2023 News Archive

Environmental health sciences graduate joins Occupational Safety and Health Administration

At USC, Samantha Case found community with the Grace Jordan McFadden Professor Program and the Black Graduate Student Association and conducted research on the impacts of silver nanoparticles when absorbed by E. coli.

Committed to change

USC features public health student Huda Falous, who won the Arnold School's Undergraduate Student Award in Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for her commitment to advocacy, community engagement and research.

Exercise science degree preps Carolina Band Feature Twirler for career in athletic training

Amanda Trujillo will build on her undergraduate experiences by continuing her journey at USC. She was recently accepted into the Arnold School's Master of Science in Athletic Training program.

Environmental health sciences graduate completes third USC degree to tackle antibiotic resistant bacteria

Mirza Isanovic has been learning about environmental health since he enrolled at USC more than 12 years ago. Bosnia and Herzegovina-born and Columbia-raised, he has been interested in the field for as long as he can remember.

COVID-19 pandemic inspires public health path to help communities

Haichao Min's older sister - a nurse - stepped up to aid their local community in China during the most chaotic phase of the COVID-19 crisis. When it came time for Min to choose a major, he knew public health would allow him to help as many people as possible.

December graduate continues environmental health research with postdoctoral fellowship

Karlen Correa Vélez has been studying Vibrio - a harmful bacteria - for nearly a decade, and she's not done. The Ph.D. in ENHS graduate will continue her research as a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University.

Doctoral graduate joins University of St. Augustine's speech-language pathology program as assistant professor

A lot has happened in the past four years for Ellie Cooper. She completed a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and landed an assistant professor of speech-language pathology position at the University of St. Augustine.

Environmental health sciences graduate joins National Institutes of Health's Safety Operations and Support Branch

As a biologist with the Safety Operations and Support Branch of the National Institutes of Health, Ryan Leighton leans on the lessons learned from his Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences program in his day-to-day work.

Doctoral graduate leverages policy and health literacy research to advance tobacco control in the fight against cancer

Mayank Sakhuja's interests focus on work that informs cancer prevention policies and communication - particularly related to tobacco control. Next month, he will begin a postdoctoral fellowship with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC Chapel Hill.

Campus Conversation: Zora Tyson

USC has a Campus Conversation with Zora Tyson. The exercise science major graduates this month and shares her thoughts on what it's like for it to be time for graduation and what she plans to do next.

Public health grounds health care field in humanity for future medical student

John Bruno chose USC for its public health program. The Simpsonville, South Carolina native has had a clear vision of what he wants to do with his life since high school.

USC honors December graduates

Public health majors Katie Torbert and Anne Kowalski share favorite memories, keys to success, advice for new students and how USC changed their lives in this round up of December graduates.

Public health program paves way for career in environmental health sciences

JohnAndrew Redmond's plans include entering directly into the MPH in Environmental Health Sciences program. With interests in climate change and disaster response, he plans to study how humans interact with their environment.

Staff Spotlight: Samantha Hansford

The Graduate Student Services Coordinator has been at the Arnold School for two years, but she has been passionate about higher education since getting her start in admissions and student affairs at South University.

USC Research Institutes are now live on sc.edu

The USC Office of the Vice President for Research has announced the website launches for five new research institutes, including the Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research led by epidemiology associate professor Melissa Nolan.

Recent graduate continues HIV care research as T32 postdoctoral scholar

Ph.D. in HSPM graduate Valerie Yelverton has secured a T32 award to support her work as a postdoctoral scholar at Duke University School of Medicine's Division of Infectious Diseases with the Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in AIDS.

Gamecock Football intern plans career in sports nutrition

Sarah Rzepka has spent hundreds of hours assisting in hydration testing, post-practice recovery fueling, and daily meals for three fall camps, three seasons, two summer workout periods, and two bowl games.

I Am Public Health: Nasim Saba Nishat

Ph.D. in Biostatistics student Nasim Saba Nishat is determined to address health disparities by using data to help clinicians find the optimal treatment dosages for patients to ensure safer and more effective health care.

