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McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

2025 News

USC chemistry professor awarded as champion for undergraduate researchers

USC chemistry professor Olja Simoska helps turn first-year students into scientists and earned the 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for launching hands-on lab experiences that tackle big issues like antibiotic resistance and wearable health tech.

USC media arts alumni shape Columbia's filmmaking scene

Four USC media arts alumni are shaping Columbia's film scene--turning passion into legacy while mentoring the next generation of storytellers.

Michael Stipe Named 2025 McNair Honoree

Michael Stipe, former lead singer of R.E.M., was honored as the 2025 McNair Honoree during a live-recorded McNair Conversation on the American South, hosted by the Institute for Southern Studies. The event highlighted his artistic career and will be featured on the Take on the South podcast, along with a video and images available online.

In the footsteps of Chand Bibi

As a Fulbright Scholar, Sarah Waheed traced the footsteps of Chand Bibi through the southwestern region of India. She visited ruins and archives, working with historians, archeologists and residents to gather the pieces of Chand Bibi’s story. Now Waheed tells this story in her forthcoming book.

USC alumna, Marine champions veterans

For USC alumna Caroline Fermin, the decision to join the Marines at a time when only 2 percent of the officer corps were women led to a successful 25 years in the military with high-level global postings and numerous medals for meritorious service. She followed her military service with a thriving second career in public service, now as the director of Veterans Affairs for Beaufort County.

Give 4 Garnet helps fuel geology students' essential field camp experience

Geology students turn to Give 4 Garnet — the university's annual day of giving — to help fund their essential field camp experience.

USC psychologist uses mobile EEG to break down barriers to research

AJ Peterman is undergoing an EEG for a study led by Caitlin Hudac, director of USC’s Brain Research Across Development lab. Hudac first took her lab on the road to test children who have rare genetic conditions and couldn’t travel. Now, she hopes to expand her reach.

Children's book about Ida B. Wells by USC professor wins international award

USC professor Dianne Johnson-Feelings' latest children's book, Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote, has won the prestigious Golden Kite Award. The book brings to life the inspiring story of Ida B. Wells, a fearless journalist and suffragist who fought for justice. Through her work, Johnson-Feelings continues to ignite a love for literature and history in young readers.

PR and English graduate builds a career in Columbia's arts scene

Sumner Bender credits a movie with inspiring her first true career choice. It seems only fitting, then, that the 2007 public relations graduate now leads Columbia’s art house cinema, The Nickelodeon Theatre. Her journey from PR to nonprofit executive has woven through Columbia’s arts scene for most of her adult life.

World-renowned Joffrey Ballet residency at USC promises unforgettable experiences

Dance students in the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program are spending extra time at the barre in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will have collaborating with the world-famous Joffrey Ballet. The company begins a three-week residency at USC on March 17 that will culminate with an unprecedented Koger Center performance on April 5.

USC youth summer camps 2025

With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.

AIs flunk language test that takes grammar out of the equation

While the quality of AI systems' output sometimes rivals work done by humans, they are also prone to confidently churning out factually incorrect information. Skeptics have also called into question their ability to reason.

Gamecock grad went all-in on math and stats. Now he invests in people.

Steve Smith's love for numbers led him from a surprising run-in with the law as a Gamecock freshman to a top role in investment management. The former math and statistics major now helps organizations maximize financial returns--and invests in the careers of young professionals, just as his advisors once invested in him.

How a USC media arts graduate empowers youth through writing

USC Media Arts graduate Elizabeth Perlman empowers youth through creative writing, channeling her passion for storytelling and lessons from her alma mater into her students at the Intuitive Writing Project.

Seven incoming McCausland scholars uphold legacy of excellence

Seven faculty members at the University of South Carolina's College of Arts and Sciences have been named McCausland Faculty Fellows, the college's most prestigious faculty award. These scholars, specializing in fields ranging from criminology to mathematics, exemplify excellence in teaching and research. The fellowship, established through a $10 million endowment from alumnus Peter McCausland and his wife, Bonnie, supports early-career faculty in advancing their research and academic contributions.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination signals new era of anti-intellectualism in American politics

The many controversial people appointed to the Trump administration have at least one thing in common: They dislike and distrust experts. While anti-intellectualism and populism are nothing new in American life, there has hardly been an administration as seemingly committed to these worldviews.

