2021 News Archive

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2021: Year in Review

COVID-19 may have remained a part of our lives, but it did not stop the continued success of the college community. Take a look back at some of our accomplishments in 2021.

Faculty Highlight: Monirosadat (Sanaz) Sadati lands NSF CAREER award on first attempt

Assistant professor Sanaz Sadati, a chemical engineer, will use her prestigious research award to expand understanding of the crystallization of blue phase liquid crystals under curved confined boundaries, which has potential applications in the fields of photonics and nanotechnology.

Research aims to increase drug delivery from devices for vascular surgery

Drug coated balloons are an established technology and have a history of use, despite low drug delivery efficiency. To increase the device's effectiveness, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Associate Professor Tarek Shazly is part of an NIH-funded grant to make design improvements.

Nasiri elevated to IEEE Fellow

Electrical Engineering Distinguished Professor Adel Nasiri's significant contributions and innovations have led to him receiving a prestigious honor.

New faculty spotlight: Adel Nasiri

Adel Nasiri joined the University of South Carolina as a distinguished professor of electrical engineering in August, following a 16-year career at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research on energy conversion, microgrids and batteries has taken on added import as sustainability, efficiency and resilience efforts ramp up during the age of climate change.

IIT student's research examines smart farming through automation

Senior Dakota Larrabee's idea to conduct research on smart farming via an automatic watering system came from his own experiences of forgetting to water his own garden. Now, he has utilized his Integrated Information Technology learning and experiences to simply how produce can be grown.

AI aims to improve telehealth

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges to the quality of care not only by increasing the number of patients needing mental health treatment, but also by moving many appointments and communications from in-person to telehealth.

CEC's General Atomics Center seeks innovations in nuclear fuels and waste to meet future needs

For the last seven years, the college's General Atomics Center has performed research in relevant areas to meet future energy needs and promote clean and safe nuclear energy.

Developing self-learning ground robotics for controlling combat mechanical systems and solving problems

With more pressure on the military to extend the lifespan of combat systems, Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Yi Wang has been performing research on optimizing how robotics systems can detect and repair faults and have the power to make decisions.

Utilizing advanced materials to improve efficiency of UV-LEDs

LEDs are increasingly replacing traditional sources of light, such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Ultraviolet LEDs have limited usage because of low efficiency, but Electrical Engineering Assistant Professor Iftikhar Ahmad is researching on how using new materials can increase effectiveness.

Water resource group studies biopolymers for rehabilitation of levees and earthen dams

With a deficient infrastructure of water resource projects nationwide, Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Hanif Chaudhry will lead research to determine if biopolymers can be used to strengthen the structures.

Campus Conversation: Michele Lunga

After graduation, I would like to stay in Charleston and work in manufacturing and design for aviation or automotive. Some of my prospective companies include NIWC, the Boeing Company and Volvo. I also enjoy painting in my free time.

Utilizing non-penetrating sensors to improve the process of storing and drying spent nuclear fuel

The current method for storing used nuclear fuel is considered safe, but Mechanical Engineering Professor Travis Knight is working on innovations to improve the technique, such as eliminating instrument insertion and preventing leaks.

Combining mechanical and biomedical engineering and research toward a fulfilling career

Senior Kiersten Crouse has been interested in engineering since her childhood. Through research and experiences inside and outside the College of Engineering and Computing, she is excited to begin her career next year to apply her knowledge for medical applications.

New CEC faculty member hopes to boost student interest in electrical engineering

When Distinguished Professor Adel Nasiri joined the faculty this past August, he brought an extensive experience of establishing electrical engineering research programs and initiatives.

Designing a new material for a vacuum airship rover exploration of Venus

The idea of a vacuum airship was first proposed by Leonardo Di Vinci in the 16th century. Five centuries later, Professor Andrew Gross is working on a NASA-sponsored grant to develop material that could be used to construct a vacuum airship for missions to Venus.

CEC student helps NASA test spacecraft communication

Senior Nick Wood plans to pursue a career in power electronics, and his internship with NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) office provided him with valuable experiences, even though it was completed virtually.

New aerospace engineering program satisfying major need in South Carolina

In May 2021, the University of South Carolina graduated the state's first ever class of aerospace engineers. These students are the product of years of behind-the-scenes work by UofSC College of Engineering and Computing faculty and leadership to create an undergraduate aerospace engineering program.

