2021 News Archive

Columbia resident earns public health degree to improve health, well-being of local communities

Alex Taylor plans to earn a grant writing certification and complete dual master's degrees in public health and urban planning. Long term, she hopes to become a social entrepreneur, helping underserved communities achieve health and wellness.

Exercise science graduate pursues career in physical therapy working with neurodiverse children

Originally from Illinois, Kathryn (Katy) Maxwell's short list of potential colleges included universities with warm weather and big football. It was UofSC's traditions and history that ultimately led her to South Carolina to study exercise science.

December graduate applies lessons from doctoral program to pursue career of service

Adam Ereth chose UofSC because the Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences program offered the chance to explore the unique research questions that arose from his background in geography combined with his varied interests.

Realize your potential; maximize your impact, public health graduate says

With a lot of nurses and physicians in her extended family, Katelyn Stephens already knew she was interested in a health-related career. She decided to study public health because it offered insight into the preventive side of healthcare.

December graduate earns public health degree as foundation for career as child life specialist

As an Arnold School student, Erin Quinn realized just how broad the field of public health is and loved the perspective it offered. Her courses, conversations with her mentor and volunteer experiences, led Quinn to her career path as a child life specialist.

Columbia’s first student-run World AIDS Day draws positive community support

USC Carolina News and Reporter covers Columbia's first student-run World AIDS Day, featuring public health students Bella Alonso and Julia Budiongan. The two master's students co-chaired the community event.

A passion for sports – and coaching

UofSC features Mallory Dixon, a volleyball athlete who graduates this month with a M.S. in Exercise Science. Dixon will coach club volleyball, and hopes to pursue a college coaching position or a clinical profession such as physical therapy.

Staff Spotlight: Latoya Townes

Latoya Townes has spent her entire 20-year career in the Department of Exercise Science - working behind the scenes as a key member of the administrative team that keeps the department thriving.

Researchers to develop nationwide Virtual Patient Engagement Studio focused on COVID-19

Building on the success of the UofSC Patient Engagement Studio, Nabil Natafgi and Ann Blair Kennedy, will use a $200K award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to create a COVID-19-Focused Virtual Patient Engagement Studio.

I Am Public Health: Briana Thompson Ford

Passion for public health policy leads Briana Thompson Ford to pursue Master of Public Health in Health Services Policy and Management while working as a health research analyst at the UofSC Institute for Families in Society.

Arnold School researchers contribute to special series on adolescent nutrition in The Lancet

Professor Edward Frongillo and Angela Liese, along with Ph.D. alumna Chiwoneso Tinago, have co-authored papers published in a special series by The Lancet that focuses on adolescent nutrition.

An inside look. Cathy Arnot shares what it's like to be a physical therapist for Olympic medalists and bringing her experiences back to the classroom

The physical therapist/clinical associate professor is doing what she loves best: preparing the Arnold School's DPT students for careers as physical therapists and traveling the world to assist dedicated athletes at the top of their game.

New device offers first comprehensive assessment of kids' daily activity

After observing the absence of monitors that accurately and comfortably capture the everyday activities of children, UofSC researchers designed a device that is custom-made for kids and their lifestyles: small, water-resistant, wearable, all-in-one.

Smokers keep smoking, even as perceptions of COVID-19 risk and severity increase

Health promotion, education, and behavior researchers examined changes in smoking frequency, quit attempts, stress/depression, and perceived severity of COVID-19 among more than 2750 smokers in Mexico during March and July of 2020.

Theodoros Giannouchos joins Department of Health Services Policy and Management as assistant professor

Over Giannouchos' 15 years of education and training, he developed research interests in health services utilization and patient preferences, health outcomes, policy evaluation, and comparative effectiveness.

UofSC researchers lead study to help state health officials fight COVID

One year after the launch of the SC Strong Project, UofSC interviews epidemiology assistant professor Melissa Nolan to find out what the team has learned about COVID-19 infections, spread, testing, vaccinations and risk factors in South Carolina.

Arnold School alumnus named chair of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Governance Board

Sam Soltis is a 2012 graduate of the Ph.D. in Health Services Policy and Management program and former Deputy Director of Health Services at the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

New project unites statewide efforts to address social determinants of health

The Center for Applied Research & Evaluation has been awarded nearly $600k from The Duke Endowment to lead the development of a collective strategy for addressing social determinants of health in South Carolina.

Timeline: Resolve, ingenuity define UofSC pandemic response

UofSC traces the university's efforts to combat COVID with a timeline of activities over the past two years. The Arnold School is proud to have contributed to these collaborations throughout the process.

