USC marine science student combines wildlife conservation with visual storytelling, outreach
October 02, 2026, Téa Smith
Alden Zerkle turned a childhood love of the ocean into a path toward her dream career as a wildlife documentary filmmaker.
Recent Stories
These remarkable women changed USC for the better
September 29, 2026, Rebekah Friedman and Craig Brandhorst
USC has been home to countless highly successful women since the university opened its doors to them in the 1890s. These seven changed the institution from within.
A trip to the Middle East set Ken Perkins on the road to a career as a historian and teacher
September 28, 2026, Chris Horn
A trip to the Middle East set Ken Perkins on the road to a career as a historian and teacher
Bill Strosnider aims to turn the tide on environmental plastics
September 24, 2026, Laura Erskine
USC’s Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Science is a natural wonder. It’s also a frontline lab in the fight against environmental plastics.
USC Board of Trustees meet new deans, amend OpenAI contract
September 24, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Thursday (Sept. 24), and trustees met two new deans and amended the campuswide Open AI contract.
USC astronomy professor probes deep space with telescope tuned to polarized light
September 21, 2026, Bryan Gentry
For most people, the exciting part of peering through a telescope is what you see — the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings or distant star clusters. Thanks to a telescope that scans the sky with the eyes of a dragonfly, astronomy professor Mehrnoosh Tahani is excited about something less obvious: polarized light.
Mungo Graduate Teaching Award winner: Qian Wang, chemistry and biochemistry
September 15, 2026, Megan Sexton
Qian Wang, Carolina Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award.
USC researcher finds imperfect crystals could make lithium-ion batteries faster, longer-lasting
September 14, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
What if the key to discovery is imperfection? Led by USC chemist Morgan Stefik, a team of researchers has found that flaws in crystal anodes could help lithium-ion batteries charge faster and last longer. The practical uses of the discovery offer enticing applications in energy storage.
Carolina Trustee Professorship Award winner: Agnes Mueller
September 11, 2026, Téa Smith
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences professor Agnes Mueller aims to develop a deep curiosity and encourages true intellectual diversity in her students. She has found the best way to do that is by sticking to basics and keeping her classroom a tech-free zone.
USC researchers land major AI-driven grants from Department of Energy
September 09, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Two University of South Carolina faculty were recently awarded significant grants as part of the first wave projects selected for the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission. Designed to bring together a national consortium of researchers and pair them with Department of Energy resources, the Genesis Mission will help build AI-enabled workflows to expedite discoveries in energy, national security and more.
Remembering the Days -- Wise Counsel: Remembering Ada B. Thomas
August 25, 2026, Chris Horn
For more than 40 years, Ada B. Thomas helped USC students navigate their way through college with wise counsel and astute academic guidance. Alumni have never forgotten her unwavering desire to listen and help, with an occasional admonishment to do better.
2026 artificial intelligence faculty experts list
August 24, 2026, 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.
USC researchers work to better understand the human brain
August 14, 2026, Communications and Marketing
Understanding how the brain works and improving outcomes for patients are major priorities for USC researchers. That work gained momentum this year with the opening of the new Brain Health Center, which is just one of the ways the university is concentrating on the brain.
Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year: Jeff Dudycha
August 11, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
From haiku about water fleas to a class designed for dog lovers, biological sciences professor Jeff Dudycha finds unexpected ways to help students understand genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology.
USC alumna Ashley Poston built a career writing magical love stories
August 07, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
Ashley Poston, USC alumna and New York Times bestselling author, shares how magic, romance and a relentless work ethic shaped her writing career.
USC professor wins state's highest scientific research honor
August 05, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Susan Richardson, Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, has been named winner of the prestigious 2026 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.
Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award: Aaron Vannucci
July 27, 2026, Chris Horn
Aaron Vannucci doesn’t have a sophisticated philosophy to explain his teaching style. He merely points back to his own high school chemistry teacher, who inspired him with his consistent excitement for the topic. Vannucci brings the same enthusiasm to his classrooms, and he is the winner of USC's 2026 Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
After 1776, the founders designed a government that accounts for 'a degree of depravity in mankind'
July 20, 2026, Donovan Fifield
The Declaration of Independence was only the first step in making a unified country. A competing set of state and local interests required a defense of the U.S. Constitution (the Federalist Papers), which sought to define the role of government to keep basic human impulses toward political abuse, self-interest and even violence in check.
