First-gen, Next-gen
January 30, 2023, Megan Sexton
Hope Rivers, a first-generation college student who earned three degrees from USC, is inspiring a new generation of students as the president of Piedmont Technical College.
Recent Stories
Timir Datta: Magnetism Reimagined
January 27, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
Physics Professor Timir Datta was recently named a 2022 American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow for his research on “high-temperature” superconductors. But it’s the puzzling nature of electromagnetism that has pulled at his imagination for the last half a century.
Art heist in Lartania
January 24, 2023, Grace Farrar
International business graduate students took part in an immersive experience from the university’s Rule of Law Collaborative, a whodunnit game designed to help in federal anti-corruption training efforts.
Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis may be new to the President's House, but the university's first lady is no stranger to USC
January 18, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
First Lady Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis holds two graduate degrees from USC — a master’s in art history and a Ph.D. in philosophy. Her intellectual curiosity is how she makes sense of the world.
Alumna Caroline Harper works to bring back indigo
January 17, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
Indigo is tightly woven into South Carolina history, but few have worked with the rich natural dye since it fell out of favor nearly 150 years ago. Alumna Caroline Harper is bringing it back.
Catching Up with David Shields
January 13, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
When Carolinian magazine featured English professor and heirloom foodways expert David Shields in the winter 2019 issue, Shields had recently helped reintroduce Cocke’s Prolific corn to the American farmscape. A variety of field corn once grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Cocke’s Prolific was thought lost until Shields got wind that the Farmer family in Landrum, South Carolina, had been saving seeds and growing the unusual variety of corn for generations. Four years later, Shields reached out to the magazine about another South Carolina seed saver, Carold Wicker, whose Newberry County freezer chest is the stuff of legend among farmers, gardeners and heirloom produce detectives like Shields. For the debut installment of Catching Up, we followed Shields to a small family home outside Pomaria, South Carolina, for a glimpse inside Wicker’s freezer and a lesson on the history and lore of Palmetto State produce from the folks who know it best.
Better teaching through chemistry
January 10, 2023, Chris Horn
Amy Taylor-Perry discovered her knack for teaching while earning a Ph.D. in chemistry at UofSC. The university recognized Taylor-Perry’s teaching prowess and recruited her immediately.
Social justice awards recognize outstanding student, faculty members
January 09, 2023, Page Ivey
Four faculty members and a student have been recognized for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2023 Social Justice Awards. The University of South Carolina created the Social Justice Awards to recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.
Why is 13 considered unlucky?
January 09, 2023, Barry Markovsky
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of sociology Barry Markovsky writes for The Conversation about the superstition around the number 13.
Remains of Revolutionary War soldiers help USC anthropologists unravel the Battle of Camden
January 04, 2023, Rose Cisneros
Archaeologists with the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at USC have studied the Camden Battlefield for decades, but their most recent finding is the discovery of a lifetime.
Chemistry professor strives for understanding over memorizing
January 03, 2023, Page Ivey
Sheryl Wiskur knows how hard organic chemistry is. She has been teaching at the University of South Carolina for 15 years. But more importantly, she struggled with it herself as an undergraduate.
Art professor uses technology to keep class going during pandemic
January 03, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
Art professor Sara Schneckloth found herself in uncharted territory when COVID-19 abruptly shut down in-person instruction and she faced the challgenge of connecting with students over the internet instead of in a studio classroom. But she put technology to work to help students in her drawing graduate seminar mimic the classroom experience and create "a network of satellite studios."
Biological sciences professor always trying to improve
December 15, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
Whenever possible, Andy Schumpert likes to start the workday with a loop around the Horseshoe. Strolling the historic campus grounds gives the biological sciences instructor and lab coordinator time to reflect. What’s he doing right? What could he do better?
Year in review '22: In with the old, in with the new
December 14, 2022, Communications and Marketing
Did campus feel just a little bit livelier this year? A touch more spirited? A tad more optimistic? We thought so, too — and not only because we named a new president back in January. Yeah, that was one heck of a way to ring in the new year, and it set the tone for the months ahead, but in the end, 2022 was about all of us, from the President’s House to Russell House, from Colonial Life to Williams-Brice. It was about respecting tradition, rediscovering our identity, remembering our past and reimagining our future. In 2022, the University of South Carolina reminded us all what it means to be USC.