Doctoral student receives assistance from Boeing-supported UofSC free legal clinic for veterans

Brooks Herring, a graduate of the B.S. in Exercise Science Program and currently a student in the same department's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was able to receive free legal assistance from a clinic offered at the UofSC School of Law.

Bridget Miller joins Arnold School to lead bachelor's programs as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs

Bridget Miller found her niche 20 years ago. After growing up in a small town in rural Nebraska, she attended bachelor's and graduate programs at big universities, and her passion for higher education became a life-long pursuit.

Piloting a path to a new career

UofSC features Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology-Distance Education student Molly O'Malley -- a former Marine Corps pilot who has been awarded the inaugural Salute to Service Scholarship.

Staff Spotlight: April Davis

April Davis has a wealth of human resources experience. From employment preparation to recruitment; from support services to career guidance, she's done it all. Now she's pulling it all together as the Director of Human Resources.

New faculty spotlight: Ebony Toussaint

UofSC features alumna Ebony Toussaint, who has returned to Carolina to conduct research in health policy/services, healthcare quality/access, patient outcomes, and more at the Rural and Minority Health Research Center.

Faculty launch free exercise program to learn how physical activity benefits cancer survivors

Exercise science faculty Shana Harrington and Ciaran Fairman are conducting a pilot study to investigate the implementation of an exercise program for individuals with cancer as part of their routine care.

I Am Public Health: Sharon Gray

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology student completes distance education program to support residents of her rural Colorado community both short and long term.

Research on COVID-19 spread in long-term care facilities suggests these settings serve as early indicators of community-wide spread

A study led by researchers in the Arnold School's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has investigated COVID-19 infection rates and deaths among long-term care facility residents and staff in South Carolina.

Peer mentorship is key to achieving equity in higher education leadership, study finds

Researchers from across the Arnold School have completed a study on the importance of peer mentorship in creating diverse leadership representation in higher education settings.

Researchers paint picture of COVID-19 severity, outcomes in South Carolina

The first statewide population-based study of COVID-19 symptoms and clinical outcomes has found disparities across different groups, particularly by race/ethnicity and geographic location (rural vs urban).

Athletic training graduate kicks off career with the New York Jets

Following her May 2021 graduation, Victoria Simpson headed north to begin the first step in her career: a seasonal athletic training internship with the New York Jets where she also participates in the organization's community outreach efforts.

Staff Spotlight: Susan Cate

Her current role as Director of Productivity Analysis involves tracking and reporting on research productivity indicators. This includes keeping up with sponsored award funding, proposal submission and peer-reviewed publications.

Runaway algae growth causes neurological problems for those with liver disease

Researchers from the Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions have combined their collective expertise in environmental health sciences to reveal additional health concerns posed by the overgrowth of harmful algae blooms.

I Am Public Health: Akeen Hamilton

Doctoral candidate earns degree from the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior to pursue career designing and implementing HIV prevention methods for Black males.

Researchers win NIH grant to study viral suppression using big data approach

Bankole Olatosi, assistant professor of health services policy and management, and Jiajia Zhang, professor of biostatistics, have been awarded more than $3.5 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Big Data Health Science Center wins grant to assess impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health disparities

Professors Xiaoming Li and Jihong Liu will lead an NIH-funded study to better understand severe maternal morbidity/mortality with a focus on the combined effects of pre-existing disparities and disproportionate rates of COVID-19.

Cancer treatment has improved but access to services remains unequal, study finds

A Rural and Minority Health Research Center study on hospital-based cancer treatment services over an nine-year period found disparities between rural and urban access to cancer treatment.

Epidemiologist Jingkai Wei boosts Arnold School expertise in cardiovascular disease, cognitive aging as assistant professor

This fall, Wei brought his expertise in lifestyle, psychosocial, and vascular risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and dementia to the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics as an assistant professor.

Children's health-related behaviors negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers from the Department of Exercise Science have published new research on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's health-related behaviors (e.g., physical activity, diet, screen time, sedentary behavior, sleep).

UofSC Big Data Health Science Center wins NIH award to launch big data fellowship program

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded $1.75 million to the UofSC Big Data Health Science Center to train junior faculty to conduct infectious disease research using vast amounts of data.

Study reveals lack of access to water, sanitation, hygiene services in sub-Saharan Africa may have COVID impacts

Researchers from the Arnold School's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics have led a study examining the access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Individuals with primary care physician continuity have better cancer survival, study finds

Research led by health services policy and management assistant professor Peiyin Hung has found that patients with continual care from the same primary care physician have lower death rates from cancer.