USC alumna aims to showcase Gullah roots of iconic American opera
July 20, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
When the lights went down on Charleston’s Dock Street Theatre on June 26, 1970, history was made. It was the first time since its premiere that "Porgy and Bess" had been performed in Charleston. Now, filmmaker and alumna Lauren Waring Douglas is making that production the subject of a new documentary, "When Porgy Came Home."
Research center building ecosystem in autism, neurodevelopmental disorders
July 15, 2026, Chris Horn
From helping to establish a popular undergraduate neuroscience major to attracting millions in research grants, the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center at USC has achieved notable success since its launch seven years ago. And the momentum isn’t slowing. The center’s leadership has ambitious plans to serve more citizens of South Carolina.
Video: Hot Takes on the American Revolution
June 22, 2026, Hadley McCollester
Combine five incredible artifacts from the USC libraries special collections with four passionate university scholars, and you get 20 minutes of fun facts, lively debate and intellectual inspiration.
Board Briefs: Trustees approve budget, key USC Next projects
June 19, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
USC board approves freezing tuition, expanding Russell House, building Civil Rights Center
June 18, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget that freezes in-state tuition systemwide and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
How Wall Street is shifting electric utilities toward consolidation and profit
June 16, 2026, Conor Harrison
A corporate merger forming the largest electric utility in the U.S. is underway. What’s driving this deal and others like it is a rising demand for power to data centers for artificial intelligence systems and a desire to increase corporate profits. Conor Harrison explains in this article for The Conversation.
How are Saudis viewing the US-Iran war?
June 10, 2026, Robert Kubenic
Writing for The Conversation, Political Science Assistant Professor Robert Kubenic collaborates with Alexis Montambault-Trudelle, Postdoctoral Fellow in International Studies, Université Laval, to explore Saudis' opinions on the U.S.-Iran war.
Newest Udall scholar excels in work across surf and turf
May 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Learn about USC's 19th Udall Scholar, Kayla Thompson, a first-generation, science-loving, rugby-playing, future environmental policy advocate. Her journey parallels that of her benefactors in many ways, and this honor motivates her to continually do more.
Behind the beak: The student inside Cocky
May 09, 2026, Michaela Taylor
Before the crowd sees him, there’s a quiet shift. The suit goes on. The posture changes. And Brayden Hensley becomes Cocky. To fans, Cocky is all energy and antics. But inside the suit is a criminology and criminal justice major balancing school and a role that demands constant performance.
Internships help USC students explore their potential
May 07, 2026, Laura Erskine, Téa Smith and Craig Brandhorst / photos by Kim Truett
Internships aren’t just for building resumés. When students take that first big step into their chosen career, the hard work of college begins to pay off. We spoke to nine student interns from across the USC system to find out what they've gained beyond the books from their internship experiences.
Physicist Frank Avignone has fed his scientific curiosity with a steady pursuit of new ideas
May 07, 2026, Chris Horn
Frank Avignone has been fascinated by physics longer than most people have been alive, an intense curiosity that began in the waning days of World War II. Now, more than six decades after being recruited to the faculty of USC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Avignone continues to conduct particle physics research with renowned scholars, some of them at international laboratories he helped build decades ago.
Retired English Professor David Shields debuts SCETV food show
May 06, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Retired professor David Shields is pouring his research skills and foodways connections into a new SCETV program with chef, educator and cohost Kevin Mitchell. The Savers of Flavor, produced and directed by filmmaker Ginger Cassell, debuted this spring.
USC broadened the canvas for Mint Museum CEO Todd Herman
May 05, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Renaissance man Todd Herman fell in love with art history before he got to grad school. The master’s program at USC helped him make it a career.
The nuclear afterlife of the Cold War in the Eurasian Steppe has become the cornerstone of anthropologist Magdalena Stawkowski's research
May 04, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
USC anthropologist Magadalena Stawkowski spent years interviewing the people who live near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in rural Kazakhstan. Her 2025 book, “Atomic Collective”, examines culture and community in one of the most toxic places on Earth.
Class of 2026
April 27, 2026, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
A moment to slow down: USC poets on why poetry matters
April 27, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
USC poets describe poetry as a powerful, accessible way to slow down, process experiences, and connect through language and shared human emotions, regardless of one’s background or path to it.
