25 years. Thanks go one UofSC oceanography Ph.D. student, forecasters could use salinity measurements to predict the storms more accurately in the future.

UofSC professor helps geography come alive in classrooms around SC

Third graders are mapping rubber ducks in the Pacific Ocean, and seventh graders are finding out who owns Antartica. Thanks to Jerry Mitchell, students around South Carolina are studying geography as never before.

UofSC artist sparks joy for children at Charleston hospital

Marius Valdes, professor in the School of Visual Art and Design, completed murals in Charleston's new children's hospital to help make it a more welcoming place for patients. "I couldn't think of a more deserving audience."

New partnership gives UofSC students greater access to national lab

When you're reinventing the way America stores nuclear waste, it helps to have the most cutting-edge technology at your fingertips. And a new partnership will give students and faculty more opportunities to conduct research at Savannah River National Laboratory.

Theatre and Dance season goes online

Students and faculty have found innovative ways to bring the performing arts to the small screen during the Fall 2020 season.

Discovering a passion for science

Libby Davenport came to the University of South Carolina on the pre-med track, but experience in a biological sciences laboratory pointed her in a new direction focused on basic research in disease ecology.

Cast of Creators

Media arts professor inspires and motivates students to land their dream jobs.

Dance Professor Receives National Leadership Award

Dr. Stephanie Milling, professor in the dance program, has been honored by the National Dance Education Organization with its 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award.

Outreach program for racial reconciliation moves to Arts and Sciences

The South Carolina Collaborative for Race and Reconciliation fosters conversations that help people foster better relationships between races. It's led by Jennifer Gunter, a UofSC history Ph.D. graduate.

History department staff wins international award for comic book writing

IT consultant by day, comic book writer by night. Chuck Brown's comic book series "Bitter Root" took a 2020 Eisner Award for "Best Continuing Series."

Opportunity and community

Issy Rushton promised herself to make UofSC her home by saying "yes" to as many opportunities as possible. Now she's leading student government through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Competence and compassion

Loren Knapp's career has been focused on helping students gain the knowledge and skills they need for a career and extending the helping hand they need to meet their challenges.

What literature can tell us about people’s struggle with their faith during a pandemic

Professor Agnes Mueller wrote for The Conversation about how pandemics impact religion, according to literature. She is teaching a Theme Semester course about pandemics in literature.

Dean's welcome message for students — Fall 2020

Dean Lacy K. Ford welcomed students to the Fall 2020 semester, encouraging them to see the unusual semester as an opportunity for growth.

ROTC cadet proves himself in combat diving courses

Cole Falkenstine created a club that helps ROTC cadets prepare for elite military training programs. Then he became UofSC's first ROTC cadet to complete the Army's combat diving supervisor training.

How the Rollin Sisters started the women's suffrage movement in South Carolina

African American women were some of the early activists in the women's suffrage movement in South Carolina. History professor Valinda Littlefield presented a webinar about the Rollin Sisters on August 10, 2020.

Barra brings environmental justice study to South Carolina

Monica Barra has studied the cultural consequences of rising tides in Louisiana for years. Now she is bringing that study to the Atlantic Coast with the support of a national fellowship.

Remembering Congressman John Lewis

The College of Arts and Sciences joins the nation in remembering the late congressman John Lewis for his legacy of leadership and civil rights activism.

Professor receives comic book industry award

English professor Qiana Whitted's book about EC Comics received an Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work. The book explores how EC Comics shared shared social justice messages alongside its popular horror and fantasy comics.

How Renaissance art led to white European image of Jesus

Writing for The Conversation, art history professor Anna Swartwood House shared how historical Christian art that gravitated toward a white, European image of Jesus.

UofSC and health care providers unite to increase colon cancer screenings

A new $3.8 million award from the Centers for Disease Control will help the university's Colorectal Cancer Prevention Network and health care providers to improve colon cancer screening rates in the most medically underserved parts of the state.

English alum leads educators as SC Teacher of the Year

Sarah Gams says her English professors inspired her student-centered focus. The high school English teacher is the 2020-2021 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

How performing artists and educators are keeping the lights on

How will theatre and dance thrive during a pandemic? Jim Hunter and Tanya Wideman-Davis discussed innovative ways for artists to keep performing and teaching in this webinar that attracted viewers around the world.

Teaching plague literature when plague is no longer a metaphor

"The narratives we choose to believe and retell will reflect and affirm what we value as a species -- a daunting task, but also an empowering one."

UofSC receives $11.2 million grant to design crystals to keep nuclear waste safe

Scientists in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computing are designing waste forms to safetly contain radioactive waste for thousands of years.

UofSC research uncovers details foraminifera fossils and life cycle

While completing a postdoctoral assignment in the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment, Kate Davis and her research team became the first to document the entire lifecycle of planktic foraminifera.

Narrative Filmmaking class shows resilience in pandemic

It was scene change no one expected ― producing their film class final projects at home with smartphones instead of on campus with professional equipment. But the students and award-winning instructor used creativity to make it work.

How war, peace and a pandemic changed the senses

History professor Mark Smith began the college's summer 2020 webinar series with a discussion about sensory history, the Civil War, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telly Awards honor episode with UofSC oceanographer

Claudia Benitez-Nelson appeared on an episode of "Voice of the Sea" filmed during her 2018 research cruise. That episode has now won a Telly Award.