Hindsight 2020: The therapist

UofSC features communication sciences and disorders clinical assistant professor Jamy Claire Archer in a series where Gamecocks reflect on how COVID-19 changed their jobs and how they work.

Staff Spotlight: Davis Shinn

David Shinn is approaching his second retirement. The first took place in 2001 after 21 years of service to the United States Air Force. Shinn had led a very different life during his first career, but it was one that ultimately led him to the Arnold School.

Master of public health graduate selected for Rollins COVID-19 Epidemiology Fellowship

Jessica Simon was perfectly positioned to support the Midlands when the COVID-19 pandemic began. She was working as a graduate research assistant when the state shut down in response to surging infection rates of SARS-CoV-2 in March of 2020.

I Am Public Health: Jeonghyeon Ahn

Environmental scientist pursues Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences to examine how pollutants disperse and travel through the environment and how they pose a risk to public health.

An interview with Staff Senate representatives Dwaun Sellers and Andrenette Hudley

UofSC's first-ever Staff Senate is up and running, and the Arnold School is well represented with Dwaun Sellers as the school's senator and Andrenette Hudley serving as secretary on the executive committee.

COVID-19 pandemic accelerates children's weight gain, BMI

A study led by researchers at UofSC's Department of Exercise Science has found increases in body mass index (BMI) scores among school-age children - likely a result of school closures, food insecurity and fewer outdoor activity opportunities.

New training program recruits underrepresented undergraduate students to join maternal and child health field

The UofSC MCH Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) training program is designed to recruit and support undergraduate students from underserved or under-represented backgrounds.

Doctoral student wins NIH award to support cardiovascular disease prevention research

Lauren von Klinggraeff, a Ph.D. in Exercise Science student, has been awarded more than $120K from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to study the best methods for scaling up health interventions.

August graduate completes degree in public health as foundation for career in genetic counseling

Charleston, South Carolina native Abby Spencer knew she was interested in health, but she didn't truly understand the value of a public health perspective until she worked on a congenital heart disease project during high school.

Master's graduate supports local school as head athletic trainer

After graduating this past May, Williams accepted a position as the head athletic trainer at Ben Lippen School. She applies the lessons she learned from her athletic training courses and clinical experiences every day.

Family tragedy leads student to two Arnold School degrees, career in physical therapy

When Jennifer Heiser's dad had a massive stroke, it changed everything. The Madison, Wisconsin-based family moved to South Carolina, and Heiser spent the next 10 years as a part-time student, part-time professional and part-time caregiver.

Saurabh Chatterjee wins second $2.5 million VA Merit Award to develop treatments for chronic multi-symptom illness associated with Gulf War Veterans

Three years into his first five-year, $2.4 million VA Merit Award, environmental health sciences associate professor Saurabh Chatterjee has won a second grant from the Veterans Health Administration.

Staff Spotlight: Pamela Metz, Administrative Assistant for the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior

After four decades in the workforce - many of those years in public service and eight of them at the Arnold School - Pamela Metz is looking forward to a new chapter in life when she retires in September.

Public health major, cheerleader to pursue career in maternal/child, women's health

Olivia Ramos discovered photos of Carolina's beautiful campus and then followed up with a tour that included in-person views of the horseshoe and hearing student testimonials first-hand.

August graduate to work with pediatric populations as speech-language pathologist

The field of speech-language pathology tied everything together for Anne Elise Nicoladis. As an undergraduate at UofSC, she knew she wanted to work with children, and she knew she had a passion for research.

Research participant opportunity!

Are you African American? Between the ages of 18-65? Interested in improving your eating and weight? Learn more about this FREE three-month program led by UofSC researchers at the BRIE Lab.

I Am Public Health: Wanfang Zhang

Graduate student pursues master's and doctoral degrees in biostatistics, specializing in Bayesian methods and time series research to improve public health in a range of areas and applications.

August graduate leaves mark on program by co-founding cultural, diversity group for physical therapy students

Emma Mitsui discovered public health when she took some courses as an undergraduate student. She became interested in the intersection of health and social justice and decided to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Canadian completes master's degree in speech-language pathology through distance education

When Rebecca Harper decided to earn a master's degree, she looked for outstanding programs that offered distance education options so she could continue serving as a speech-language pathology assistant for a district school board.

August graduate joins Harvard Medical School as postdoctoral fellow in global health and infectious disease epidemiology

Chengbo Zeng graduates with 27 peer-reviewed publications and 31 presentations. He received two of his department's highest honors: the Christopher Peter Aluah Outstanding Doctoral Student Award and the Olga I. Ogoussan Doctoral Research Award.