USC expert on molecular plant genetics named AAAS Honorary Fellow
April 23, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Award-winning professor Beth Krizek has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Honorary Fellow. Learn more about her research in plant biology.
Sullivan winner ready to improve disease treatments
April 16, 2026, Collyn Taylor
A decades-long fascination with life has inspired Rachel Kiser, one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards recipients, to dedicate her career to improving drug treatments for diseases.
University of South Carolina names new dean of McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
April 15, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina has named Christopher Culbertson dean of the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He'll assume the role July 1.
Mutual aid and self-sufficiency are key to life near USSR's contaminated nuclear test zone in Kazakhstan
April 08, 2026, Magdalena Stawkowski
Writing for The Conversation, associate professor Magdalena Stawkowski describes her field research at a Soviet-era nuclear test site in Kazakhstan. Thousands still live around its cratered perimeter and stay because of their collective refusal to reject systems that had abandoned them and instead create their own terms for survival.
Discover USC student Ansley Martin shares innovation
April 02, 2026, Marketing and communications
Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Neuroscience junior Ansley Martin shares how presenting has helped her bring greater innovation to her research.
USC has five Goldwater Scholars in 2026
March 27, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Five University of South Carolina students earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2026. This sets a record for the most Goldwater Scholars at USC in a single year and marks the 34th consecutive year the university has had at least one Goldwater Scholar.
Cool classes fall 2026
March 27, 2026, Téa Smith
We’re back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for fall 2026. There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.
Discover USC student Katherine Palmer looks back
March 24, 2026, Marketing and communications
Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Psychology senior Katherine Palmer reflects on what she gained from presenting her research on misophonia.
The long history of silent meditation retreats
March 18, 2026, Daniel M. Stuart
Silent meditation and silent prayer have shaped spiritual lives within a variety of religious traditions for thousands of years. Today, however, those practices are often being offered in secular settings. Daniel M. Stuart, an associate professor of religious studies at USC, writes for The Conversation about emerging trends in secular meditation practices.
Bringing the buzz back to Greene Street
March 16, 2026, Alexis Watts
Student Body Treasurer Ashley Reynolds helps Give 4 Garnet return to the heart of campus.
USC team conducting research on endangered North Atlantic right whales
March 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
There are only about 384 North Atlantic right whales remaining on Earth. That’s fewer than the number of students living in the Capstone dorm. The latest count is cause for alarm, and the whales’ leading killers are entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes.
Honors College sophomore finds community at USC
March 11, 2026, Téa Smith
Honors College sophomore Faith Fitzgerald wasn’t sure how or if she could merge her interests in psychology and linguistics. It wasn’t until she was introduced to psycholinguistics, or the study of the relationships between linguistic behavior and psychological processes, that she discovered a new path.
Baruch scientists study food impacts of juvenile blue catfish on native species in Winyah Bay estuary
March 06, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Scientists at USC’s Baruch Institute are studying the semi-invasive juvenile blue catfish, normally a freshwater animal, that has appeared in estuarine habitats of the Winyah Bay. The researchers are trying to determine whether the interloper’s diet is interfering with the food supply of native estuarine species.
USC students lead in adopting AI at ADDY Awards
March 04, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
AI is everywhere — and marketing is no exception. This year marked the first time that the American Advertising Federation incorporated an AI category into its Midlands ADDY Awards, and University of South Carolina students rose to the challenge, showcasing what is possible in dynamic, creative concept and design in collaboration with AI.
USC youth summer camps 2026
February 24, 2026, Marketing and communications
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.
Michelangelo hated painting the Sistine Chapel
February 23, 2026, Anna Swartwood House
The sale of a small red chalk drawing of a woman’s foot by Michelangelo, which sold at auction for $27.2 million, excited art historians — not because of the money it fetched but because of the attention it has brought to Michelangelo’s lifelong devotion to drawing, a medium he prized over painting. Anna Swartwood House, an associate professor of art history at USC, writes for The Conversation about the significance of the recent sale.
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.
History doctoral student Kay Andrea documents the untold stories of women in motorcycling
February 19, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
When she’s not riding her Harley, Karan “Kay” Andrea explores the role women have played in motorcycle culture. The first-year Ph.D. student has also built a community where female motorcyclists can connect and develop confidence.
Former MLB player reflects on returning to USC to complete a degree
February 12, 2026, Chris Horn
After winning an Olympic gold medal, enjoying a long MLB playing career and working as a coach, Adam Everett came back to the University of South Carolina in 2017 to finish his degree through Palmetto College.
