Each year the Office of the Vice President of Research grants Breakthrough Awards in three categories: Breakthrough Leadership in Research, Breakthrough Stars, and Breakthrough Graduate Scholars. The Breakthrough awards recognize USC faculty and graduate students for their research and scholarly excellence.
“The 2017 class of Breakthrough award recipients is truly an outstanding group,” says Vice President for Research, Prakash Nagarkatti. “They represent a wide variety of subject areas, but what unites them is a commitment to excellence, to going above and beyond their academic and job requirements to foster innovation in their students and colleagues, and advance the University of South Carolina’s research enterprise.”
USC President Harris Pastides echoed this statement noting, “Every year, the Breakthrough awards recognize some of the most deserving faculty and graduate students that serve on USC System campuses. This year’s group is no exception. I heartily congratulate every 2017 Breakthrough recipient, and look forward to seeing how their contributions elevate our university and our state in the years to come.”
Congratulations to all 2017 recipients of the Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award, Breakthrough Star award and Breakthrough Graduate Scholar award, especially those in the College of Arts and Sciences.
College of Arts and Sciences Award Winners
Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award
Hans-Conrad zur Loye, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and David W. W. Robinson Palmetto Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Breakthrough Stars
Jessica Barnes, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Geography
Natalia Shustova, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Frank Thorne, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
Lori Ziolkowski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Earth Ocean and Environment
Breakthrough Graduate Scholars
Marc Demont, Ph.D. candidate, Department of Languages, Literature and Culture
Yuan Shen, Ph.D. candidate, Marine Science Program
Derek Silva, Ph.D. candidate, Department of Sociology
Ryan Strickler, Ph.D. candidate, Department of Political Science
Qingfeng Zhang, Ph.D. candidate, Chemistry Program