Recent Stories

Nuerons in the hypothalamus responsible for regulating the body's circadian rhythms.

Research by two college of pharmacy assistant professors aimed at new therapies for depression, stress and anxiety.

December 04, 2024, Chris Horn

Alessandra Porcu and Chase Francis, faculty members at the University of South Carolina's College of Pharmacy, are conducting groundbreaking research aimed at developing new therapies for depression, stress, and anxiety. Their work, supported by a developmental research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, explores how circadian rhythms and brain regions like the nucleus accumbens affect mental health. Porcu's research focuses on how blue light exposure, particularly from screen devices, disrupts the adolescent brain, while Francis investigates how circadian rhythm-driven changes in the nucleus accumbens contribute to mood disorders. Together, their findings could lead to new treatments that address the underlying causes of these conditions.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy

Hippokratis Kiaris and his student review lab notes.

Renewed grants, funding growth solidify College of Pharmacy's research leadership

December 04, 2024, Gregory Hardy

The College of Pharmacy, driven by faculty like Jun Zhu, M.D., Ph.D., and Hippokratis Kiaris, continues to lead in pharmaceutical research with $13 million in sponsored awards in 2024, a 67% increase from last year. Zhu’s groundbreaking work on HIV-related cognitive care recently earned a $3.8 million NIH grant, while Kiaris’ COBRE Center has facilitated over $50 million in research funding. Their efforts contribute to USC’s record $309 million in research funding, solidifying its reputation for global health impact.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy

Kindergarten teacher Keith Heyward in his classroom

USC alumnus finds his true calling in the kindergarten classroom

November 26, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

Charleston native Keith Heyward Jr. was a restless third-grader when he realized his career goal was to teach. He knew that young Black boys craved a teacher they could relate to. Today, the University of South Carolina alumnus teaches kindergarten at James Island Elementary School. He makes sure the youngsters who step into his classroom feel safe and empowered.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Diversity, Leadership, College of Education

A woman standing outside.

Biochemistry senior connects with community through service organizations

November 25, 2024, Téa Smith

Ridha Fatima, a biochemistry senior, joined the Network of Opportunities Toward Elderly Service her freshman year after seeing how hard isolation during the pandemic had been for many people, particularly her grandparents. During their twice-monthly visits to local nursing homes, students connect with the residents while participating in activities such as arts and crafts, gardening and talent shows.

Topics: Students, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences

Jennifer Moore (woman) standing in front of Davis College

New information science professor defies librarian stereotype

November 21, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

A native Texan who earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in information studies from the University of Texas-Austin, Information Science associate professor Jennifer Moore spent her early career years as an elementary school librarian and a middle school language arts teacher. For 11 years, she taught at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Recently arrived in Columbia, Moore moved into a century-old house where she can indulge her love of cooking and gardening.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, College of Information and Communications

Two women in caps and gowns turning tassles on graduation caps

Class of 2024 December graduates

November 20, 2024, Megan Sexton

As the December Class of 2024 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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Undergraduate Admissions, Recognition, Signature Events, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

a health care worker looks at a computer screen with equipment in the background

USC scientists deploy artificial intelligence, digital twin models to build new resources for medical care

November 20, 2024, Chris Horn

A team of USC scientists is using a $3.4 million grant to develop new technology for personalized medical treatment and more accurate medical diagnoses. USC faculty members from medicine, chemistry and mathematics are leading various aspects of the five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia)

Gamecocks pose in New York City.

Gamecocks of New York

November 19, 2024, USC Social Team

With over 5,000 alumni in New York State, we celebrate this community in the style of "Humans of New York" — capturing the stories of 10 alumni across fields from technology to the arts, from basketball to pediatric care, each pursuing their dreams in the city that never sleeps.

Topics: Alumni

woman walks across through a crosswalk in new york city

Gamecock Nation: New York

November 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing

As we celebrate the Mighty Sound of the Southeast’s appearance at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, let’s also take a moment to celebrate the greater Gamecock spirit. From Times Square Studios to the New York Public Library, from Bryant Park to Broadway, New York is Carolina country, and we’ve got the stories and pictures to prove it.

Topics: Alumni

Flooded cars in Clearwater, Florida, after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024.

Saltwater flooding is a serious fire threat for EVs and other devices with lithium-ion batteries

November 15, 2024, Xinyu Huang

Flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted billions of dollars in damage across the Southeast. It caused dozens of electric vehicles and other battery-powered objects, such as scooters and golf carts, to catch fire. Many consumers are unaware of this risk, and lithium-ion batteries are widely used in EVs, e-bikes and cordless power tools. Here is what owners should know about water and the risk of battery fires.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Conversation

a 20-foot paper and wood tiger burns in an open field with fireworks on the sides

Rivalry and roaring flames: Behind the scenes with the Tiger Burn team

November 15, 2024, Sydnie Taylor

Each fall as the crisp November air sets in, the University of South Carolina comes alive with the spirit of rivalry. While the Carolina-Clemson football game may take center stage, another cherished tradition lights up the campus — literally. This is the annual Tiger Burn, an event nearly as old as the football game itself, fueling the Gamecocks’ spirit and the century-long rivalry between USC and Clemson.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

A nurse practitioner student watches nursing associate professor Amy Dievendorf demonstrate an ultrasound monitor.