Garnet Apple award-winning professor Morgan Stefik sets chemistry to music
December 14, 2022, Rebekah Friedman
Garnet Apple award-winning professor Morgan Stefik uses an advertising trick — the memorable jingle — to help his students remember complex chemistry formulas.
USC to launch new Digital Studies certificate program
December 13, 2022, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina will launch a first of its kind interdisciplinary certificate program in Digital Studies, giving students the opportunity to gain in-demand digital skills that prepare them for careers in every field.
Psychology graduate ready for social work, counseling career
December 07, 2022, Megan Sexton
Charlotte Grover has known since she was in high school that she wanted to pursue a career as a counselor or therapist. She will graduate this month with a degree in psychology and plans to attend graduate school to earn her master’s in social work.
Criminology professor guides students through complex concepts
December 06, 2022, Page Ivey
Cory Schnell has always wanted to be a teacher, but he says his favorite part about teaching is just guiding his students through conversations that help them understand concepts of criminology and the criminal justice system.
Graduating engineering student looks ahead to career in coastal conservation
December 02, 2022, Chris Horn
Maggie Kemp grew up a five-minute drive from windswept Assateague Island National Seashore on the Maryland coast, and that locale inspired her undergraduate research pursuits and plans for graduate school at USC.
Geography professor maps heat islands as we adapt to climate change
November 16, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
Longtime University of South Carolina geography professor Kirstin Dow has devoted much of her career to understanding climate impact, vulnerability and adaptation. In other words, she recognizes the problems posed by our warming planet and is determined to help mitigate them, most recently by mapping heat islands so that urban planners can make better decisions about where to plant trees, generate more shade or support investment in affordable renewable energy and energy efficiency.
History professor's new book looks at cross-cultural ties created by slavery in the U.S. Colonies
November 14, 2022, Laura Erskine
Nicole Maskiell is an associate professor of history and affiliate faculty in African American studies at the University of South Carolina. Her book, “Bound by Bondage: Slavery and the Creation of a Northern Gentry” (2022 Cornell University Press), examines the institution of slavery in the early American Colonies and how it created lasting ties between families of the elite classes, even across cultural lines, as well as ties among the enslaved people.
Lessons in geography -- and global citizenship
November 09, 2022, Chris Horn
Students get more than an education in political geography in Meredith DeBoom’s courses. They become better informed and more articulate citizens of the world.
First-generation college students add energy, resilience to USC campus
November 04, 2022, Megan Sexton
There is no typical first-generation college student. Some come from immigrant families, some from households where family members didn’t graduate from high school. But all add energy and variety to the University of South Carolina campus.
The square root of mathematical learning
October 26, 2022, Rebekah Friedman
Mathematics professor Matthew Ballard has developed a teaching style that promotes student effort over innate abilities. His goal is to usher more students through the funnel of introductory STEM classes.
Hurricane, history and hauntings
October 26, 2022, Alexis Watts
This year marks the 200-year anniversary of the massive 1822 storm that hit Horry and Georgetown Counties. Cary Mock, professor of geography and a climatologist, says the storm transformed future development in the lowcountry. It also marked the first sighting of a legendary ghost.
Chemistry research fellow explores ways to protect watershed of coastal communities
October 26, 2022, Laura Erskine
Gwen Hopper’s research takes her to rivers, drainages and stormwater ponds throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties. She collects water samples to examine the amounts and types of dissolved organic matter in each system.
The creepy clown originated in the crass and bawdy circus clowns of the 19th century
October 25, 2022, Madeline Steiner
Postdoctoral fellow of history Madeline Steiner writes for The Conversation on the origins of the modern creepy clown.
University establishes Clyburn endowed chair through $1.5 million gift from Boeing
October 20, 2022, Abe Danaher
The Boeing Co. has provided the University of South Carolina with a $1.5 million gift to establish the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowed Chair of Public Service and Civic Engagement Fund. This endowed chair, awarded to associate professor Bobby Donaldson, will allow the university’s Center for Civil Rights History and Research to further its programming and outreach initiatives within the university community and across the state.
