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Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

2024 News Archive

Enabling safe learning in autonomous systems

Since this past January, Electrical Engineering Associate Professor Xiaofeng Wang has been working toward advancing end-to-end safety and performance for learning-enabled autonomous systems in real-world settings.

ONR-sponsored research aims to eliminate biofouling on naval vessels

Marine biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms on ships' hulls, causing hydrodynamic drag and corrosion. But Associate Professor Tao Wei's current research project is aiming to alleviate the issue by examining the use of two new materials alongside advanced technology for coating.

De Backer inspires innovation and passion for aerospace engineering

Assistant Professor Wout De Backer underscores hands-on learning and collaboration, while inspiring his students with his passion for aircraft design and innovation in composites through additive manufacturing.

Deepa Tilwani: Pioneering AI to transform autism diagnosis

Ph.D. candidate Deepa Tilwani is building on the continued transformation of healthcare by working on research into how AI can be used for early autism diagnosis.

Developing improved and advanced protection against cyberattacks

IIT Professor Jorge Crichigno will begin a research project next month that aims to enhance network security by utilizing new technologies and machine learning to detect and classify malware.

Introducing USC’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

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.

Service to a Nation

During his nearly 40-year career, alum Kenneth Bible started in nuclear and mechanical engineering and later made significant impacts on the nation's information technology and cybersecurity.

Navigating two degrees, research and work

Given Luke Reynolds rigorous schedule, he exemplifies effective time management by skillfully navigating the demands of academia, research and industry.

Combining two elements for revolutionary battery technology

Sulfur has received significant attention as a replacement material in lithium-ion batteries and expected to supply a higher energy density. Chemical Engineering Assistant Professor Golareh Jalilvand is one researcher currently working on this revolutionary energy technology.

Improving underground mining safety with millimeter wave technology

In collaboration with researchers at two institutions in India, Assistant Professor Sanjib Sur recently began a project to design and deploy an emerging technology to overcome the hazardous conditions of underground mines.

Jamshidi earns recognition for most influential paper

A paper published 10 years ago by Computer Science and Engineering Assistant Professor Pooyan Jamshidi was recently recognized for its significant impact.

Flying fast into opportunities

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.

Lost but not forgotten to history

Before there were stat programs, media guides, and web sites, at lot of college sports history was kept pencil to paper. As a university grows, that can make it hard to keep history straight. That’s the case with Lindell Bradley, who was recruited to play baseball at South Carolina in 1967, which made him the first black varsity athlete in any sport at the school. Unfortunately, Bradley’s place in Gamecock history fell through the cracks … until now.

Narayanan seeks to enhance safety, efficiency of dynamic systems through AI

Assistant Professor Vignesh Narayanan's research focuses on the interaction between humans and dynamic systems to prevent such systems from unsafe behavior as they change over time.

Three CEC students represent USC's Goldwater Scholars honorees

Earlier this month, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded 438 scholarships nationwide. Of that number, the University of South Carolina's three recipients are all from the College of Engineering and Computing.

Sullivan Award winner has passion for serving others

A passion for helping others has led Shannon DePratter to participate in several service organizations while also completing her degree in biomedical engineering in just three years. The Newberry, South Carolina, native is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor. She also is a member of the South Carolina Honors College.

Inspiring the next generation of civil engineers

Working in the civil engineering field for nearly 35 years, Jeff Mulliken's contributions have been through his work, leadership and mentorship.

CEC seniors to be recognized on Awards Day

CEC students will be recognized for their outstanding achievements at the USC Awards Day ceremony on Thursday, April 18.

Harik receives prestigious award from SC Academy of Sciences

For his passion and dedication to introducing and highlighting scientific topics to various audiences throughout South Carolina, Ramy Harik was named winner of the 2024 Governor's Award for Excellence in Scientific Awareness.

In Memoriam: John Monnier, Ph.D.

The CEC was saddened to learn of the death of Chemical Engineering Professor and National Academy of Engineering member John Monnier.

CEC honors distinguished alumni

The CEC took time to recognize distinguished alumni and thank donors at the Alumni Awards and Benefactor Dinner at the Pastides Alumni Center.