Ancient herbal medicine may offer relief to veterans with Gulf War Illness

The Environmental Health & Disease Laboratory has completed a study that shows promise for andrographolide, a popular herbal medicine in Southeast Asia, as a treatment of Gulf War Illness by restoring gut microbiomes and viromes.

August grad to work at specialized feeding and speech clinic in Midlands

Blythe Vickery has two main lessons to share from her time at the Arnold School: be inquisitive and keep an open mind. The master's student graduates in August, but the Arnold School became her home during her junior year as an undergrad.

Arnold School reaches new level of research support

UofSC highlights the work of Arnold School researchers, whose efforts have resulted in a new funding record for the 2020-2021 fiscal year: $43.5 million surpassing the 2018-2019 record of $38.3 million.

Older adults comply with COVID-19 risk mitigation behaviors, but urban-rural disparities persist

Researchers at the Rural and Minority Health Research Center found high levels of compliance with risk mitigation behaviors among all older adults; however, rural residents were less likely to adhere to these recommendations.

The coronavirus meets big data

Xiaoming Li and Bankole Olatosi, co-directors of the UofSC Big Data Health Science Center, are acquiring de-identified electronic health records for all COVID-19 patients in South Carolina to develop a statewide data-driven system to respond to the pandemic.

Breakthrough Star: Elizabeth Crouch

UofSC features 2021 Breakthrough Star Elizabeth Crouch, assistant professor of health services policy and management and deputy director of the Rural and Minority Health Research Center.

Breakthrough Leader: Xiaoming Li

UofSC features HPEB professor and Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award winner Xiaoming Li. The internationally renowned AIDS/HIV expert is also the director for the Center for Healthcare Quality and the Big Data Health Science Center.

Christina Andrews wins second National Institutes of Health grant to examine Medicaid programs for substance abuse treatment

On the heels of receiving a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to examine the treatment of alcohol use disorder for Medicaid recipients, Christina Andrews has been awarded another R01 grant.

Five Arnold School students selected to join Grace Jordan McFadden Professor Program

Graduate students James White, Kenya Moore, Brittany Crawford, Prince Addo, and Shanikque Blackwell have all been admitted into the prestigious program designed for underrepresented minority graduate students at UofSC.

Register now for the 2021 Virtual Big Data Health Science Conference February 5-6

This year's theme will focus on Unlocking the Power of Big Data: Bringing Innovation into Improved Care and Prevention. Learn about the conference schedule, speakers, student competition (January 29-31), registration (only $25), and more.

Staff Spotlight: Jane Anderson, Administrative Coordinator in the Dean's Office

For the past 20 years, Anderson has served as a key member of the Office of the Dean. Currently, her full title is Administrative Coordinator to the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Curriculum and the Associate Dean for Operations and Accreditation.

I Am Public Health: Emanuel Ayala

A passion for sports and athletic performance leads master's student to delve deep into exercise science on his path to pursing a career in medicine serving immigrant and Hispanic communities.

Public health graduate to join elite training program at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Highly competitive, this two-year training program matches candidates with public health agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the United States where they will work in a variety of public health settings.

Researchers publish free workbook for students, faculty on health in rural America

As an outcome rural health workshop they hosted last summer, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have produced a workbook (free to anyone with a .edu email address).

Fridriksson named interim vice president for research

UofSC announces that Julius Fridriksson has been named interim vice president for research beginning July 1. Fridriksson is a professor of communication sciences and disorders and the director of the NIH-funded Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery.

Alumni, faculty investigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on academics who mother

Scholarly and popular press articles have been published about the effects on daily life during the pandemic. Recent research from Arnold School alumni and faculty reveals the unique pandemic experience of academics who mother.

Faculty, students expand infectious disease research in parallel with providing COVID-19 support

Melissa Nolan has built the Laboratory of Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases by engaging an enthusiastic group of students whose membership swells up to 30. These budding scientists are eager to learn the ropes of research.

UofSC Prevention Research Center leads state-wide project to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among underserved communities

Existing health disparities, including healthcare resources and socioeconomic barriers, have exacerbated infection rates and posed additional challenges to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among underserved populations, such as non-Hispanic Blacks.

Researchers find higher rates of mental health conditions among pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study, published in Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, has found higher percentages of pregnant women have experienced symptoms of depression, thoughts of self-harm and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SNAP-Ed Program awards grants to expand local food policy councils across South Carolina

The UofSC SNAP-Ed Implementing Agency, in partnership with the South Carolina Food Policy Council, has awarded nearly $12,000 each to seven groups across the state to expand and develop their local food policy councils.

