2024 News Archive

Experiential learning opportunities help USC students get career ready

As director of experiential learning in the College of Arts and Sciences, Ashley Byrd-White helps students prepare for life after graduation. She leads a host of initiatives on campus, including U401, that offer opportunities for students to gain experience and knowledge to make the transition smoother.

Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Kelly Goldberg

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.

Ethics course gives undergraduate his start in mind and brain research

An ethics class at the University of South Carolina fostered Harrison Propps' passion for philosophy and neuroscience research.

USC freshman's medical invention could lead to reduced breathing tube injuries

Shrihan Ganesh Babu is a first-year biochemistry major and premedical student at USC. While in high school, he designed a medical device that may decrease the likelihood of patient injuries from breathing tubes. His idea recently helped him win a national research competition.

Neuroscience major uses leadership skills to find research success

For the past two summers, Ansley Martin has participated in a research internship called the Structured Neuroimaging-Intensive Research Program, or SNIRP. This year she served as the program's teaching assistant - a role she originated and funded through a stipend from the South Carolina Internship Program.

Summer internship paves way for biology major's healthcare dreams

Biological sciences major Shyam Ganesh Babu took steps towards his dream of working in healthcare with a summer internship at Prisma Health Greenville.

SEOE professor selected to lead Society for the Study of Evolution

Professor Carol Boggs, a renowned biologist and USC professor, has been elected president of the Society for the Study of Evolution, a leading professional society in evolutionary biology.

USC linguistics professor's scholarly journey began in south Asia

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.

Fulbright scholar investigates promising cancer therapy

Diana Clark, a biological sciences major, traveled to Ottawa, Canada, this summer to conduct cutting edge cancer research.

New endowed chair brings focus in Alzheimer's drug research

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.

USC professor recognized as fellow of American Chemical Society

Chuanbing Tang, Carolina Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has been elected a fellow of the American Chemical Society, one of the largest scientific organizations and the world leader in chemistry research. The honor recognizes Tang for leadership and excellence in the field of chemistry.

U101 instructor of the year calls on lifetime of experiences to guide students

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.

Students lead adventure trips from the mountains to the sea

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.

Marine science grad dives deep in submersible that first explored Titanic

Hunting ocean fungi rather than ocean liner wreckage, Julianne McHenry came up with sea floor samples key in ongoing research project.

Clean Water Institute partnering with state to do more comprehensive water quality monitoring

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.

What if you could recharge a battery 250,000 times? South Carolina chemist works to lengthen battery life.

In a world racing towards renewable energy, batteries are the linchpin. Yet, their ability to recharge is a looming hurdle. Enter Morgan Stefik, leading a charge at USC's Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation.

For alumna Emma Jackson, every week is a shark week

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

USC is the top patent-producing university in the state and among the leaders in the SEC.

Psychology Ph.D. students tap bartenders, musicians to help address opioid misuse

The opioid epidemic has been on the rise in South Carolina for more than a decade. Statewide, more than 2,200 people died from unintentional overdose in 2022. Now, two University of South Carolina graduate students have recruited a new group of professionals to help offset the epidemic: Columbia's local bartenders.

Student body vice president advocates for good mental health

Courtney Tkacs is committed to fostering a safe community for students on campus while prioritizing mental health activism.

The Impact of the Mellon Foundation Grant on Women's and Gender Studies at USC

The University of South Carolina's Department of Women's and Gender Studies has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation through its "Affirming Multivocal Humanities" initiative, which, according to its website, strives to “further address the continuing need for nuanced scholarship on the breadth of the human experience through race, ethnic, gender and sexuality studies."

Teaching Award Spotlight: Amanda Murphy, Department of Statistics

When it's time to sign up for classes, statistics students at the University of South Carolina eagerly advise, "Make sure you get into Murphy's class!" This enthusiastic endorsement highlights Amanda Murphy's dedication and engaging teaching methods, which have earned her the 2024 Professional Track Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Teaching Award Spotlight: Joshua Meyer-Gutbrod, Department of Political Science

Since joining the College of Arts and Sciences in 2020, Joshua Meyer-Gutbrod has revolutionized the experience for political science students. He created a semester-long Senate simulation class, enabling students to practice politics by role-playing as senators.

Arts and Sciences boasts trio of MIRA winners

Earning the Maximizing Investigators' Research Award is a rare accomplishment. The MIRA is a prestigious honor bestowed annually by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, and only those researchers at the cutting edge of their field are considered.