Gamecock nurses first to train with cutting-edge ultrasound

November 14, 2024, Gregory Hardy

Nursing students at the University of South Carolina are getting hands-on simulation training with the newest generation of portable ultrasound equipment this November. Associate Professor Amy Dievendorf led the first immersion training with graduate-level nurse practitioner students in November at the College of Nursing’s new Clinical Education Building.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Nursing

Amy and her family pose with a statue of USC's mascot, Cocky

Honors College alumna is making her mark at CNN Sports

November 12, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

Long before she was traveling the world as senior director of business development and operations at CNN Sports, Amy Jordan was an Honors College student sending news releases around the world as a press intern for the late U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings. To date, Jordan has covered four different Olympic games, numerous Super Bowls, the U.S. Open and more.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Leadership, South Carolina Honors College

Student taking notes in class

USC awarded federal grant to boost state's college and career readiness

November 12, 2024, Brandon Pugh

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded USC one of its largest-ever grants — $35 million — for the College of Education's GEAR UP SC program to help disadvantaged students overcome barriers to college and career opportunities.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Initiatives, Diversity, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, College of Education

woman in scrubs with a stethoscope around her neck works at a computer station

Bridging the health care gap

November 11, 2024

More than a quarter of South Carolinians call a rural area home, but these populations have a higher incidence of medical emergencies and are at greater risk of death because of barriers to access to timely medical care. USC researchers and alumni are working to change that, both for the state’s communities and at the national level.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health, University System

Stan Brown in the Imperial Theater, New York City

Gamecocks Take Manhattan: Stan Brown

November 08, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

This spring, actor Stan Brown made his Broadway debut at the age of 61. The theatre double alumnus, ’84, ’89 MFA, calls the role as Camel in the musical ‘Water for Elephants’ “a dream deferred,” but it’s not as if he has been waiting in the wings all these years. The Great White Way is just the latest chapter in a long and gratifying career.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Careers, The Graduate School

people stand on a platform in a saltmarsh

National estuarine monitoring system keeps watchful eye on coastal research sites, impact from changing climate

November 08, 2024, Chris Horn

Around the clock and every day of the year for the past three decades, an environmental monitoring system has been keeping a finger on the pulse of 30 diverse estuaries across the country, collecting water quality and weather data. The integrated System-Wide Monitoring Program and Centralized Data Management Office is headquartered in Georgetown, S.C., at USC’s Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences.

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

Eva Pilgrim laughs during her interview at GMA3 studios

Gamecocks Take Manhattan: Eva Pilgrim

November 08, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

You’ve seen Eva Pilgrim in the co-host seat on ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘GMA3,’ but the broadcast journalism alumna has a rich life beyond TV. And while she’s been living, working and enjoying her career in New York City for nearly a decade, she remains true to her South Carolina roots. In fact, they’re a big part of her success.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Leadership, Careers, College of Information and Communications

Rutvik Desai

New research explores the 'thoughts' and abilities of AI chatbots

November 04, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

Artificial Intelligence advocates might defensively suggest, in good humor, that chatbots are “only human” and therefore prone to occasional mistakes. New research by a team at the University of South Carolina Department of Psychology basically confirms that notion with some important caveats.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Recognition, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, Breakthrough Research

Photo of brick smokestack with USC in white letters

Faces of first-gen at USC

October 31, 2024, Hannah Cambre

At USC, where one in five students identify as first-generation, the university is doing more than ever to help this important and growing population flourish with resources and support. We sat down with five first-gen students to learn more about their stories and the people and resources that have helped them thrive at USC.

Topics: Students, Academics, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Initiatives, Diversity, Service, Leadership, Careers, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Information and Communications, school-of-law

Rural pharmacists helps patient.

2024 rural health faculty experts

October 31, 2024, Laura Morris

More than a quarter of South Carolina residents live in rural areas and must overcome greater health care challenges than their urban counterparts. USC faculty members are available to offer their expertise in rural health services and research. To coordinate an interview, contact the staff member listed with each expert entry.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

The McBride sisters stand side by side.

Honors College students Emma and Madeleine McBride earn Cyber Service Academy national fellowship

October 28, 2024, Valerie Weingart

Two sisters at the University of South Carolina's Honors College are making waves in cybersecurity after both earning prestigious Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy fellowships. Emma and Madeleine McBride, despite taking different paths to computing, are now working to address critical cybersecurity challenges.