NSWC Dahlgren Division Partners with University of South Carolina Team in NEEC-Funded Project

Over the last two years, a team at the University of South Carolina (USC) led by electrical engineering professor Guoan Wang, developed and tested "novel radio frequency (RF) electrical components that will enable miniaturization and enhancement of high-performance naval communication, electronic warfare and radar systems" in partnership with NSWCDD, according to the project's summary.

Building affordable and hazard-resistant houses with earth bricks and recycled plastic reinforcement

Walls constructed with bricks consisting of materials, including local soil and plastic, have already been successfully tested to withstand the impact of hurricanes, tornadoes and wind-borne debris. Those same walls will now be tested to resist the force of earthquakes.

Harik to advance smart manufacturing in South Carolina with help from National Science Foundation

With a $3.8 million EPSCoR RII Track-2 grant from the National Science Foundation, Harik is committed to strengthening the manufacturing infrastructure in South Carolina and the U.S., from operational technologies and process optimization to developing the essential upskilled workforce to support these future factories.

Producing ethylene through a more environmentally safe process

Eliminating greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and improving chemical manufacturing are two of the intended benefits from Professor Fanglin (Frank) Chen's research on an alternative method of producing ethylene.

Training the next generation of engineers

Mandy Elmore realized early in her career as an engineer that part of her responsibility to the profession was to share her love of engineering, math and science with the next generation. The three-time UofSC graduate is now dean for the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division at Tri-County Technical College.

CEC celebrates 2021 alumni award winners

Each year, the CEC picks alumni who have given back to their alma mater and who have achieved great accomplishments in their field to receive the annual awards. This is the first time the CEC has given out an award specifically for a graduate program alumna.

Using smartwatch tracking technology to ensure accurate medicine-taking process

Professor Homayoun Valafar is utilizing the increasing usage of smartwatches by researching and developing technology that can ensure individuals are adhering to their medication while alerting doctors and health care providers of any inconsistencies.

New course to focus on operations, process and applications of pharmaceutical manufacturing

A new course is teaching students the industrial aspects of the development and manufacturing process of pharmaceutical drugs. It is a course that will bridge automation as part of the entire process and evolution.

CEC team pioneers research to improve railroad crossing navigation

Blocked railroad crossings can affect the time it takes for ambulances to reach emergency situations or transporting individuals to hospitals. But Assistant Professor Yu Qian and his research team are currently developing software to help ambulances navigate around railroad and traffic blockages and avoid delays in response time.

CEC alumnus building pipeline for South Carolina's future engineers

Dorsel began his relationship with the GSSM as a member of its inaugural graduating class. He then went on to South Carolina and received his mechanical engineering degree in 1995, where he graduated summa cum laude and as a Harry Goldwater Scholar. He returned to the Governor's School in 2012 as an administrator and was named as the school's new president this June.

Research seeks connections between floor vibrations and changes in health

Professor Juan Caicedo's research team is examining technology from engineering, exercise science and healthcare perspectives that could help track an individual's health status without leaving their homes.

Three new faculty preparing for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year

As the 2021-2022 academic year begins Thursday, three new professors will begin their teaching and research at the college.

CEC to debut Makerspace Initiative

The day before classes begin for the 2021-2022 academic year, the college will officially open a space for beyond-the-classroom experiences.

First-Generation students thrive in CEC's first Summer Start Scholars Program

The College of Engineering and Computing is proud to announce that 20 students in the inaugural First-Generation Scholars cohort successfully completed the CEC's Summer Start Program.

Dougal looks back on nine years as Electrical Engineering Department Chair

Professor Roger Dougal oversaw the Electrical Engineering Department over the last nine years. Through accomplishments, challenges and changes, Dougal looks back on his leadership position while using personal experiences to plan his future.

Ali to begin term as Electrical Engineering Department Chair

Professor Mohammod Ali will bring his diverse experience, teaching and research over his 20 years at the college into his new leadership appointment in the Electrical Engineering Department.

Flow boiling research headed to International Space Station

Mechanical Engineering Professor Chen Li and Computer Science Professor Yan Tong have received a grant from the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space and the National Science Foundation to study gravitational effects on flow boiling, allowing their research methods to be conducted on the International Space Station.