Carolina Day 2026 at the State House highlights USC's impact
February 11, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina alumni and advocates will gather at the S.C. State House for Carolina Day Feb. 17 to demonstrate how the state flagship is building momentum in producing a more prosperous and healthier South Carolina.
Remembering the Days -- Native tongue: The history of foreign language learning at USC
February 10, 2026, Evan Faulkenbury
Since Carolina opened its doors in 1805, foreign language learning has been an essential part of its curriculum. Classical languages — Latin and Greek — are still taught, but they're now among a much larger group of languages offered, along with many opportunities for students to put their foreign language skills in practice.
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.
Data centers told to pitch in as storms and cold weather boost power demand
February 04, 2026, Conor Harrison
The government directed data centers to turn on backup generation in parts of the U.S. Conor Harrison, an associate professor of geography in the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, co-authors this story for The Conversation on how expanding distributed generation could improve grid resilience.
2026 heart health faculty experts list
February 01, 2026, Gregory Hardy
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.
Video: Center for Civil Rights History and Research Celebrates 10 Years of Impact
January 26, 2026, Hadley McCollester
The Civil Rights movement in South Carolina has long been overlooked and overshadowed. The Center for Civil Rights History and Research has spent the last decade working to document and bring awareness and scholarship to South Carolina's role in the movement. In this documentary, Bobby Donaldson, executive director of the center, takes us through the amazing work done over the past 10 years and what is on the horizon.
5 recognized for social justice work
January 13, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
The University of South Carolina has recognized students, faculty and staff members for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2026 Martin Luther King Social Justice Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.
USC leads the nation in fragile X research and education
January 08, 2026, Bryan Gentry
A new grant from the National Institutes of Health will help USC faculty study fragile X-associated health conditions, which may affect thousands of people in South Carolina, and identify new ways to diagnose and treat the conditions.
Sophomore Audrey Webb wins holiday card contest on second try
December 15, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett
USC Columbia sophomore Audrey Webb won the 2025 holiday card design contest. A computer science major from Fort Mill, South Carolina, Webb's winning design imagines what the Cocky statue on campus would look like if it snowed. Her design is featured on President Michael Amiridis' and First Lady Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis' holiday card, and it earned Webb a $500 gift card.
USC team identifies new class of disinfection byproducts in water treatment systems
December 12, 2025, Chris Horn
An environmental chemistry research lab at USC at the forefront of efforts to find and identify disinfection byproducts in U.S. water treatment systems has discovered a new, highly toxic class of byproducts.
Serving the scientific community
December 12, 2025, Chris Horn
USC chemistry professor Linda Shimizu has a long list of accomplishments, including recently being named a fellow of the American Chemical Society, one of only 36 chemistry professors worldwide to receive the honor in 2025 for scientific and professional accomplishments.
A chemistry professor's quest to make perfectly homogeneous nanocrystals
December 11, 2025, Chris Horn
Millions of times smaller than a grain of salt, nanocrystals have become extraordinarily useful in electronics, drug delivery, biological imaging and beyond.
2025: Year in review
December 10, 2025, Dan Cook
Heading into 2025, the field of higher education faced significant challenges. But at the University of South Carolina, all signs point to dynamic growth and institutional strength.
How an Honors College student's thesis became a children's book
December 09, 2025, Chris Horn
Paige Canady planned to write a straightforward honors thesis, the kind that might get read once or twice, then put on a shelf. But after collaborating with an art education student, the project became a cleverly illustrated children’s book, one that Canady hopes will be read by families everywhere.
Class of 2025 December graduates
December 03, 2025, Megan Sexton
As the December Class of 2025 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
When darkness shines: How dark stars could illuminate the early universe
November 26, 2025, Alexey A. Petrov
Scientists working with the James Webb Space Telescope discovered three unusual astronomical objects in early 2025, which may be examples of dark stars. Alexey Petrov, a USC endowed chair in physics, writes for The Conversation on how this could alter scientists’ understanding of how ordinary stars form.
Rhodes scholar finalist plans a career in maternal health care
November 12, 2025, Megan Sexton
USC Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen, who was a Rhodes scholar finalist, plans to attend medical school to pursue her interest in maternal health.
