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Boston Red Sox player in green Nike-branded uniform with the No. 16 appears wearing batting helmet

As more athletes speak openly about depression, anxiety and suicide, a minority of fans are weaponizing it

May 27, 2026, Scott Parrott

Because elite athletes are seen as admired role models, many enjoy lucrative contracts as spokespeople for a variety of products. When Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran recently was harassed after revealing a mental illness, his expression of regret could potentially discourage others from talking publicly about their struggles for fear it could be weaponized against them. USC professor Scott Parrott explores this in a recent article for The Conversation.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Information and Communications, The Conversation

Photo of McKissick, a building at the University of South Carolina

USC inks licensing agreement for prostate cancer screening tool

May 12, 2026, Andy Shain

The University of South Carolina has agreed to license an algorithm developed by a renowned cancer and nutritional epidemiologist to 20/20 BioLabs, a health sciences company that offers home cancer screening tests.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Initiatives, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Careers, Arnold School of Public Health

Artist rendering of a new student residence at the McBryde site

USC Board of Trustees receives master plan updates, formally approves hospital and other projects, honors US and USC anniversaries

March 19, 2026, Andy Shain

The USC Board of Trustees formally approved a number of new construction and renovation projects, including a neurological hospital and rehabilitation center, and received updates on the university’s master plan, including redeveloping the student union and developments on South Main Street. Trustees also adopted a resolution in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 225th anniversary of the founding of USC.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, medicine-columbia, South Carolina Honors College

Rendering of USC's Brain Health Center

Board of Trustees updated on USC's comprehensive brain health initiative

February 20, 2026, Andy Shain

Sarah Kirby, USC’s associate vice president for clinical affairs, briefed the Board of Trustees on Friday (Feb. 20) on the university’s efforts to develop a comprehensive system of care that could transform health care in the state — a statewide network of brain health clinics, a brain health center and South Carolina’s first stand-alone neurological and rehabilitation hospital.

Topics: Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, medicine-columbia, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health

A hand dabs a brush into a palette of paint.

USC Brain Health launches student-driven arts program

February 09, 2026, Nicole Carrico

Students Ansley Martin and Stella Tew have been working with USC Brain Health to launch a program called Vibrant Minds, an expressive arts initiative that combines neuroscience, creativity and social interaction to support older adults living with neurological conditions. The program helps adults facing cognitive challenges connect with their memories and each other through art and creative projects.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, South Carolina Honors College

Three doctors standing in the glass hallway of a clinic

Jonathan Aun's Honors College experience helped shape his successful career path into medicine

November 18, 2025, Chris Horn

As a first-generation student, Jonathan Aun's path to becoming a doctor wasn't easy. In USC's Honors College he found friendships, memories and an environment of support and exploration in which to lead and help others do the same. Whether called Major Aun or Dr. Aun today, he continues to build compassionate connection with his patients — and is a true Gamecock at heart.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Health Sciences, Service, Leadership, Careers, South Carolina Honors College

A group of winners gather together holding their awards.

USC students and alumni win South Carolina InnoVision Awards

November 14, 2025, Laura Erskine

Six finalists with ties to USC were recognized by the 2025 InnoVision Awards, with three winning top honors. The winning businesses are led by students in the South Carolina Honors College, alumni and graduate students from the Molinaroli College of Engineering, and alumni from the Darla Moore School of Business and the Honors College.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, South Carolina Honors College

Man standing in medical research lab

Future physician-scientist selected as Marshall Scholarship finalist

November 11, 2025, Valerie Weingart

South Carolina Honors College student Michael Pitre has been named a finalist for the 2026 Marshall Scholarships. If selected, he plans to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences to develop novel treatments for Parkinson's disease before returning to USC for medical school.

Topics: Students, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

Landon Pitts looks at a laptop alongside two peers.