Staff Spotlight: Dale Murrie, Project Coordinator for the Children's Physical Activity Research Group

Murrie has contributed to numerous projects during her two decades with CPARG. At present, much her time is spent on the National Physical Activity Plan, working directly on nine sectors and providing support for a 10th sector, the Ad Hoc Military group.

Sigfus Kristinsson racks up two more awards on path to becoming aphasia expert

COMD doctoral candidate Sigfus Kristinsson has been selected for two new fellowships: the Icelandic Disability Alliance and the American-Scandinavian Foundation. These fellowships are Kristinsson's third and fourth funding awards in two years.

Public health researcher uses big data to improve well being

UofSC features 2021 Breakthrough Star and health services policy and management assistant professor Bankole Olatosi, who researches the application of big data science to healthcare services utilization among people living with HIV.

Christina Andrews awarded more than $2.5 million from National Institutes of Health to examine treatment of alcohol use disorder for Medicaid recipients

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism will fund a new study led by Christina Andrews, an associate professor of health services policy and management, to examine the effectiveness of Medicaid-covered alcohol use disorder treatment.

I Am Public Health: Aja Willis

Master of public health student pursues career in epidemiology to serve rural communities and advance equity in the areas of healthy food access and food safety.

COVID-19 pandemic reveals need for more interdisciplinary research training among graduate students

Doctoral students Gabriel Benavidez and Jennifer Mandelbaum have published a paper, noting that despite an abundance of support for and findings from COVID-19 research, the lessons learned often appear in silos.

Maternal and Child Health Catalyst Program recognizes undergraduate, graduate student winners of iPoster and abstract competitions

The Arnold School's Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Catalyst Program partnered with Discover UofSC 2021 to host two MCH-focused contests for participants in the annual university-wide research event.

Tick Tick Tick: What a Plucky Band of Parasite Hunters Found in SC’s Woods

SC Radio features the work of epidemiology assistant professor Melissa Nolan, whose team is tracking tick-borne diseases throughout South Carolina. In this interview, she shares the basics on some of the new tick varieties they've found.

Master of Health Administration alumnus leads efforts to bring vaccines to rural residents

With the establishment of community vaccination sites in larger areas across the state at the beginning of 2021, it became apparent that access to the vaccine was not readily available in rural communities like Laurens.

Arnold School faculty to lead five projects with support from Prisma Health Research Seed Grant Program

Faculty have been awarded funding from Prisma Health to conduct research aimed at improving health system performance, population health, or biomedical science that translates to clinical practice and improved patient outcomes.

Public health graduate to study maternal health as Rotary Scholar in Ghana

As a Rotary Scholar, Emily Saathoff will focus on maternal and child health, specifically maternal mortality rates due to pregnancy-related complications. Her goal is contribute to advancing equity in this area through prevention.

Master of public health alumna applies lessons learned at UofSC to role as CDC health communication specialist

Neha Sood believes her academic programs and research/practical experiences with the SC Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, SC Tobacco-Free Collaborative, and the UofSC School of Medicine helped prepare her for her career.

Staff Spotlight: Teresa Boyett, Graduate Admissions Coordinator for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

In her role, Boyett works with prospective students who are interested in the graduate programs offered by the COMD department: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Residential & Distance Education) and Ph.D. in COMD.

Physician completes Ph.D. in Epidemiology to improve maternal and child health at population level

As a student in the Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, Mohit Chowdhury developed expertise in maternal and child health, mental health, developmental disabilities, health systems research, quality of care, nutrition and non-communicable diseases.

Do you need help getting your kids to be more active?

Exercise science professor Russell Pate and student Aliyah Abrams talk to WIS TV about parent/caregiver resources for helping kids be physically active, compiled by the Children's Physical Activity Research Group.

Arnold School faculty and postdoctoral scholars to serve as principal investigators on 14 projects supported by 2021 ASPIRE grants

Faculty and postdoctoral scholars from across the Arnold School received funding through the Office of the Vice President for Research's Advanced Support for Innovative Research Excellence (ASPIRE) program.

I Am Public Health: Leslie Watson

Corporate accountant returns to school to earn Master of Health Administration and pursue career in healthcare. The May graduate's next stop will be a residency with a major insurance organization.

Marine Corps staff Sergeant earns public health degree to improve mental health for military service members and veterans

UofSC appealed to Matt Trogdon because of the Arnold School's rankings as a top tier public health program (No. 13 in 2020 among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report) and its top notch Navy ROTC program.