Mentorship program puts CEC senior in fast lane to success at Volvo

Abby Simmons, a May 2021 mechanical engineering graduate, recently started a two-year rotational program with Volvo in Ridgeville, South Carolina. If it weren't for the guidance and advice from one CEC mentor, this excellent student might've missed her exit to opportunity.

Army leaders visit McNair Aerospace Center, discuss Future Vertical Lift research

The McNair Aerospace Center welcomed leaders from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) and the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team (FVL-CFT) during a day-long visit to Columbia on June 22. Among the group were AMCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Todd Royar and FVL CFT Senior Sustainment Advisor Ms. Cindy Ponder.

UofSC developing maintenance practices for Army's Future Vertical Lift vehicles

Researchers at the College of Engineering and Computing's McNair Aerospace Center are working with the Department of Defense to develop an MSG-3 framework for the U.S. Army's new fleet of aircraft called Future Vertical Lift vehicles, or FVLs.

UofSC researcher develops cloud learning platform used by schools and Army in wake of COVID-19

Approximately 100,000 learners used the platform between January 2020 and May 2021, an achievement that places UofSC and partners at the forefront of new learning models.

A new way to ‘see’

Pooyan Jamshidi, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering, is a principal investigator on a three-year $500,000 NSF collaborative grant to develop the intelligence and computing capabilities for a smart device dubbed SmartSight. The platform will enable on-device artificial intelligence to improve real-time perception for blind and visually-impaired users.

Mungo undergraduate teaching award winner: Melissa Moss

As a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, Melissa Moss combines both engineering theory and hands-on learning in the classroom. She was chosen as a Mungo undergraduate teaching award winner.

Breakthrough Star: Yi Wang

Simulation and computing is a mainstay in engineering design, a mathematical modeling process that allows engineers to predict the behavior of a machine or system in real-world conditions. But if the datasets are huge and complex, modeling can take days or even weeks to sort out. That’s why Yi Wang is using a method called reduced-order models to speed things up.

Waking up to rockets

As an engineering major in the Honors College, Cole Shubert '19 had big dreams, but he never expected to find himself with a career that's out of this world.

CEC Students shine in Carolina Girls National Championship

In April, the Carolina Girls dance team placed first in the 2021 National Dance Alliance National Team Division I-A Finals. Three of these national champions, Abigail Delnoce (Computer Science), Conner Johnson (Biomedical Engineering) and Morgan Paschal (Chemical Engineering) are students in the College of Engineering and Computing.

Dean's Note: Transforming Health Care

At the University of South Carolina, we are looking to the future by applying principles of digital transformation to the entire U.S. health care industry.

Master's in Health Information Technology prepares tomorrow's industry leaders

This interdisciplinary program is designed specifically to produce highly qualified professionals and leaders with expertise in both information technology and health administration. Watch our video to learn more.

Alumni Q & A: How Myra Robinson turns health care data into hope

Myra Robinson is a senior statistician at the Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) in Charlotte, NC. By day, you can find her consulting with clinicians and researchers on clinical trial designs, overseeing the status of open-to-accrual clinical trials, processing and analyzing datasets or compiling statistical results for a variety of reporting requirements.

Transforming Health Care: Ben Schooley pioneers digital technology to assist patient decision-making

Ben Schooley of the College of Engineering and Computing is transforming health care using digital technology that facilitates communication between patients and health care providers. He is involved in a number of research projects designed to improve patient wellness, partnering with health systems such as Prisma Health.

CEC faculty members get Two Thumbs Up

Since 2019, three CEC faculty members have been nominated by their students for the Two Thumbs Up Award. Given by the Student Disability Resource Center, the award recognizes faculty that go above and beyond to assist their students.

CEC undergraduate students receive grants from NASA SC Space Grant Consortium

Seven undergraduate students from the College of Engineering and Computing have been awarded grants from the NASA SC Space Grant Consortium in furtherance of their research in the areas of composite manufacturing and future factories.

Electric vehicles face a long road to becoming feasible on a large scale

Electric vehicles have long been seen as a viable eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars that require gasoline. However, as with all new technologies, development is still needed to make affordable EVs a reality.

Solar trailer spurs sustainability efforts at UofSC

The Office of Sustainability along with mechanical engineering students worked together to create a sustainable solution for providing power to events at UofSC. The solar trailer is a converted, movable trailer that is able to store energy from the sun and power electrical equipment.