Social work initiative expands behavioral health care access in rural South Carolina

November 10, 2025, Carol JG Ward

The University of South Carolina’s Rural Occupations Workforce Expansion (ROWE) program trains MSW students to serve in underserved communities, strengthening South Carolina’s rural behavioral health workforce and improving access to mental health care.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, SC Impact, College of Social Work

Student sitting at a counter in a research lab

Senior public health major named Rhodes Scholarship finalist

November 03, 2025, Valerie Weingart

A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.

Topics: Students, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, medicine-columbia, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

Crop of hand unrolling yoga mat for a workout

Most of your actions are driven by habit, not thought

October 03, 2025, Amanda Rebar, co-author

A new study shows that the majority of actions people take in a day are carried out on autopilot. Habitual behavior is made up of the things that we do without thinking, prompted by our environment and learned through repeated enactment. Public Health professor Amanda Rebar writes for The Conversation about the power of habits on our behavior.

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

Curing Kids Cancer founders Clay and Grainne Owen present a check to Michael Wyatt from the USC College of Pharmacy

Curing Kids Cancer pledge fuels USC, Prisma Health pediatric cancer research partnership

September 24, 2025, Laura Morris

The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital announced a research collaboration on Sept. 24 aimed at redefining pediatric oncology care in South Carolina. The $5 million pledge from Curing Kids Cancer will fund research aimed at developing and providing access to innovative therapeutics for children with cancer.

Topics: Alumni, University Leadership, Research, Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy

Two college-aged athletes run in competition in an open field in the heat.

Health Watch: 6 Dangerous Heat Stroke Myths That Could Put Your Health at Risk

August 20, 2025, Gregory Hardy

Rising temperatures are making heat stroke a serious risk in South Carolina and beyond, especially during outdoor activities such as youth sports, yard work, recreation and even work. At USC’s Arnold School of Public Health, associate professor of athletic training Susan Yeargin debunks dangerous myths about treating this life-threatening condition.

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

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

2025 artificial intelligence faculty experts list

July 31, 2025, 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, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Baby hand in adult hand

Study finds many women who give birth at home feel empowered

July 24, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen

As the birth of their baby approaches, women often turn to their mothers, sisters or close female friends for comfort and advice — a trusted and time-honored support system. Recent research conducted through the Women’s and Gender Studies Department at the University of South Carolina views this phenomenon through an anthropological lens, confirming the relevance of this bonded group and examining childbirth choices women typically face.

Topics: Research, Health Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Satellite image of an Atlantic hurricane

2025 hurricane faculty experts list

June 13, 2025, University Communications

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2025 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, McCausland 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

Yellow Cocky feet in front of the Cocky statue

2 Gamecocks reflect on life behind the beak

May 08, 2025, Michaela Taylor

For most University of South Carolina students, Cocky is a symbol of school spirit synonymous with USC and complete with beak flaps, spurs up and fun game antics. But for seniors Nicole Hurley and John Sutay, the mascot means something more — it’s a defining part of their college experience, one they kept secret for years.

Topics: Students, Health Sciences, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Nursing

A rendering of the new School of Medicine Columbia education and research facility

School of Medicine Columbia breaks ground on new facility at USC Health Sciences Campus

February 21, 2025, Gregory Hardy

The University of South Carolina broke ground on a facility that will redefine the future of health care education and research during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the site of its new School of Medicine Columbia. This cutting-edge, 300,000-square-foot-plus medical education and research facility will be part of USC’s transformative $300 million Health Sciences Campus, amid 16 acres in Columbia’s reimagined BullStreet District.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Research, Health Sciences, SC Impact, medicine-columbia

A supermarket customer reaches for a carton of eggs.

Why government can't make America 'healthier' by micromanaging groceries purchased with SNAP benefits

January 27, 2025, Danielle Krobath

Banning junk food from SNAP is something that has divided public health experts for years. However, research shows that adding to the restrictions that already limit access to SNAP benefits do little to make Americans healthier. Danielle Krobath, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health, writes for The Conversation with Tufts University Assistant Professor of Community Health Benjamin Chrisinger about their research into safety net programs.