Nicole Hair to study link between childhood measles exposure and later-life cognition

Health services policy and management assistant professor Nicole Hair will lead a study to examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood. The two projects are funded by the National Institute on Aging.

2023 DEI Awards announced

The Arnold School is pleased to announce the 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards, which are designed to recognize alumni, faculty, staff and students who have made exceptional contributions to advancing DEI.

Undergraduate students win Tulane Health Policy Case Competition

Public health students Anusha Ghosh and Muskaan Makkar and finance major Hima Vadlamani are the 2023 winners of the nationwide Tulane Health Policy Case Competition, which invited solutions to New Orleans' homelessness crisis.

New study looks for contaminants in ash and soil from Maui fire

The National Science Foundation has awarded $200,000 to environmental health sciences professor Mohammed Baalousha to study the nanomaterials in the ash, soil and surface waters resulting from/impacted by the August fire in Maui, Hawaii.

Public health professor recognized as top national rural health researcher

USC features health services policy and management associate professor and Rural and Minority Health Research Center director Elizabeth Crouch.

A legend in life and beyond. Arnold School community remembers the life of Steven N. Blair

The unexpected passing of Distinguished Professor Emeritus Steven N. Blair last month has had a widespread impact on Arnold School faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. His career reached far beyond USC and spanned six decades.

A pound of cure

USC features the Prevention Research Center, which marked its 30th anniversary this year. The PRC partners with communities and churches to promote physical activity and healthy eating.

Perinatal and pediatric epidemiologist Nandita Perumal boosts Arnold School's global health expertise

Her research improves maternal, newborn, and child nutrition, health and development in vulnerable populations by understanding the causes of adverse maternal and child health outcomes and the long-term consequences of adverse exposures in early life.

Staff Spotlight: Benjamin Fisher

If you're curious about what's involved in the day-to-day running of an NIH-funded research lab, just follow Benjamin Fisher around for a day. The research project coordinator is the right-hand man for Jennifer Fillo in running her CHARM Lab.

New institute puts USC on map for vector-borne illness research

A USC-funded institute led by epidemiology associate professor Melissa Nolan will use global reach to solve local problems. The Institute of Infectious Disease Translational Research will allow her to operate complementary studies at labs based in SC, El Salvador and Brazil.

Reaching the most vulnerable

USC features the work of Julie Smithwick, who began her career as a community health worker helping new Latino mothers and now leads the Center for Community Health Care Alignment in equipping the state’s community health workforce.

I Am Public Health: Shelly King

When the oldest of Shelly King's six children began heading off to college, King decided to join them - circling back to the career plans she envisioned while studying exercise science at the Arnold School in early 2000s.

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers identify key takeaways for AIDS service organizations to ensure resilience

USC scientists identified seven lessons regarding health care system resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. These takeaways detail ways that AIDS service organizations in SC were able to persevere through the pandemic.

2023 Carolina Trustees Professor Angela Liese

USC features epidemiology professor Angela Liese, who has won the 2023 Carolina Trustees Professorship in recognition of her excellence in teaching, research and service.

Letting those leaves pile up? New research shows leaf litter contains persistent free radicals

Environmental health sciences associate professor Eric Vejerano's research is the first to show that leaves - which are perpetually present in vast amounts - contain persistent free radicals, which can contribute to chronic health conditions.

Propel mentorship makes grant writing tools accessible to early career faculty across the USC system

The USC Office of the Vice President for Research digs deep into the early-career grant proposal training program, Propel, including its origins in the Arnold School and the key faculty members who are making it happen.

Former faculty member leaves legacy through research and founding exercise department, DSAC

It has been 25 years since Dianne Ward held a full-time appointment with the University of South Carolina, but the imprint she made during her time at the Arnold School and the continued collaborations in the decades since have only grown.