Topics: Students, Academics, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, South Carolina Honors College

College of Social Work professor Stephanie Hunter stands across from the South Carolina Supreme Court building.

Social work professor uses advocacy, reflection to carve pathways for students in legal system

October 25, 2024, Gregory Hardy

Forensic social work is a specific discipline that examines how social workers intersect and interact with the legal system under domains both criminal and civil. Stephanie Hunter has 22 years of experience in the field, specifically working in criminal indigent defense. Now an assistant clinical professor at USC’s College of Social Work, she finds that both students and professionals often require an explanation about the field.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Social Work

Paul Toriello in a navy suit

New Faculty Spotlight: Paul Toriello

October 25, 2024, Faith Militello

Paul Toriello, assistant dean of clinical graduate programs, brings 30 years of experience in mental health counseling and academia to the School of Medicine Columbia. As a clinical professor in the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, he leads initiatives to integrate technology into health care education and expand mental health services, preparing students to become professional caregivers.

Topics: Faculty, Graduate Studies, The Graduate School, Medicine (Columbia)

Bill Bloking, left, with Wildcats co-owners Annie Hill and Christian Hauff Photo courtesy of Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Retired oil industry executive and USC alum Bill Bloking is helping future generations of Gamecocks achieve dreams of their own.

October 23, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

The first in his family to attend college, Bill Bloking’s engineering degree prepared him for careers at Exxon and BHP — and for boardrooms around the globe. His William F. Bloking First-Generation Scholars Fund will support Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing students and programs.

Topics: Alumni, Service, Leadership, Careers, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Carolinian

Nursing student with stethoscope.

Nursing excellence: Gamecock nurses lead the way

October 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing

There is also no doubt that nurses — an integral part of the nation's health care system — are in short supply. From opening a new building at Lexington Medical Center to being the home of the top-ranked online graduate program in nursing education, the University of South Carolina College of Nursing is committed to addressing the need.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Student Voices, College of Nursing

Female social worker holds hands of elderly male.

Arrest diversion program offers nonviolent offenders resources and a second chance

October 17, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward

LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Deflection), a partnership between the West Columbia Police Department and the S.C. Department of Mental Health, is a community-based alternative to prosecution. Developed and staffed by two College of Social Work alumni, the program offers deflection and resources to people accused of nonviolent low-level offenses whose behavior stems from substance use, mental health challenges or poverty.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Academics, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Careers, College of Social Work

woman stands on a street in italy

Vatican synod open to wider roles for Catholic women

October 11, 2024, Carol E. Harrison

At the current Vatican synod, whose purpose is to address “communion, participation, and mission” in the church, women’s role is on the agenda. History professor Carol Harrison writes for The Conversation on how Catholic women have historically found ways to speak to and about their church leadership, even when they have been excluded from its proceedings.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, History, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

man and woman embrace while looking at flooded buildings

How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states

October 07, 2024, Cary Mock

Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, Safety, Economic Engagement, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

students walking on USC Horseshoe

US News rankings: USC tops in international business, first-year experience

September 23, 2024, Megan Sexton

The University of South Carolina is home to the nation’s top first-year student experience among public institutions, and its living-learning communities are ranked 10th best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Sept. 24.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Nursing

A tour group walking on the Horseshoe.

University ambassadors share love of USC with prospective students

September 16, 2024, Téa Smith

University ambassadors are often the first faces potential students see when they visit campus. The program provides prospective students a glimpse of student life through tours and ambassadors sharing anecdotes about their experiences as Gamecocks. Carlee Downs and Brianna Hughey are two of those ambassadors who have been sharing their passion for USC with visitors during their time at the university.

Topics: Students, Service, Leadership, College of Education, College of Information and Communications

man gestures while talking from a podium

Propel AI initiative aims to weave AI into scholarship, research

September 11, 2024, Dan Cook

This fall, roughly 60 faculty members will take part in a new artificial intelligence initiative from the Office of the Vice President for Research. Called Propel AI, the effort aims to empower faculty to incorporate artificial intelligence into their work — regardless of their academic area or previous experience with AI. We spoke with Bryant Walker Smith, associate professor of law and an expert on emerging technologies, about the new initiative.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

USC professor and alumna Anna Hoppmann stands in the atrium of the children's hospital at Prisma Health-Midlands.

Anna Hoppmann leads pediatric cancer research effort

September 10, 2024, Chris Horn

Anna Hoppmann is a pediatric oncologist with Prisma Health and a clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia where she graduated nine years ago. She also chairs the S.C. Childhood Cancer Taskforce, which recently released a 25-year trend report on childhood cancer incidence, survival and mortality in South Carolina.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College

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