The riddle of autism
October 20, 2022, Megan Sexton
Researchers from across the University of South Carolina are working together to find answers to the many pieces of the autism puzzle. A new center takes a multidisciplinary approach to better understand neuro-developmental disorders.
Colonoscopy is still the most recommended screening for colorectal cancer, despite conflicting headlines and flawed interpretations of a new study
October 20, 2022, Franklin G. Berger
A recently published study in a high-profile medical journal appeared to call into question the efficacy of colonoscopy, a proven and widely utilized strategy for the screening and prevention of colorectal cancer. Distinguished professor emeritus of biological sciences Franklin G. Berger writes for The Conversation about the utility and need for colonoscopies.
Honors alumna fights to save endangered species
October 19, 2022, Aïda Rogers
Honors college and Marine Sciences alumna Ana Bishop’s senior thesis and passion for protecting marine ecosystems grew into a two-year project and a mission to save endangered whales.
Fiction writer joins faculty
October 18, 2022, Megan Sexton
Claire Jiménez is a new assistant professor of English language and literature and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina. Her debut novel will be published this spring by Grand Central Publishing.
Marine biology professor Tammi Richardson wins top teaching award
October 04, 2022, Megan Sexton
Tammi Richardson, a marine biologist who studies phytoplankton, received the university’s top teaching award the Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year for 2022.
What's a banana republic?
October 04, 2022, Matthew Wilson
When someone mentions a “banana republic,” they’re referring to a small, poor, politically unstable country that is weak because of an excessive reliance on one crop and foreign funding. Associate professor of political science Matthew Wilson writes for The Conversation about the use of the term over time.
New agreement with National Park Service advances UofSC's role in telling civil rights history
September 28, 2022, Alexis Watts
Under a five-year agreement with the National Park Service, the center will receive $3.4 million to expand the center’s existing work in civil rights education and scholarly research, including support for exhibits and programming at South Carolina sites in the African American Civil Rights Network. The center will help to grow the network in South Carolina by serving as a resource to property owners, community leaders and organizations interested in joining the network.
Storytelling at the heart of UofSC professor's work
September 28, 2022, Megan Sexton
Meena Khalili’s work spans multiple mediums — including print design, animation, pen-and-ink illustration, moving images and augmented reality. As an associate professor who teaches design and interaction in the School of Visual Art and Design, she uses many technologies and devices to create art.
Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away' continues to delight fans and inspire animators 20 years after its US premiere
September 19, 2022, Northrop Davis
Media arts professor Northrop Davis writes for The Conversation about Hayao Miyazaki’s animated feature “Spirited Away,” which premiered in the U.S. 20 years ago.
Q&A with Rebecca Rebl, designer of the First-Year Reading Experience book cover
September 09, 2022, Cecilia Dore
Rebecca Rebl shares the inspiration behind the "Biased" book cover and the challenges she experienced in the process.
UofSC grant program to fund projects in arts, humanities, social sciences
September 08, 2022, Jeff Stensland
University of South Carolina faculty members in the liberal arts, humanities and social sciences can now apply for a new grants program that will provide up to $25,000 for scholarship and creative work in the arts.
New cyber intelligence program prepares students for battlefield of the future
September 01, 2022, Laura Erskine
On Aug. 1, Jack Sadle became the first University of South Carolina student to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence — a field where issues of cyber and national security meet.
Old age isn't a modern phenomenon - many people lived long enough to grow old in the olden days, too
August 10, 2022, Sharon DeWitte
There is a common misperception that long life spans in humans are very recent, and that no one in the past lived much beyond their 30s before now. This is not true. There is physical evidence that plenty of people in the past lived long lives — just as long as some people do today. Anthropology professor Sharon DeWitte writes for The Conversation on the evidence that proves old age isn't a modern phenomenon.
Breakthrough star: Katelyn Stauffer
July 21, 2022, Megan Sexton
Katelyn Stauffer, an assistant professor of political science, studies how gender shapes American political behavior and what it means to have women in positions of power. It’s a topic of particular interest in today’s political climate. And it’s a field she came to almost by accident.
Psychology professor, researcher an open book when it comes to sharing expertise
July 12, 2022, Megan Sexton
As a psychology professor and co-director of the university’s McCausland Center for Brain Imaging, Chris Rorden has made his mark with the open-source software he has developed to assist in brain visualization, image processing and statistics.