USC students explore American history with Mellon Grant programs

USC students are diving deep into American history with the help of a $500,000 Mellon Grant. Through dynamic events, research opportunities, and expert-led discussions, they're engaging with constitutional scholars and exploring the relevance of founding documents in today's democracy. Discover how this program is shaping the next generation of civic leaders.

2025 heart health faculty experts list

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.

The Starbase rocket testing facility is permanently changing the landscape of southern Texas

If there is a leader in the aerospace industry, SpaceX is it. Boca Chica, Texas, is home to SpaceX’s flagship assembly and test installation, Starbase. Since 2021, research has been conducted with environmental groups and community members in south Texas who see space exploration as a landscape-altering industry. Geography professor Robert A. Kopack writes about Starbase for The Conversation.

As Syria ponders a democratic future: 5 lessons from the Arab Spring

The fall of Bashar Assad’s dictatorship in December 2024 has ushered in a nerve-wracking time of hope and fear for Syrians concerning future governance in the long-war-torn country. While it’s unclear what exact political path Syria will take, the dilemmas the country faces are similar to the experiences of other Arab countries more than a decade ago. Robert Kubinec, assistant professor of political science at the University of South Carolina, writes for The Conversation about his research on Arab uprisings in the Middle East.

Video: USC professor, alumni work to prepare communities for hazardous events

From communities in the Southeast submerged by floodwaters to neighborhoods on the California coast battling raging wildfires, natural disasters are on the rise. Hear from geographer Susan Cutter, Carolina Distinguished Professor, and alumni working in emergency management across the state and nation about how tools like the Social Vulnerability Index can lead to better outcomes for the future.

USC alum, Medal of Honor recipient recognized at national championship

University of South Carolina alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corporal (retired) Kyle Carpenter will be recognized during Monday’s national championship college football game.

Chemistry professor deploys genome mining techniques in search for medically useful bioagents

Drawing from an enormous collection of genetic material, a University of South Carolina chemistry professor is on a mission to find novel bioactive agents with potential antibiotic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammation applications.

USC student joins first undergraduate research program at Folger Shakespeare Library

USC English and philosophy student Erin Reed is among the first undergraduates accepted to the prestigious Folger Shakespeare Library Colloquy, where she'll conduct and present research on early modern literature.

First-generation student finds connections on campus

As a first-generation college student and an Asian American, Sarah Tra worried about whether she would be able to find community and connect to her culture on campus. But joining organizations like the Vietnamese Student Association and the Asian and Pacific Islander Activism Association has given her the opportunity to connect with her community through fundraisers, rallies and events that showcase culture through food, music and dance.

Alum James Bennett strengthens community engagement as banker

A first-generation college student at USC, James Bennett now strengthens community engagement as executive director of external affairs at First Citizens Bank.

Student Spotlight: Sara Otero (Studio Art / Graphic Design and Illustration)

From doodling in notebooks to designing the USC College of Arts and Sciences' holiday card, Sara Otero's journey as an artist is one to watch!

Pradeep Talwani retired more than 15 years ago, but he hardly gave up scholarly pursuit. The geophysics professor's forthcoming book might rattle the traditional narrative.

Retired geophysics professor Pradeep Talwani’s forthcoming book, which is under contract with Oxford University Press, explores the origin of certain scientific ideas and could rattle the traditional narrative.

Former USC football player Garrison Gist shows us his Charlotte murals

Garrison Gist played fullback for the Gamecocks. Now the School of Visual Art and Design graduate is scoring big as a muralist and painter.

2024 Year in Review

Dean Joel H. Samuels reflects on a year of achievements and opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences, looking ahead to 2025.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.