Cell study suggests pesticide exposure may increase COVID-19 susceptibility

New research from ENHS associate professor Saurabh Chatterjee's Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory suggests increased COVID-19 susceptibility among those exposed to pesticides, particularly veterans with Gulf War Illness.

South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network partners with communities to improve health, reduce cancer disparities

Twelve years after the UofSC Prevention Research Center established the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (SC-CPCRN), the Network has become more impactful than anyone predicted.

Public health grad to attend UofSC School of Medicine Greenville in pursuit of equity in women's health

Carson Collins was determined to choose the best major to prepare her for a career in medicine, zeroing in on the Arnold School's Bachelor of Science in Public Health program as the perfect foundation.

May graduate completes MPH to help disseminate research conducted by public health scientists

The Arnold School's Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior was a natural fit for learning more about her public health interests, and Wendy Besmann jumped into the program.

Brushing away oral health disparities in America’s rural children

New research from HSPM assistant professor/Rural and Minority Health Research Center deputy director Elizabeth Crouch and MUSC professor Amy Martin has revealed that rural children are less likely to receive preventive oral care than urban kids.

New NIH-funded study to add cultural relevance to U.S. dietary guidelines

Brie Turner-McGrievy has been awarded $3.4 million to increase dietary quality and reduce type 2 diabetes risk among African Americans by ensuring the cultural relevance of the dietary patterns recommended by the United States Dietary Guidelines

May graduate brings athletic training expertise, public health focus to residency position at The Steadman Clinic

As an athletic trainer, Madison Hauge has developed expertise in examination, diagnosis and treatment. She has also learned the power of prevention and the need to focus on public health overall.

Center for Community Health Alignment Partners with Johnson & Johnson to Combat Racial and Health Inequities

In partnership with the National Association of Community Health Workers, the Center for Community Health Alignment is working to eradicate racial/social injustice as a public health threat by leveraging the community health worker program.

Researchers across South Carolina partner with AARP SC to produce report on health disparities among older Black adults

The report, Health Disparities: South Carolina Non-Hispanic Black People Aged 50+, was produced by a team of researchers from across the state, including HPEB associate professor Lucy Ingram.

Ph.D. in Exercise Science graduate to pursue academic career focusing on female athlete triad, eating disorder risk, and body image dissatisfaction

During her program, Norman J. Arnold Doctoral Fellow Allison Smith developed research expertise in the female athlete triad, eating disorder risk in understudied populations and body image dissatisfaction.

Faculty establish fellowship to recruit, support underrepresented students studying speech-language pathology

In an effort to address the field's lack of diversity, the COMD department has established a fellowship to recruit and support students from underrepresented backgrounds in communication sciences and disorders.

Staff Spotlight: Mike Young, Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Center for Community Health Alignment and PASOs

Over the years, Young has worked to strengthen South Carolina's Latino communities by overseeing and supporting a statewide team of Community Health Workers/Promotores and strengthening networks.

Study finds state vaccine mandates for child care centers effectively increase proportion of young children up to date with vaccines

Research led by Nicole Hair has found that states that adopt child care mandates for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine see a corresponding increase in the proportion of children who are up to date on their pneumococcal vaccines.

I Am Public Health: Anja Derry

Master's student pursues career as speech-language pathologist to support children with communication disorders, particularly those who have limited resources to access healthcare/rehabilitation services.

Postdoctoral fellow Oluwafemi Adeagbo selected as affiliate member of African Academy of Sciences

Oluwafemi (Femi) Adeagbo, a postdoctoral fellow with the Center for Healthcare Quality and Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, has been selected as an affiliate member of the African Academy of Sciences.

Register today for the UofSC Nutrition Research Symposium held April 9

The University of South Carolina’s Nutrition Consortium Mini Symposium, “UofSC Nutrition Research Symposium: Share, Discover, Connect" will be held online Friday, April 9, 2021 from 1:00-4:00PM.

Facility ownership matters in the provision of suicide prevention programs, study shows

Researchers at the Arnold School's Rural and Minority Health Research Center have completed a study on the differences of facility ownership in suicide prevention programs in outpatient mental healthcare settings across the United States.

Ciaran Fairman brings exercise oncology expertise to Department of Exercise Science as assistant professor

Originally from Ireland, Fairman has studied in the United States and Australia. He is applying his resulting expertise to researching how exercise and nutritional interventions can target the side effects of cancer/treatment.

Resilience, ingenuity define UofSC's COVID response

Surveillance and monitoring are key components in protecting public health during a pandemic. See how environmental health sciences associate professor Sean Norman and his team are playing their part with this video from UofSC.