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

Image of cherries treated with dye

FDA bans Red 3 dye from food and drugs - a scientist explains the artificial color's health risks and long history

January 23, 2025, Lorne J. Hofseth

Red 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer, has been banned by the FDA due to growing evidence of its harmful effects on human health. College of Pharmacy professor Lorne Hofseth writes for The Conversation on the health risks of synthetic food dyes and the implications of stricter regulations.

Topics: Research, Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The Conversation

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

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

Portrait of USC alumnus and donor Alex Molinaroli

Introducing USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

June 06, 2024, Gregory Hardy

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.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Research, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Satellite image of an Atlantic hurricane

2024 hurricane faculty experts list

May 01, 2024, Laura Morris

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began 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, McCausland 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

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, McCausland 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

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, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Floyd School of Medicine, School of Music, Arnold School of Public Health

Tick in test tube

New institute puts USC on map for vector-borne illness research

October 16, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Institute of Infectious Disease Translational Research will allow public health researcher Melissa Nolan to operate complementary studies at labs based in Columbia, El Salvador and Brazil, putting USC on the map as an international hub for maternal and infant health research.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

Eugenia Broude smiles while meeting with other faculty members.

Pharmacy researcher driven to find weapons in the fight against cancer

October 12, 2022, Margaret Gregory

College of Pharmacy professor Eugenia Broude had personal inspiration to pursue a career in science, and a newly awarded $3 million R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute will allow Broude and her co-investigators to continue their work in a groundbreaking area of breast cancer research.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Research, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, College of Pharmacy

VPR Julius Fridriksson

New vice president for research aims to mentor junior faculty

October 03, 2022, Craig Brandhorst

Julius Fridriksson loves a challenge. After climbing to the top of his field — and building out a research team of more than 40 faculty, post docs and graduate students at the Arnold School of Public Health — the onetime first-generation college student from a small village in Iceland agreed to become USC’s interim vice president for research in 2021.

Topics: University Leadership, Research, Recognition, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, Arnold School of Public Health

artist rendering of new UofSC nursing facility at Lexington Medical Center

UofSC, Lexington Medical Center enter new partnership

July 05, 2022, Kyndel Lee

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing and Lexington Medical Center have partnered to build a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and teaching space to provide clinical training for UofSC’s growing nursing student population.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Initiatives, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Careers, medicine-columbia, College of Nursing

Technicians in a lab wearing gloves and safety goggles.

University of South Carolina to help lead Savannah River National Laboratory research innovation and workforce development

February 10, 2021

The University of South Carolina and the Battelle Savannah River Alliance are partnering to conduct critical research at one of the country’s premier national laboratories – the Savannah River National Laboratory. The partnership will contribute to workforce development and provide cutting-edge advancements in national security, energy and environmental research.

Topics: Research, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Ian MacLeod and Shane Weatherford on balcony smiling.

VA program helps veterans transition to medical careers

November 09, 2020, Margaret Gregory

Two members of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia Class of 2024 are bringing unique perspectives as they train for their future careers in medicine. Before entering medical school, Ian MacLeod and Shane Weatherford served their country in the U.S. armed services. Both are able to pursue their education thanks to the Veterans Healing Veterans Scholarship.

Topics: Students, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, medicine-columbia

plasma donation

COVID-19 response: UofSC partners with The Blood Connection to collect plasma donations from recovered patients

May 11, 2020

A national study sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Mayo Clinic is examining the use of plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, known as convalescent plasma, to treat patients who are currently suffering from the virus. Physicians hope the antibodies in the donor plasma will neutralize the virus in these ill patients and improve outcomes.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, COVID-19, Floyd School of Medicine

Neema Patel and the Gibbs Family

Scholarship transforms heartbreak into hope

December 11, 2019, Margaret Gregory

In 2002, 8-year-old Wanda Gibbs died after being hit by a car at her bus stop. After her tragic passing, the community came together and launched a fundraising initiative to ensure Wanda’s memory would live on. Their efforts established the Wanda Gibbs Scholarship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, which was awarded for the first time earlier this year.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Scholarships, Diversity, Recognition, Health Sciences, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Floyd School of Medicine