USC's Edsel Peña, incoming statistics department chair, elected IMS Fellow

Edsel Peña has reached a high point in his nearly 40-year career. The professor in USC's Department of Statistics has been named a fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), one of the biggest honors for a statistician. In addition, Peña has received an award from the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering.

Honors College alumna finds success in higher education

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.

Student body President Patton Byars leads campus into future

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.

USC biologist revives historic moth and butterfly collection

What started as a hobby taking photos of butterflies at a community garden gave Allie Fletcher a jumpstart to a future in ecology research. Now, she's helping build one of the largest single-site insect databases in the country, while discovering and identifying species never documented in South Carolina.

Archaeologists uncover new evidence for prehistoric comet

At dig sites in South Carolina, Maryland and New Jersey, shock-fractured quartz hints at a violent cosmic impact almost 13,000 years ago.

Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the 'ocean twilight zone'

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

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.

Public history alumna helps developers preserve historic buildings

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.

Cyber policy and ethics students shine in global competition

A team of University of South Carolina students had to solve an international crisis as part of a competition called Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge. The situation was fictional, but their solution to the problem had to be based on real-world policy dealing with technology that crosses borders. The experience gave them a taste of what their future careers may be like.

Unique experiences make graduating Cocky's time as mascot worth it

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.

2010 international studies graduate runs wine school in Colorado

Kellie Martin can still remember the moment when she changed her mind about wine. She was in college, sitting in a French café with a friend and overwhelmed by the expansive menu and wine list. Her friend stepped in, offering to order wine for them.

Supporting 'democracy' is hard for many who feel government and the economy are failing them

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."

Here's to the class of 2024!

Hear from members of the College of Arts and Sciences' graduating class as they share their best memories, advice and hopes for the future.

Senior Spotlight: How Katie McBride discovered a love for chemistry

As a premedical student, Katie McBride found support and a path to success through chemist Natalia Shustova's research group. From a tough start with chemistry, McBride became one of the department's top students and was honored with the university's Outstanding Senior Award.

Double honor: USC historian lands Guggenheim Fellowship, Rome Prize

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.

Susan Cutter elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Susan Cutter, director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute at the University of South Carolina, has been elected to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Autism-related research part of wide-ranging USC focus on neuroscience

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

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."

Sullivan Award winner plans to continue volunteerism as physician

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.

USC's student-run design studio nurtures creativity and industry experience

Students lead a new design studio and incubator to innovative learning opportunities beyond the classroom and bring community visibility to the work of student designers, thanks to a grant from the McCausland Innovation Fund.

Biology major's research experiences inspire her to help others

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.

MPA student launches Special Olympics student organization at USC

Keaton Bentley started the new USC Special Olympics College Club through an internship for his MPA degree. When he graduates this May, he'll take that experience with him as he begins his dream job in a director role for Special Olympics North Carolina.

USC chemist wins highest honor for scientists awarded in Germany

This spring, chemist Natalia Shustova's work on light harvesting gained the support of Germany's Humboldt Foundation, which honored her with the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award. The most prestigious honor of its kind in Germany, the award is given to scientists who exemplify excellence in research and innovation throughout their career.

Would you sit on a jury to review government regulations? Citizen oversight panels could make this process more open and democratic

Samuel Bagg, assistant professor of political science, writes about the importance of having a democracy and why professional bureaucracies matter in today’s society.

Local party internship leads philosophy student to presidential encounter

Ethan Wilson's time at the University of South Carolina became extraordinary when his internship with the Richland County Democratic Party connected him with the intricacies of local and national politics. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of the first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, and witnessing speeches by the president and vice president in person were just some of the highlights.

USC English alumna climbs Capitol Hill to become one of the House's top lawyers

Ashley Callen, a Capitol Hill fixture, has spent 25 years conducting Congressional investigations, questioning witnesses in an impeachment hearing, and advising elected representatives, starting her political career as a high school summer intern and now serving as the top staff level lawyer in the House of Representatives under Speaker Mike Johnson, a role she describes as the professional honor of a lifetime.

Political science internships boost student careers and SC workforce

Political science alumna Kiley Cosby graduated in December with a full-time job lined up in the South Carolina Governor's Office of Ombudsman. Cosby found her job through a new, course-based internship program started by the Department of Political Science.

Dancers, filmmakers and artist to work with USC students with McCausland fund support

Students in the University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences will soon work alongside world-renowned dancers, collaborate with international filmmakers, and study the connection between art and research alongside an acclaimed graphic novelist.