Student historian maps out a new direction to a career in student affairs
November 11, 2025, Laura Erskine
Senior Gracie Bellah started at USC with her plans mapped out. A history and anthropology double major in the Honors College, she dove into historical research and became a leader in student organizations. Her experience helping other students as a McCausland College ambassador helped her decide to take her career plans in a new direction.
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.
Brett Sherman: Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award Winner
November 06, 2025, Craig Brandhorst
Associate professor Brett Sherman fell in love with philosophy as a teenager, before he even understood what he was reading. Now, the 2025 Mungo J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner inspires a similar curiosity in his students at the University of South Carolina.
First-generation students bring perspective, energy to USC campus
October 31, 2025, Megan Sexton
As the university marks the celebration of First-Gen College Celebration Week, we caught up with first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff who are thriving in the classroom and beyond.
Parris Island archaeological project spans 40 years
October 28, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
USC professor Chester DePratter has been sorting through archaeological evidence gathered over nearly four decades of investigation at the 16th century Spanish settlement of Santa Elena on present-day Parris Island. Here's what he and his team found.
Psychology, criminology major reflects on her experience studying abroad
October 13, 2025, Téa Smith
For psychology and criminology junior Caroline Hinkebein, exploring the world meant going to the University of South Carolina — nearly 1,000 miles away from her hometown. But her concept of world travel broadened when she got the opportunity to study abroad in Europe her freshman year. We talked to her about her experiences abroad.
Living and Learning: English, psychology senior reflects on experience in the Global Fellows community
October 08, 2025, Téa Smith
English and psychology senior Rowan Coutsos talks about the experience living in South Quad, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities.
South Carolina Honors College graduate Tremayne Ansani finds his path at USC
October 07, 2025, Megan Sexton
Tremayne Ansani had big plans before he even set foot on campus, but he had one overarching goal: to create and support community. Four years and a double major later, the Honors College graduate sat on the commencement stage as the recipient of the university’s highest student honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
Unsung ocean fungi have 'superpower' to aid healthy marine environments
October 03, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
Little-known ocean fungi are microscopic in size but make a gargantuan impact on subterranean life. Their superpower? They are the heavy lifters of carbon and nitrogen cycling, processes essential for life on earth. Nick Peng, assistant professor in the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment, would like unsung ocean fungi finally to get the recognition they deserve.
Patient-reported outcome measures essential to clinical decision-making
October 01, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
USC philosophy professor Leah McClimans cares about how health care professionals gauge the quality of patient outcomes beyond traditional clinical metrics. Her research has helped improve survey instruments so they are more inclusive of the patient’s entire experience.
Researchers and former students recall harsh lessons from historic 2015 Midlands flood
September 30, 2025, Chris Horn
It happened a decade ago, but lessons learned from the catastrophic flooding of Oct. 1-5, 2015, in the Midlands of South Carolina are still being reckoned by University of South Carolina researchers and former students who were involved in the flood’s aftermath.
Sarah Barker shares her wisdom about the mind-body connection
September 23, 2025, Chris Horn
Theater Professor Emeritus Sarah Barker learned a new way of thinking about the mind-body connection early in her career. She has been spreading the word ever since.
How to Throw a Festival: Hogs for the Cause
September 22, 2025, by Craig Brandhorst, photos by Kim Truett
Over the past 16 years, Hogs for the Cause has raised millions of dollars to help families facing pediatric brain cancer. Cofounder Becker Hall credits the University of South Carolina for showing him the way.
Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year: Greg Carbone
September 22, 2025, Craig Brandhorst
Greg Carbone is USC’s 2025 Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year, but lecturing and leading classroom discussions didn’t always come easy for the veteran geography professor. His secret is to remind himself that good teaching comes from a place of joy and curiosity.
Living and Learning: Sophomore history major reflects on his experience in the First-Generation Living and Learning Community
September 19, 2025, Téa Smith
Eduardo Ajuech-Agreda talks about how his experience living in Maxcy Residence Hall, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities, helped him as a first-generation student.
Peter McCausland wants to help University of South Carolina students discover their own pathways to success
September 16, 2025, by Craig Brandhorst / photos by Kim Truett
College of Arts and Sciences namesake Peter McCausland looks back on his freshman year struggles at USC, the successes that followed and a lifetime of giving back.