Chemistry professor named AAAS fellow

Caryn Outten's research on iron has been recognized by her election as a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Studio art professor shares resource for art educators during COVID-19

Naomi Falk has co-launched a new website that helps art instructors shift their teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arts and Sciences Theme Semester will explore justice

The annual theme semester will use classes and events to explore important topics from many angles.

Students set for Bridge to Doctorate program

The first 12 students accepted into the University of South Carolina's Bridge to Doctorate program bring diverse life experiences but share a common commitment to science and community.

Professor's book on Civil War monuments gets national award

The new book explores how Civil War monuments throughout the nation changed the country's relationship with the military.

History professor pens series on context of ongoing protests

Bobby Donaldson wrote a three-part series for the University of South Carolina exploring the history of the Civil Rights movement and present-day protests.

Dean Lacy K. Ford's statement on justice and racial equality

"Achieving equal justice and full racial equality for all in our nation is not the work of a day; but it must be the work of everyday. We must listen, and we must act."

Twitter could help predict future outbreaks thanks to UofSC research

Geography professor Zhenlong Li is using location data from millions of tweets to help public health officials track and predict viral outbreaks.

Teaching 'a universal language'

You might forget how to conjugate some verbs in Porguguese, but Alana Breen hopes you will never forget how much you grew as a person in her class.

Math major becomes receive DoD SMART Scholarship

Abby Delnoce, a double major in mathematics and computer science, is the fourth Gamecock ever to receive one of the nation's most respected STEM student awards.

Technology for diplomacy

Geoff Palcher '08 combined his international studies degree with his information technology background for a successful career with the State Department.

South Carolinians explore election cybersecurity in statewide workshop

State officials and cybersecurity experts discussed how to defend democracy from digital attacks and disinformation.

Big data and synthetic chemistry could fight climate change

Big data and synthetic chemistry joined forces to show a better way to create materials that filter greenhouse gases.

Graduate shines in ROTC ranks

Second Lieutenant Dajuan McDonald stood in the top 10% in the Army ROTC Order of Merit.

Sharing the joy of research

Jane Roberts loves her job. She gets to ask questions, explore the answers in research, and share the journey with students. She has been named a Carolina Distinguished Professor.

'Psychology is life' for award-winning teacher

Rhea Merck, a UofSC graduate and now an instructor, cut technology from her classroom. Students love it.

Arts and Sciences graduate preserves memories of a 'drowned town'

Caldwell Loftis majored in biochemistry and molecular biology, but he completed his honors thesis by creating an oral history of a town now under Lake Marion.

Political science, ROTC grad helps start Veterans Affairs Council

James Anderson earned a commission in the U.S. Air Force, studied Canadian-U.S. military relations on a Fulbright scholarship and earned a master’s degree.

Pandemic is changing our senses

History is lived through the senses. Mark Smith, a history professor, writes about how the coronavirus outbreak is altering the way people experience sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

Virus genome tells us how COVID-19 has traveled

Biology professor Bert Ely and graduate student Taylor Carter compare the genes of the coronavirus to a shipping label that allows scientists to track how strains of the virus have traveled around the globe.

Student helps people around the nation stargaze while social distancing

Every Monday night, Asher Wood helps run livestreams of the night sky from the Melton Observatory, giving people the chance to stargaze together even while quarantines keep them apart.

Arts and Sciences faculty share insights on COVID-19

Faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences have helped make sense of the pandemic by sharing insights from their disciplines with the university community and the general public.

Marine science graduates make a splash with dolphins

An internship led Kate McAlister to Florida, where she later helped another UofSC graduate Dani Ramsey get started in a career as a mammal trainer.

Online workshop addresses election cybersecurity threats

On Thursday, April 30, the College of Arts and Sciences will host an online workshop about how to limit and respond to cybersecurity threats against democracy and the electoral process.

Students research sand dunes, salt marshes, and climate change

Four graduate students at the University of South Carolina are about to start research projects with their sights set on healthier waters, more stable sand dunes, and a stronger food chain.

Amazon Prime Video adds a show by a UofSC senior

When millions of people can stream your homework on Amazon Prime, you take it a bit more seriously.

Arts and Sciences faculty members honored with Garnet Apple Awards

Sometimes, homework is taking a virtual reality tour of a prison. Or making a music video about cellular respiration. Or visiting two historic sites and comparing them.

Junior builds global connections

Even when a global viral outbreak keeps people apart, Lilly Kays wants people around the world to be more connected. She's using her spring internship and social media to do her part for that goal.

The first sound history of 9/11

A University of South Carolina senior is the first scholar to study the sensory history of 9/11. Her research shows how the attacks changed the way New Yorkers experienced sound.

Media arts senior makes viral tribute video for Class of 2020

Nathan Crane had a lot to look forward to in the last half of his senior year ― springtime walks around the Horseshoe. Graduation events with best friends. His final classes, and maybe even some Gamecock victories to celebrate.

Professors do 'heroic work' getting classes online

Thousands of students will be able to complete the semester strong thanks to the creative work of Arts and Sciences faculty who put more than 2,000 classes online in under two weeks.

Bacteria play rummy with genes, UofSC biologist shows

Thriving bacteria employ some of the strategies of a good rummy player, says Bert Ely, a University of South Carolina biologist.

UofSC online Spanish course wins Blackboard award

Luckily, at the University of South Carolina you can take one of the world's best-designed Spanish courses no matter where you are on the planet.