GeoMat one year later. The start-up wins innovative technology award, additional funding to apply oil remediation technique in Alaska

As evidenced by GeoMat's selection to receive the Innovative Technology Award from the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator and their recent SBIR grant from NSF, the start-up is quickly growing and accomplishing its goals.

Sigfus Kristinsson wins second scholarship to support dissertation research focused on aphasia

Ph.D. in COMD candidate Sigfus Kristinsson has secured a $10,000 New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation - bringing his total amount of dissertation funding to $35,000.

'A beacon for public service': USC student finalist for national Truman Scholarship

The Daily Gamecock features Truman finalist Laura-Louise Rice, whose goal is to advance maternal health for Black women. Learn how Rice is using the BARSC program to create her own curriculum in public health, social work, legal studies, and public policy.

Researchers to help LGBTQIA+ populations navigate barriers to health information

Over the next two years, a team of researchers from the School of Information Science and Arnold School of Public Health will collaborate to recruit, learn from and develop specialized training for LGBTQIA+ community health workers.

Staff Spotlight: Debra Brown, Business Manager for the Department Health Services Policy and Management

Brown marked her 30-year anniversary at UofSC in 2020. Over the years, she has held positions with the School of Medicine, Associate Vice Provost for Research Office, Faculty Senate, and College of Mass Communications and Information Sciences.

Jennifer Mandelbaum wins Dr. Rick Foster Leadership Award from Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina

Ph.D. in Health, Promotion, Education, and Behavior candidate Jennifer Mandelbaum was among only three awardees that the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina recognized at the organization's third Annual Live Healthy SC Meeting.

Rural and Minority Health Research Center partners with Sisters of Charity Foundation to produce report on poverty in South Carolina

When Melinda Merrell, a research assistant professor with the Rural and Minority Health Research Center, was invited to help lead a study on the structural factors associated with poverty in South Carolina, she gladly accepted.

I Am Public Health: Tina B. Leonard

Tina Leonard, a Court Liaison for the UofSC School of Law Children's Law Center, pursues Online MPH in HPEB - Professional Program degree to complement her background in social work and more than a decade of professional experience helping others.

Daniela Friedman named editor for the Journal of Women & Aging

After years of contributing to the Journal of Women & Aging as associate editor, editorial board member, guest editor and manuscript reviewer, HPEB professor/chair Daniela Friedman has been selected to lead the journal as editor.

Lynsey Keator awarded New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship from American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Keator, a Ph.D. in COMD student, is one of just a dozen or so individuals from across the country to receive a $10,000 New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation.

Jamie Lead partners with Mote Marine Labs to tackle harmful algal blooms using nanotechnology

The collaboration will explore the feasibility of using CENR's patented nanotechnology approach to remove Karenia brevis cells and brevetoxin (also known as Red Tide) from estuarine and marine waters.

Master of Health Administration student wins scholarship from Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education

Only one semester into program, Haley Kirby was notified that she had been selected as one of just two recipients nationwide to receive the Tim Campbell Scholarship from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

Nominate an exceptional Arnold School faculty member for one of three 2021 Arnold School faculty awards

The Arnold School of Public Health is seeking nominations to recognize outstanding faculty with one of three 2021 awards in the areas of teaching, research, and service. Recipients will be honored at the 2021 Hooding Ceremony.

Trendy does not equal healthy. Researchers find significant differences in nutritional quality among popular diets

Research led by HPEB associate professor Brie Turner-McGrievy has revealed that popular diets are not necessarily the most healthy. Her team compared 40 diets rated by physicians and nutritionists for U.S. News & World Report.

2020-2021 SPARC Graduate Research Grants awarded to 9 Arnold School graduate students

Graduate students from across the Arnold School have earned 2020-2021 SPARC Graduate Research Grants from the UofSC Office of the Vice President for Research to fund individual scholarship initiatives.

Center for Community Health Alignment wins Community Health Care Leadership Award

The South Carolina Primary Health Care Association recognized the Arnold School's Center for Community Health Alignment (CCHA) with its Community Health Care Leadership Award during their virtual State Policy & Issue Forum in January.

Staff Spotlight: Andrenette Hudley, Business Manager/Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Everyday, Andrenette Hudley puts years of executive leadership experience to work - managing, monitoring and maintaining the accounting of the COMD budgets and serving as the business/human resources contact and purchasing card/supplier liaison.

Doctoral students Kelsey Day and Qian Huang selected as inaugural Health GIS Scholars by Big Data Health Science Center

The Big Data Health Science Center's Geospatial Core engages in cutting-edge geospatial research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science. They recently launched the Health GIS Scholars Program.