USC team selected for NSF project to address equitable water solutions

A team led by CEC faculty was one of 15 multidisciplinary teams selected for phase one of a $9.8 million National Science Foundation program, which aims to develop innovative technologies and solutions to improve U.S. freshwater systems.

Bringing decades of IT experience to the classroom

Throughout his career, IIT Instructor Patrick Wright has taught students aged 18 to 70 in professional environments, continuing education classes and a university setting. His greatest satisfaction is not in the teaching, but what happens after they leave the classroom.

CEC establishes legacy society after beloved professor and his wife

The CEC is excited to announce the establishment of the Dr. Joseph and Geneva Gibbons Legacy Society, which will not only celebrate the Gibbons' impact but also serve as a testament to the power of philanthropy in transforming educational landscapes.

Engineering Alumnus Aaron LaBerge creates magic, connection at Disney

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.

Zand pursues a passion for research

Assistant Professor Ramtin Zand considered a career in academia because he was familiar with industry and wanted to innovate and have more freedom to work on projects.

New pathway to MBA for engineering and computing students

USC’s College of Engineering and Computing and the Darla Moore School of Business established a new 4+1 pathway partnership in 2024. This unique collaboration offers students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree from engineering and computing and a master’s degree from the Moore School in five years.

Downey receives prestigious award from SC Academy of Sciences

For his contributions to science, Austin Downey was named the winner of the 2024 Governor's Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.

McNair Center to host Symposium on Automated Composites Manufacturing

Top researchers in the field of composites will be in Columbia for the sixth annual International Symposium on Automated Composites Manufacturing from March 4-8.

Cleaning Up

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

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.

Full steam ahead

Engineering teams notch progress in first year of alternative fuel research for Navy.

From Student to Mentor

Despite being part of an underrepresented group in her field, Instructor Rasha Karakchi's message to aspiring female engineers is one of empowerment: to challenge themselves, pursue their passions, and realize their full potential.

New center to focus on credibility assessment research and projects

The College of Engineering and Computing is now home to a new center that will focus on high-tech, non-invasive technology for polygraphs and credibility assessment.

Staying on track for improved rail safety

Ph.D. candidate Brennan Gedney is targeting a critical problem in railway infrastructure maintenance: inefficient or rushed manual inspections that often miss small types of damage. He recently received a scholarship and award to help supplement his work.

CEC graduate makes her mark as UCOR's first female chief engineer

Christie Sudduth was recently named chief engineer for United Cleanup Oak Ridge, the lead contractor for U.S. Department of Energy nuclear waste cleanup efforts. She is the first female to occupy the position.

Lowering costs and improving efficiency for battery storage

To better understand an emerging technology, several CEC professors are leading research into developing high fidelity digital models for large scale energy storage batteries.

In Memoriam: Wilfred Kenneth Humphries, Ph.D.

The CEC was saddened to learn of the death of USC alum and Dean Emeritus and Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Emeritus Wilfred Kenneth Humphries.

Teaching, motivating and helping shape students' future

Acting as a bridge between students, faculty and resources, Silke Henrich helps students navigate challenges in and outside the classroom.

A co-opportunity for real-world experiences

Most students try to avoid delaying their graduation, but for chemical engineering junior Sean Budke, trading an extra year of studies for a cooperative education program (co-op) was too good to pass up.

CEC to lead new Institute for Extreme Semiconductor Chips

As the materials used for semiconductor chips technology have evolved, the College of Engineering and Computing is overseeing a new institute tasked with conducting pioneering interdisciplinary research into next generation extreme semiconductor chips.

USC's key contribution for developing more flexible and cost-effective nuclear technology

The Department of Energy is currently funding research in the College of Engineering and Computing's General Atomics Center to provide critical information that companies' and their suppliers need to bring their molten salt reactor designs to market.

Lee plans waste heat conversion research for NSF CAREER Award

As climate change concerns continue to rise, the efficient recycling of waste heat is an urgent scientific challenge. Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Dongkyu Lee's upcoming research will focus on a conversion process, which aims to transform waste heat into useable electric power for clean and sustainable energy.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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