USC hosts state government for student recruiting event

The South Carolina State Government is holding an upcoming career fair at USC where more than thirty agencies hope to recruit undergraduate and graduate students for open positions for full-time jobs and internships.

Researcher hopes to improve access to emerging therapies for autism

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.

Summer internship in Kazakhstan leads Russian major to dream career path

During his internship in Kazakhstan last summer, McLean Brown gained not only a wealth of research experience but also a grandmother figure and friend named Zaya.

USC chemist elected to National Academy of Engineering

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

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.

Alumni Spotlight: David Foust

After earning his psychology degree at the University of South Carolina, David Foust took his career in an unexpected direction: Public safety.

USC chemist Chuanbing Tang leads NSF center in novel bioplastics research

As director of the NSF Center for Polymers for a Circular Economy, chemistry professor Chuanbing Tang is leading an effort to develop a plastics alternative with a sustainable pathway to be recycled and biodegraded. In this interview, Tang explains the crisis and how creating new bioplastics will help.

Artificial intelligence is making plenty of headlines these days -- and a lot of AI research is happening right here at USC

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.

What ancient farmers can really teach us about adapting to climate change - and how political power influences success or failure

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

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.

Beyond a single story

Ten Carolina students ventured far beyond their homes for the first time last summer. Leaving behind the comforts of the familiar to board a plane to Ghana, Africa, their mission was to embrace Ghanaian culture through art and storytelling.

Tammi Richardson honored with 2024 SEC Faculty Achievement Award

Tammi Richardson's excellence in teaching and research have earned her the 2023 SEC Faculty Achievement Award and SEC Professor of the Year nomination.

How your home shapes your politics: Q&A with Krissy Lunz Trujillo

During an election year, you'll see your news and social media feeds increasingly filled with examples of political polarization. But differences in political opinions also have roots in where you call home. Political scientist Krissy Lunz Trujillo researches how the division between urban and rural communities drives polarization between opposing political views.

Jewish scholar of New Testament to speak at USC about antisemitism and improving Christian-Jewish relations

The 2024 Solomon-Tenenbaum Lecture in Jewish Studies at the University of South Carolina will explore an interfaith view on antisemitism, including a discussion of how Christian-Jewish relations can improve through a more faithful reading of ancient scripture from both traditions.

Biology research course brings fresh perspectives into undergraduate research

When Adara “Auden” Grant registered for the Research in Biology course last semester, they were initially looking to fulfill lab hours needed for their major.

From orientation to the chem lab: incoming students connect with research through new initiative

In the Fall 2023 semester, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry launched the Undergraduate Research Initiative, a new program to get more freshmen involved in research. Their first semester, students learn the basics of chemistry and how to work in a laboratory. Then, they put their new skills to work in a laboratory run by a professor on campus, gaining hands-on experience.

USC anthropologist confronts centuries-long structural neglect of elderly, mentally ill

Carlina de la Cova's recent research hit close to home. As she studied the remains of people who died in public hospitals and other institutions more than 100 years ago, she couldn't help thinking about her grandmother, her mother-in-law and others in her life who have needed institutional care.

Supreme Court heads into uncharted, dangerous territory as it considers Trump insurrection case

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 criminology professor sheds new light on school gun violence

Growing up nurturing a fascination with mysteries and human behavior, Brent Klein interned at the FBI during college, delving into domestic terrorism investigations, and now focuses his curiosity and expertise on examining the pressing issue of school gun violence.

USC students bring untold history of Sumter, S.C., to the public

A newly digitized collection of archives of the Williams Furniture Company serves as a key source for a traveling exhibit coming in 2024.

Alumni Spotlight: Marva Smalls

Marva Smalls attended the University of South Carolina specifically to be close to the center of state government. She knew she wanted to work in politics, and she wanted to start right away.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman inspires next generation of journalists

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.

Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley to join faculty at USC law school

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.

AI and data science: The new frontier of autism research

Researchers at USC combine large datasets and machine learning to break new ground.

Student Spotlight: Sol Wilson, studio art (graphic design), class of 2024

Sol Wilson, a graphic design student at USC and an intern for the College of Arts and Sciences, is helping to shape the college's image. She created the artwork design for the college's 2023 holiday card, the cover image of the college's December alumni and friends newsletter, as well as social media posts and promotional materials for academic programs.

New McCausland Fellows make their mark in arts, humanities and science

The College of Arts and Sciences has named 10 new McCausland Fellows, recipients of the college's most prestigious faculty fellowship for early-career faculty.