Nominate outstanding Arnold School graduates for one of two 2021 Arnold School alumni awards

The Arnold School of Public Health is seeking nominations to recognize outstanding alumni with 2021 awards in two categories: those who graduated prior to 2011 and those who graduated in 2011 or later.

Research shows Office for the Study of Aging's Dementia Dialogues® program works

After remodeling the curriculum for Dementia Dialogues® in 2019, researchers in the Office for the Study of Aging evaluated the program's effectiveness, finding that participants increased their knowledge and were highly satisfied with the trainings.

Nominate extraordinary Arnold School students for master's and doctoral achievement awards

The Arnold School is full of outstanding students. Help us recognize one master's and one doctoral student with our achievement awards by submitting your nomination through March 1.

I Am Public Health: Zac Hart

Environmental health sciences student earns Ph.D. to combine passion for protecting the environment with the science of environmental health communication in educating the public on the importance of healthy coasts and oceans.

Gabriel Benavidez awarded funding to conduct COVID and Anti-Racism Pilot Project

Ph.D. in Epidemiology student Gabriel Benavidez is collaborating with three other members from his cohort to lead a Health Policy Research Scholars COVID and Anti-Racism Pilot Project with support from a $35K grant from the program.

Three Arnold School doctoral students win 2021 Breakthrough Graduate Scholar Awards

Jacob Barber (EXSC), Jennifer Mandelbaum (HPEB) and Gabriella Reynolds (COMD) were chosen from nominations across the university for their classroom excellence, research/scholarship contributions and potential for future success.

Assistant professors Elizabeth Crouch (HSPM), Bankole Olatosi (HSPM) and Glenn Weaver (EXSC) named 2021 Breakthrough Stars

They are among just 12 faculty members across the university to receive 2021 Breakthrough Star Awards for exceeding expectations in their fields, demonstrating exceptional potential and making outstanding contributions to research and scholarship.

Office of Research honors 2021 Breakthrough Award recipients

The UofSC Office for the Vice President of Research has announced the 2021 Breakthrough Awards winners. Seven of the 30 faculty and student recipients claim the Arnold School as their home.

Xiaoming Li wins 2021 Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award from the Office of the Vice President for Research

Health promotion, education, and behavior professor Xiaoming Li is one of just five faculty from across UofSC to receive a 2021 Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award from the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Can periodontal antibodies predict Alzheimer's disease? Anwar Merchant investigates with new NIH-funded project

Professor of epidemiology Anwar Merchant has been awarded $400K from the National Institute on Aging. He will use the grant to examine the relationship between four groups of antibodies against periodontal microorganisms and Alzheimer's disease.

Lab offers resources and services for analytical and research support

Need analytical or technical resources to support your research? Led by environmental health sciences associate professor Mohammed Baalousha, the Environmental Nanoscience and Analytics Laboratory offers one-of-a-kind facilities and services.

Doctoral candidate Karlen Correa Vélez wins international award for Vibrio bacteria research

Karlen Correa Vélez, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, won the Aleksandr Savchuk Foundation Award at the 2020 International Symposium on Human Health and the Ocean in a Changing World.

Public health graduate wins 2021 Social Justice Award

Inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter protests, Jay Urich (a December graduate of the B.S. in Public Health program and a student-athlete) carried a sign with "Matter is the Minimum" and started a non-profit for underprivileged children.

Roozbeh Behroozmand receives $3.6 million from NIH to enhance research on brain damage and speech impairment

With renewed support from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, associate professor Roozbeh Behroozmand will continue his study on how brain damage causes speech impairment in stroke survivors with aphasia.

Staff Spotlight: Christy Smith, Director of Graduate Student Services

Smith's team is responsible for recruitment, admissions and student services for all Arnold School graduate students. They work closely with the academic units, UofSC Graduate School and Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Professor Emerita Ruth Saunders wins alumni award for lifetime achievement

Ruth Saunders as been awarded the Psychology Department Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at her undergraduate alma mater, Clemson University, for her 30-plus-year career of exemplary research and practice.

Biostatistics assistant professor Feifei Xiao wins grant to examine lung cancer at the genetic level

The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded $426K to Feifei Xiao to examine the links (e.g., disease risk and mechanisms) between copy number variation and lung cancer.

I Am Public Health: Xizhi Luo

Biostatistics student pursues Ph.D. to advance the fields of cancer genomics (i.e., the genetic basis for cancer development) and clinical trial design for research that examines the impact of drugs/treatment.