Octavia E. Butler mined her curiosity to forge a new vision for humanity
June 22, 2022, Alyssa Collins
In an interview for The Conversation, Alyssa Collins, assistant professor of English Language and Literature, explains how science fiction author Octavia Butler’s boundless curiosity inspired her work and how Butler’s experiences as a Black woman drew her to “humans who must deal with the edges or ends of humanity.”
Conflicts over language stretch far beyond Russia and Ukraine
May 24, 2022, Stanley Dubinsky, Anyssa Murphy, Harvey Starr, Michael Gavin
There are many instances around the world of people who speak different languages living alongside each other, or those living near an international border to speak the language of the neighboring country. College of Arts and Science faculty write for The Conversation on conflicts over language and how it is used as a tool of politics and power.
For scholar and poet Ed Madden, going public is the name of the game
May 24, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
Ed Madden is well known on the University of South Carolina campus as the director of the Women’s and Gender Studies program and as a dynamic classroom instructor. He is just as well-known as a creative writer and arts advocate in Columbia, South Carolina, where he is wrapping up his term as the capital city’s inaugural poet laureate.
Illustrator Kev Roché brings artistic wit to the world of sports television
May 05, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
Kev Roche has turned his artistic talent and quick wit into a lucrative "hustle" drawing illustrations for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. The 2005 studio art major also has illustrated a book by two former Gamecock football players as well as given UofSC's beloved mascot Cocky a cartoon makeover.
Gilbert Gottfried and the mechanics of crafting one of the most memorable voices of all time
May 03, 2022, Erica Tobolski
As Gilbert Gottfried developed his comic persona, his distinctive voice made its way into his performances in stand-up comedy, advertising, television and film. However, his voice did not naturally sound this way. He figured out how to create a character that perfectly synched a personality with a voice. Theatre and dance professor Erica Tobolski writes for The Conversation on developing a character voice.
Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis is proud to be a Gamecock
May 02, 2022, Chris Horn
President-elect Michael Amiridis isn’t the only Gamecock returning to the roost this summer. His wife, Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis, has just as deep a Carolina connection. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in math from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the university’s new first lady holds two advanced degrees from USC — a master’s in art history, ’97, and a Ph.D. in philosophy, ’12.
UofSC experts: 2022 hurricane season
April 29, 2022, Amanda Hernandez
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Top researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2022 hurricane season, including forecasting, disaster planning and historical perspectives.
Professor explores aspects of Mexican culture in literature
April 27, 2022, Page Ivey
Spanish and comparative literature professor Rebecca Janzen has checked all the North America boxes: She is from Canada, works in the U.S. and her field of study is Mexican literature and culture. And, nine years removed from her Ph.D., she has published four books that all look at some aspect of Mexican culture or government and certain populations inside the country.
The Best of Times?
April 25, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
A lot happens over the course of an academic year, and there’s absolutely no way to highlight everything. So, no, don’t think of this as a Best Of list. This is merely a smattering of the achievements and memorable moments that defined 2021-22, a small taste of the year that was. Trust us, there’s plenty more where this came from — and plenty more to come.
After son's diagnosis, alumna becomes leading advocate for families affected by autism
April 25, 2022, Carol J.G. Ward
Alumna Lorri Unumb's journey to becoming an advocate for families affected by autism began when she and her husband Dan noticed their son Ryan wasn’t behaving and developing like other children. Ryan was diagnosed with autism shortly before his second birthday. Today, Unumb is internationally known for her advocacy. She has written ground-breaking autism insurance legislation and co-founded, with her husband, a nonprofit center for families affected by autism in South Carolina.
Sustained excellence leads Twiss to SEC Faculty Achievement Award
April 25, 2022, Abe Danaher
Since the early 1990s, Twiss has been at the forefront of the molecular neurobiology field. His excellence across research, teaching and mentorship has now led to him being named the 2022 SEC Faculty Achievement Award recipient for the University of South Carolina.