CEC students shine during Capstone Showcase

The capstone design program is a required senior-level course that aims to solve real-world challenges for businesses. More than 30 groups of seniors displayed projects culminating in months of hard work with many different companies.

Class of 2021: Biomedical engineering major looks forward to veterinary school, Ph.D. program

Sydney Womack’s calendar has been booked nearly solid during her four years at South Carolina and little wonder — she majored in biomedical engineering, minored in mathematics, earned a performance certificate in the School of Music, conducted undergraduate research and co-authored a scholarly article and three poster presentations.

Meet the 2021 Outstanding Seniors

This year, 17 students were named Outstanding Seniors by their departments and the SC Society of Professional Engineers.

The CEC brings back a triple threat

In association with the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE), a small group of students, advised by Assistant Prof. Kristen Booth, has reactivated a national honor society for computer engineering and electrical engineering students - the Delta Phi chapter of Eta Kappa Nu.

A note from the Dean: Nuclear Energy

For years, conversations surrounding nuclear energy have been silenced by anecdotal fear of cataclysmic disasters. But now, these fears are dated. As I look at the work of our faculty, and the high-quality students we are preparing to enter this industry, I know that the field of nuclear energy is ready to help combat the growing climate crisis.

CEC finds leadership close to home: Chemical engineering faculty named new chair and program director

The College of Engineering and Computing announces the appointments of Melissa Moss and Mark Uline as the new chair for the Department of Chemical Engineering and director for the Biomedical Engineering Program, respectively.

IIT Capstone program prepares graduates for technical and personal success

Students in the integrated information technology program connect with companies across the country during their senior capstone experience. Director of Internships Tony Dillon calls it the "technology talent pipeline."

UofSC receives third NASA ULI in three years

South Carolina is developing simulation tools and operational processes that will improve the affordability and safety of future vertical lift vehicles, also known as urban air mobility aircraft. As one of six research teams awarded a NASA ULI grant, our college will play an integral role in developing these aircraft of the future.

Alumni Spotlight: How Kenneth Allen hopes to save lives through clean energy

CEC alumnus Kenneth Allen is working to develop mobile micro nuclear power plants, or MMNPs. His research could provide safe and clean energy to troops overseas, eliminating their need to transport fossil fuels and keeping them safer.

Concrete nanoreinforcement research to improve durability, reduce maintenance of infrastructure

Fabio Matta is working to improve concrete durability using extremely small amounts of graphene oxide nanoribbons in collaboration with the Savannah River National Laboratory. He believes that this process can help make concrete tougher and more durable.

COVID-19 revealed how sick the US health care delivery system really is

Health information and technology expert Elizabeth A. Regan writes in The Conversation the flaws that COVID-19 has revealed about the U.S. health care system.

CEC graduate student Sobhan Patnaik receives national scholarship for nuclear research

Sobhan Patnaik has received the Roy G. Post Foundation Scholarship Award for his research on cracking of nuclear fuel pellets under transient temperature conditions. He hopes this work will result in improved safety and economics surrounding nuclear fuels.

CEC professor Lucy Yu leads effort to enhance safety of nuclear fuel storage

Lucy Yu is developing a technology that will repair and mitigate stress corrosion cracks in nuclear spent fuel storage containers. Her research will potentially reduce the safety hazard associated with nuclear spent fuel storage by preventing leaks of radioactive materials.

Liu receives NSF Early CAREER award to improve testing of infectious diseases

Chang Liu has received a 2021 Early CAREER Development Award from NSF in support of his proposal to develop improved diagnostic testing technologies. His findings are expected to improve the accuracy with which infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and COVID-19 are diagnosed.

UofSC alumna works to save lives with Moderna vaccine

Adjusting on the fly to perform impactful work has become a skill for University of South Carolina alumna Kate Mingle, and has put her on a path to supporting a vaccine process with worldwide implications.

Despite distance, CEC students find support system in each other

A professional and social support system is essential for every college student's wellbeing, and the pandemic has only made this truer. Despite social distancing restrictions, Alpha Omega Epsilon, has continued to provide a tight-knit support system that empowers members.

Dryer receives engineering's highest professional distinction

Education Foundation Distinguished Researcher Fred Dryer has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to the understanding of combustion processes for propulsion and transportation applications and for fire safety.

African American alumnus' success honors previous generations

While Green is an exemplary product of South Carolina, his parents -- along with generations of other African American South Carolinians -- were not able to attend UofSC. For Green, he views his accomplishments as a tribute to those who didn't have the same opportunity.