English, Honors College alumnus follows his filmmaking passion
September 15, 2025, Page Ivey
Luke Hodges says he found the arts community he was looking for when he transferred into USC's English and Honors programs more than 10 years ago. Looking back, the writer and documentary filmmaker says there was an "insane smorgasbord of opportunities" at USC.
Garnet Apple Award: Meena Khalili
September 12, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett
Change is a constant in the field of visual design — and Garnet Apple Award winner Meena Khalili embraces it. It’s what allows her, and her students, to be at the forefront of their field and to be ready for multiple career roles.
Students build for the future with Habitat for Humanity
September 12, 2025, Catherine Pruitt
USC's chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building homes and futures. Led by president Ria Kothari, the club works in the community almost every weekend to build homes to improve access to affordable housing.
Living and learning: Criminal justice major reflects on experience in Capstone Scholars program
September 10, 2025, Téa Smith
Criminal justice sophomore Navia Vohra talks about her experience living in Capstone, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities.
Video: Snapping shrimp could hold the key to protecting human brains from shockwaves
September 05, 2025, Hadley McCollester
Snapping shrimp can create shockwaves strong enough to stun prey. But how do they survive each other’s blasts? USC biologist Dan Speiser and his team discovered that a special “orbital hood” — a helmet-like shield around the shrimp’s eyes and brain — protects them from these powerful shockwaves. Collaborating with biomedical researchers at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, the team is now studying the hood’s structure to design next-generation helmets that could protect human brains from shock waves and even reduce the risk of PTSD in military personnel.
Neuroscience student finds connection, purpose in pursuing special education
September 04, 2025, Laura Erskine
If Jaelyn Souza could give just one piece of advice to this year’s incoming students at USC, it would be this: “Keep an open mind, because me as a freshman and me as a senior are two very different people.” The neuroscience major says all of her beyond-the-classroom experiences helped her decide on her career path.
Video: Investigating remote work "offices"
September 03, 2025, Hadley McCollester
Remote work has become more common since the COVID19 pandemic, however it might not be the best for every worker. The Family Inequality Research Lab led by sociology professor Jennifer Augustine investigated remote work through collecting data on remote work spaces. What they found may surprise you.
Carolina Trustees Professorship: Susan D. Richardson, chemistry
September 03, 2025, Megan Sexton
Chemistry professor Susan D. Richardson, the 2025 Carolina Trustees Professorship recipient, has spent her career researching water— from the safety of the water we drink to the quality of water for our ecosystems.
Kazakhstan studies affirm imperative to secure nuclear storage solutions
September 03, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
The pleasing pastoral landscapes across the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan hardly reflect its dark history. Generations of locals have lived near the site since it opened in 1949, and many remain today. USC researchers Timothy Mousseau and Magdalena Stawkowski are studying the impact of radioactive isotopes on the people, animals and plants of Semipalantinsk.
Baruch researchers investigate impacts of warming waters on shrimp populations
September 03, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
Project investigators from USC’s Baruch Marine Field Lab have been collaborating on a study into the impacts of warming coastal ocean waters on shrimp populations. They found that shrimp populations have been largely stable, and warmer water temperatures have led to longer seasons for shrimpers, often through January.
From chemistry labs to courtrooms: Honors College senior finds new path at USC
August 28, 2025, Téa Smith
Honors College senior Luci Green initially decided to study chemistry in college, but after taking a course taught by a visiting law professor, she began considering a new path. Now, she’s pursuing a pre-law concentration in conjunction with her chemistry major in hopes of becoming a patent lawyer.
Garnet Apple Award: Eilea Knotts
August 27, 2025, Laura Erskine
Marine biologist Eilea Knotts believes failure can be an important part of learning. She brings this philosophy into her classrooms, where she has equipped her students to learn from their setbacks and keep going with a new grading system. Her ingenuity has earned her the Center for Teaching Excellence’s Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.
3-time alumna helps tell the story of the early Republic
August 27, 2025, Megan Sexton
Zoie Horecny, who earned her undergraduate, master’s and doctorate in history from USC, is now the Digital George Washington Papers editor at the Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
Researchers find evidence for Younger Dryas comet-impact theory in ocean cores
August 13, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
Christopher Moore, research professor with the Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, recently led a team that analyzed sediment from the ocean floor in Baffin Bay, Greenland. Their efforts produced the first evidence — sourced directly from ocean cores — that a comet impact could have triggered an abrupt cooling of the atmosphere during a period known as the Younger Dryas 13,000 years ago.