Dr. Patterson and patient

UofSC center brings health care to those in need

November 20, 2019, Margaret Gregory

In South Carolina, a majority of the 46 counties are considered to be medically underserved. The South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare is working to improve access to quality care through training programs that are helping grow the health care workforce.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Diversity, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Floyd School of Medicine

Students in Sim Lab

High-tech center helps students prepare for patient care

September 26, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

The new Simulation and Interactive Learning Center is giving medical and advanced practice students at the School of Medicine Columbia a unique opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom with the goal of further strengthening patient care for South Carolina and beyond.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Careers, Floyd School of Medicine

Alexandra Vezzetti

First class of UofSC physician assistant graduates helping improve healthcare access

July 19, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Alexandra Vezzetti was in the first class of physician assistant students at the School of Medicine and the first PA student to rotate through the neurology department at Prisma Health. Department Chair Souvik Sen, M.D., was so impressed with Vezzetti that he hired her, and next month, she’ll become the department’s first physician assistant.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, Floyd School of Medicine

Katy Pilarzyk in the lab

Brain Power

May 23, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Second-year Ph.D. candidate Katy Pilarzyk was one of three University of South Carolina students awarded a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship this year. She will use her funding to continue her work in Michy Kelly’s lab at the School of Medicine Columbia. The lab studies the inner workings of the brain to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying social and cognitive deficits.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Careers, Student Voices, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Floyd School of Medicine

Laine Way and Parker Edison

Homegrown doctors to practice in SC

April 26, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Graduating medical students Laine Way and Parker Edison have done their clinical education in Florence at the UofSC School of Medicine's Florence Regional Campus, and now they'll be completing their residencies in Florence at McLeod Health.

Topics: Students, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Floyd School of Medicine, South Carolina Honors College

Aalia Soherwardy

Fast track to success

December 14, 2018, Alyssa Yancey

The BARSC-MD program, a joint initiative between the University of South Carolina Honors College and the USC School of Medicine, allows a select group of students to complete an undergraduate degree and their medical degree in just seven years. The students receive conditional acceptance to medical school as freshmen, and then enter medical school after their third year of undergraduate coursework.

Topics: Students, Academics, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Floyd School of Medicine, South Carolina Honors College

cancer research

Heating up cancer treatment research

July 12, 2018, Annika Dahlgren

Researchers with the College of Engineering and Computing have created a new way to destroy cancer cells in two days. The research team — made up of electrical engineering professor Seongtae Bae, postdoc fellow Jung-tak Jang and undergrad (Eric) Sang Hoon Ju — uses a nanomaterial and an alternating current (AC) magnetic field generator to super heat the cells.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

South Carolina Sunset

Building a healthier South Carolina

April 20, 2018, Alyssa Yancey

The staff of the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare at the USC School of Medicine is working to improve access to care in rural South Carolina. Created with state funding in 2017, the center has a number of initiatives underway, including a loan program to encourage health profession students to practice in rural settings, research grant programs and partnerships helping put providers on the ground in critical need areas.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Careers

Exercise science in action

No. 1! UofSC sport science programs top national rankings

December 20, 2017, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the second year in a row, and No. 4 in the world by ShanghaiRanking's 2017 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Recognition, Health Sciences, Healthy Carolina, Leadership, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

The future of retailing

It's about to get personal

November 27, 2017, Allen Wallace

Imagine going shopping and having your phone or fitness tracker make product recommendations for you based on your breath or the current physical state of your body. It is not science fiction. It’s the future of retailing and health care digitization according to researchers at University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Leadership, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

arnold school treadmill

Arnold School of Public Health to expand to Greenville

March 24, 2017, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina’s nationally-renowned Arnold School of Public Health will open a satellite program in Greenville focused on research and education that tackles some of South Carolina’s most pressing health needs. The expansion will allow students to receive graduate-level education at the intersection of public health and clinical medicine and conduct cutting-edge research into solutions to public health problems.

Topics: Academics, Research, Graduate Studies, Initiatives, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

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