Sullivan Award winner focuses research, leadership efforts on sustainability
April 21, 2022, Communications and Marketing
Geography major Claire Windsor has turned a passion for creating a sustainable world into action throughout her four-year career at South Carolina. The Travelers Rest, South Carolina, native and Honors College student received the university's top leadership award, the 2022 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
UofSC alumna guides employer's gift to Center for Civil Rights History and Research
April 12, 2022, Megan Sexton
Alumna Kelly Adams, managing director of state government and regulatory affairs for the energy infrastructure company Williams, was instrumental in her employer’s gift of $1.5 million to the university's Center for Civil Rights History and Research.
Dance Marathon raises $931,016
April 12, 2022, Allen Wallace
On April 9, nearly 2,000 University of South Carolina students spent the day dancing together, closing more than a year of work with a huge success as they raised $931,016 to support the Child Life program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.
UofSC-trained climate experts map a path forward for business and government
April 06, 2022, Chris Horn
Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree that Earth’s rising temperatures and related phenomena — more frequent and severe drought, flooding and wildfires — are a result of human-caused climate change. Scientists who earned their Ph.D.s from South Carolina are applying their expertise to help corporations adopt more eco-friendly approaches to doing business and developing more equitable policies for coastal land use.
Type Hike exhibition makes UofSC debut at Thomas Cooper Library
April 05, 2022, Elinore Armstrong
Jane Armstrong’s experience in creating art pieces for the Type Hike exhibition at Thomas Cooper Library fuels her passion for graphic design and illustration.
Research project brings childhood curiosity about the 1970s full circle for UofSC junior
April 05, 2022, Carol J.G. Ward
UofSC junior combines curiosity about the 1970s, a love of history and an interest in culture and media into an undergraduate research project to assist history professor Lauren Sklaroff with research for a book proposal on 1970s popular culture.
Film and media studies grad named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List
March 31, 2022, Rose Cisneros
Film and media studies alumnus Herman Phillips talks about his work on award-winning productions and co-developing a revolutionary production management app.
Gallery showcases student photos of University Libraries' collections
March 31, 2022, Savannah Bennett
Photography students focus on University Libraries' collections to create a gallery for a blank canvas.
Professor helps turn youth lives around through art education
March 29, 2022, Megan Sexton
Art education professor Olga Ivashkevich oversees workshops for adolescent girls in the Juvenile Arbitration Program of Lexington County, using art to help keep them out of the formal criminal justice system.
Two UofSC honors students win Goldwater Scholarships
March 28, 2022, Abbey Smith
For two University of South Carolina students, earning a Goldwater Scholarship has turned childhood dreams into reality. Kirsten Fisher and Amanda Manea also have the honor of marking 30 years of Goldwater Scholars at UofSC.
Climate change and the weather
March 22, 2022, Chris Horn
Scientists who earned their Ph.D.s from South Carolina are looking at how changing weather patterns can help predict alternative energy production and how wildfires spawned by these climate changes are affecting plant ecosystems.
Climate change in our backyard
March 14, 2022, Chris Horn
Three scientists who earned their graduate degrees from South Carolina are studying how climate change — particularly sea level rise, drought and flooding — affect the state’s coastal resources.
UofSC-trained scientists look at impact of global warming on marine ecosystems
March 09, 2022, Chris Horn
Global warming is increasing the saltiness and temperature of the oceans, which adversely affect coral reefs and could worsen other aspects of marine ecosystems. Two scientists who earned their Ph.D.s from the University of South Carolina are gathering data on marine problems linked to climate change.
Psychology graduate becomes president of American Academy of Forensic Sciences
March 08, 2022, Rose Cisneros
As a forensic scientist and president of an international science academy, Carl McClary uses creativity in the way he approaches his scientific work.
UofSC experts: Environment, climate change and conservation
March 04, 2022
The University of South Carolina has a number of faculty members who are available to offer their expertise on environmental protection, climate action, biodiversity and conservation.
Military action in radioactive Chernobyl could be dangerous for people and the environment
March 04, 2022, Timothy Mousseau
Timothy Mousseau, biological sciences professor, writes for The Conversation on the impacts and possible outcomes of the war in Ukraine on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.
Water-analyzing aerial drone could get bigger and better
February 28, 2022, Chris Horn
A new water sampling aerial drone developed by University of South Carolina professors has six motors, four pumps, two batteries, one six-foot-long collection hose and a zero-carbon footprint. But this proof-of-concept machine could become even more impressive if the team is able to secure NSF funding for a new level of capability.