CEC professor Asif Khan named first recipient of prestigious IEEE award

Asif Khan is the recipient of the first-ever Lester F. Eastman Award given by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Electron Devices Society. He is being recognized for his work with semiconductor devices, which are key building blocks for next generation power electronics.

UofSC to help lead Savannah River National Laboratory research innovation and workforce development

The University of South Carolina and the Battelle Savannah River Alliance are partnering to conduct critical research at one of the country’s premier national laboratories – the Savannah River National Laboratory. The partnership will contribute to workforce development and provide cutting-edge advancements in national security, energy and environmental research.

Two UofSC students receive AIChE Women in Chemical Engineering Travel Award

Sepideh Norouzi and Kyung-Eun You received the American Institute of Chemical Engineer's Women in Chemical Engineering (WIC) Travel Award. This provided them free admission to AIChE's 2020 Annual Meeting and a year's membership to the professional organization.

Chemical engineering doctoral student lands national fellowship at NREL

Drew Pereira is contributing innovative ideas and game-changing technologies to things like electric vehicles and renewable energy with his doctoral research. But now, the impact of his work is being recognized not only within UofSC, but by national laboratories.

How explainable artificial intelligence can help humans innovate

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has created computers that can drive cars, synthesize chemical compounds, fold proteins and detect high-energy particles at a superhuman level. Forest Agostinelli explains to The Conversation how artificial intelligence can help humans innovate.

CEC Graduate students receive Koerner Family Foundation Fellowships

The UofSC College of Engineering and Computing is proud to announce that graduate students Ben Egelske and Michael Royko have been selected as 2021 Koerner Family Foundation Fellows.

Sheth named a Fellow by the Association for Computing Machinery

The Fellows program, ACM's highest honor, recognizes the top one percent of members for outstanding accomplishments in computing and information technology. Sheth is one of 95 members chosen for the distinction among an international group of leaders across all of computing's disciplines.

A note from the Dean: Intelligent Infrastructure

As the world around us grows smarter, our country must grow smarter with it. And here at the UofSC College of Engineering and Computing, I am proud to say that we are leading this charge to improve the lives of all Americans by improving the infrastructure around them.

CEC works to improve South Carolina's road pavement design

Sarah Gassman is part of a research study that will help the SCDOT better calibrate its pavement design to local climate and traffic conditions. The research is expected to improve road quality and durability for the betterment of all South Carolina drivers.

Sutton receives SES Engineering Science Medal

Michael Sutton was awarded the medal for his "pioneering contributions" to the fields of experimental solid mechanics and materials characterization. The recognition highlights the increasing importance of the DIC technology he created.

Are nanomaterials causing larger environmental problems?

Engineered materials inhibit odors in socks, lend antimicrobial properties to medical bandages and extend the shelf life of some food and cosmetic products, including sunscreen. But what happens when it's time to dispose of them?

Why do smoke alarms keep going off even when there’s no smoke?

In this interview with The Conversation, MVS Chandrashekhar explains how smoke detectors work and why they sometimes sound an alarm for what seems like no reason.

Alumni Spotlight: How Casey Lucas helps keep South Carolina moving forward

Casey Lucas has spent her post-graduate career doing everything from designing roadways to managing multi-million-dollar projects. But, it's the impact she's had on the lives of young engineers that's helped her leave a lasting legacy in the Palmetto State.

Digital twins to improve bridge assessment in rural South Carolina

Selecting which bridges in South Carolina get rated with restrictions is a tried-and-true process, but it does not take advantage of new and developing technologies. Paul Ziehl believes it is time for this process to change.

Yavuz Yapici joins CEC to create cleaner, faster communication systems

Society has changed its expectations of what things like cell phones can do. So, researchers and engineers like Yavuz Yapici and his team are working on finding new ways to meet the ever-changing needs of the public.

Conducting change: How UofSC is evolving America's railroad system

UofSC's rail group is set to bridge the gap between the rail's past and its upcoming future. As its work progresses, the nation's largest federal funders are taking notice.

UofSC's David Matolak elected as Fellow of IEEE

His advances in channel models have contributed to the success of communication systems for terrestrial vehicle-to-vehicle communication, public safety communication, and improved aviation air-ground radio design, development and deployment.