African American Studies program builds community, shapes students
February 23, 2022, Megan Sexton
The African American Studies program celebrates 50 years of commitment to sharing a deeper understanding of the Black experience.
Happy Twosday!
February 21, 2022, Barry Markovsky
Barry Markovsky, professor emeritus of sociology, writes for The Conversation about how the human brain has evolved to find meaning in numbers.
UofSC to expand civil rights education with $1.5 million gift from Williams to fund civil rights exhibits, programs and collections
February 15, 2022, Peggy Binette
A $1.5 million gift from Williams, an energy infrastructure company, will enhance the University of South Carolina’s Center for Civil Rights History and Research’s ability to share South Carolina’s important role in the broader national movement.
Alumni make their mark in Mars exploration
February 15, 2022, Bryan Gentry
South Carolina graduate students have played instrumental roles in developing the technology used on Mars. Whether in research labs on campus or in NASA offices, they’ve made their mark on the Red Planet.
Samuels named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
February 04, 2022, Bryan Gentry
The University of South Carolina has named Joel H. Samuels as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective Feb. 16. Samuels, a longtime law professor at the university, has served as interim dean of the college since January 2021. Over the past year, he has worked on numerous initiatives to advance the college.
Essay collection sheds light on the largely unknown history of Black people at UofSC
January 31, 2022, Chris Horn
The University of South Carolina desegregated in 1963, but the history of Black people on campus extends back to the university’s beginning in the early 19th century. In 10 illuminating essays edited by Robert Greene II and Tyler Parry, Invisible No More (USC Press 2021) tells that story.
4 UofSC researchers chosen as AAAS fellows
January 26, 2022, Office of Communications and Public Affairs; Photos by Kim Truett
Four University of South Carolina researchers have been elected as fellows in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a distinguished group of scientists, engineers and innovators.
UofSC physics graduate leads American Medical Association through the pandemic with optimism
January 18, 2022, Bryan Gentry
As president of the American Medical Association, Gerald Harmon, a University of South Carolina physics graduate, sees a path to progress as he leads America’s medical community through a pandemic.
Gift of rare Third Folio enhances UofSC's Shakespeare collection
December 14, 2021, Carol J.G. Ward
Third Folio of Shakespeare’s plays printed in 1664 has a permanent home at University of South Carolina Libraries. The book, a gift from Chicago attorney Jeffery Leving, along with the university’s copies of the Second and Fourth folios, will provide a rare opportunity for students, faculty and other researchers.
Environmental science graduate takes research to the next level
December 06, 2021, Savannah Bennett
Alumna Emma DeLoughry’s Macroplastics in South Carolina Waters: Connecting the Midlands to the Coast documentary is set to premiere on SC ETV Dec. 15.
Biochemistry major, December graduate parlays lab skills into job
November 29, 2021, Chris Horn
College life has been a quite a ride for Ismael Delgado, who switched campuses, changed majors, flipped his bike, broke his collarbone, fell in love with scuba diving — and studied abroad in South Korea during the pandemic. And if all of that weren’t enough, Delgado managed to turn his passion for laboratory research into a regular job in a COVID-testing lab and developed career plans for after graduation this December.
Joe Exotic channels the spirit of America's 19th-century tiger kings
November 23, 2021, Madeline Steiner
A bizarre cast of characters involved in the exotic animal trade returns in ‘Tiger King 2.’ Madeline Steiner, a post-doctoral fellow of history, examines parallels between larger-than-life Joe Exotic and 19th-century circuses and showmen for The Conversation.
Campus Conversation: Aliyah Grady
November 21, 2021
"I think my experience really allows me to be aware of what I enjoy and what’s not for me, and it has made growing up and maturing a lot more feasible for me."
USC graduates help fill the gaps in rural health care
November 16, 2021, Megan Sexton
As the country marks Rural Health Day this week, the University of South Carolina works — through its School of Medicine, College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health and other areas — to understand and improve the delivery of health care in rural and underserved communities.
Intriguing class offerings for spring 2022
November 10, 2021, Cam Adams
While the fall semester is far from over, it is time to start thinking about registering for spring 2022 classes. In addition to the essentials all students need to satisfy graduation requirements, we found a few classes open to all majors that you might want to look into.
New faculty spotlight: Nick Peng
November 08, 2021, Chris Horn
Nick Peng is an assistant professor in the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment in the College of Arts and Sciences who joined the university this past spring. His research focus is on the interactions of marine microorganisms, and he’s hoping to develop a new course that will enable students to learn the techniques for deciphering the identity and function of microorganisms present in any particular environment.
Cracking the hummingbird syndrome code
November 03, 2021, Patrick Wall
To understand University of South Carolina biological sciences assistant professor Carolyn Wessinger’s research, you need to know about the birds and the bees.
Beyond the classroom learning opportunities grow for UofSC's students
November 01, 2021, Abe Danaher
The Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning is rolling out four grants focused on increasing experiential learning opportunities for South Carolina students. These grants will work to tie what students are learning in class to what’s happening in the larger world around them, and strengthen their connection to the larger campus community.
Edgar Allan Poe's guide to failing your way to the top
October 26, 2021, Rose Cisneros
Columbia native and University of South Carolina English graduate Catherine Baab-Muguira spent four years researching Poe’s life and career. Along the way, she found the strength to overcome one of the darkest periods in her own life and enough material for a book.
Civics 101: A bridge both ways
October 21, 2021, Page Ivey
Civic engagement is a two-way street, and that’s particularly true in education. Professor Tia Stevens Andersen's mentorship class that pairs criminal justice students with at-risk high school students is paving the way to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Renowned topiary garden makes a comeback with help from UofSC
October 20, 2021, Bryan Gentry
With a pair of shears and the occasional use of power hedge trimmers, Mike Gibson — topiary artist-in-residence for UofSC's McKissick Museum — snips bits and pieces of holly bushes and trees to restore the living sculptures at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden.
Alumna's passion for environment leads to career at EPA
October 19, 2021, Savannah Bennett
Alumna Hali Kerr says that environmental law and policy "puts a fire in my belly." Her new job at the Environmental Protection Agency drives that passion.
Poet Nikky Finney embraces outspoken candor to inform, educate, motivate
October 13, 2021, Bryan Gentry
In “At War with Ourselves: 400 Years of You,” Nikky Finney, the poet and English professor, covers four centuries of American history, recounting uncomfortable truths about racism and violence. But she also sings of success and resilience.
New faculty spotlight: Melissa Ellermann
October 11, 2021, Chris Horn
Every year, the University of South Carolina attracts dynamic new faculty in a range of disciplines. Melissa Ellermann, an assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, studies the role intestinal microorganisms play in our overall health.
As American independence rang, a sweeping lockdown and mass inoculations fought off a smallpox outbreak
October 11, 2021, Woody Holton
History professor Woody Holton writes for The Conversation about how Americans of the founding era stayed healthy enough to fight the Revolutionary War with lockdowns and mass inoculations to combat a viciously contagious disease.
Journalism through numbers: Alumna tells stories with statistics
October 05, 2021, Lauren Arabis
If you turned to the internet for insights leading up to the 2020 presidential election, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Anna Wiederkehr’s work. Wiederkehr, a 2012 visual communications alumna, is the senior visual journalist for FiveThirtyEight, a website that uses statistical data to explore everything from sports to politics.
Remembering the Days: Harry Walker, the underdog who won
October 03, 2021, Chris Horn
When students at the University of South Carolina elected a new Student Government president in 1971, the event made national news. That's because, just eight years after the university was desegregated, an African American student won the election, riding a wave of support from white and Black students who were tired of the "establishment" and "the system."
Boren Scholar joins NASA simulation study
September 30, 2021, Page Ivey
How long can a crew of astronauts live together and complete rote, and at times mundane, tasks without wanting to strangle each other? That is a question University of South Carolina graduate William Brown is hoping to help answer as one of two U.S. members of a NASA spaceflight simulation study.
UofSC professor: Human-driven climate change is devastating ocean ecosystems
September 28, 2021, Rose Cisneros and Bryan Gentry
Warming oceans are driving some marine populations out of their habitats and into peril, according to new research by University of South Carolina professor Erin Meyer-Gutbrod. The temperature change is affecting creatures large and small, from the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale to more common fish whose habitats are losing oxygen.