Staff Spotlight: Anjell Mitchell

As one of the administrative coordinators for PASOs and CCHA, Mitchell handles human resources activities, manages contracts and purchases, works with suppliers and facilities support, oversees contracts and business operations and much more.

New project drills deeper into HIV data to find patterns, gaps in care

Xueying Yang, assistant professor of HPEB, has been awarded $400K from the National Institute of Nursing Research. She will use the two-year R21 grant to identify patterns and predictors of racial/ethnic disparities in the HIV care continuum in the South.

USC researchers demonstrate a commitment to fitness in S.C. and beyond

Exercise science faculty Russ Pate, Sarah Burkart, Glenn Weaver and Shawn Arent are featured for their work to advance physical fitness and combat obesity in this package of stories from USC.

Students explore global health perspectives in Costa Rica

USC features the Global Health Costa Rica summer program, which is led by HPEB clinical associate professor Edena Guimaraes and taken by public health major as well as other students across the university.

A champion’s champion

MPH in HPEB alumna Jessica Seel is making a big impact on the state through her role with the SC Office of Rural Health. Learn about the director of behavioral health initiatives and workforce development with this story from USC.

Learning as you go

As both a clinician and an educator, Alicia Flach uses evidence-based learning in each of these roles. USC digs into the physical therapist/clinical associate professor/Galen Health Fellows faculty principal's approach.

I Am Public Health: Tamera Gaffney

B.A. in Public Health alumna Tamera Gaffney gained experience with SC DHEC and the CDC before returning to the Arnold School to enroll in the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology program.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation selects Tremaine Sails-Dunbar to join Health Policy Research Scholars Program

One year into his program, Sails-Dunbar has already been accepted into USC's Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program and serves as a teaching assistant for a course focused on community health problems.

Low-income communities face dual barriers to maternity care access

Research led by Peiyin Hung has dug deeper into the challenges surrounding maternity care access that the health services policy and management assistant professor has been unveiling through her recent research.

National awards support students pursuing academic-research careers in communication sciences and disorders

Sandra Irvin and Lauren Riggleman are two of only 13 recipients of the 2023 Students Preparing for Academic-Research Careers (SPARC) Award from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

Arnold School breaks funding record, topping $50M in a single year

The Arnold School of Public Health has reached a landmark record for the University of South Carolina, garnering an all-time high of $50.3 million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023).

New study examines pros, cons of advanced maternal age

Emily Mann has been awarded more than $140K from the National Science Foundation's Division of Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences to study the biomedicalization of advanced maternal age.

New program trains community collaborators to conduct big data health science research

Researchers at the Big Data Health Science Center will use their latest grant - a $100K R25 supplement from the National Institutes of Health - to develop a new program for training community members to use data science in their work.

Lullaby and good night

USC features the work of exercise science assistant professor Sarah Burkart, whose pilot project helps parents develop better sleep routines for school-age children.

Staff Spotlight: Barbara Reager

As the administrative coordinator tor the Department of Exercise Science, Barbara Reager serves as office manager - supporting the chair, faculty, staff and graduate students, and she coordinates the two exercise science master's programs.

States lean on federal support to fight opioid epidemic, cutting state funding after Medicaid expansion

Individual state funding for substance use disorder declined by an average of $10 million per year following Medicaid expansion, according to new research led by HSPM associate professor Christina Andrews.

I Am Public Health: Taryn Farrell

Since she enrolled in the MPH in HSPM program in 2022, Farrell has gained experience with the LiveWell Kershaw Coalition, finding inspiration for her public health career.

Distance education program provides path to becoming speech-language pathologist

During her master's program, Teresa Traffas became interested in literacy - particularly among older children and adults. She gained clinical experience in private practice, hospital and school settings.

Faculty principals play crucial role in student development

USC takes a closer look at new faculty principals like exercise science clinical associate professor Alicia Flach (Galen Health Fellows Living and Learning Community) as they begin their terms.

Recovery from post-stroke aphasia hampered by diabetes

USC features study by communication sciences and disorders researchers Roger Newman-Norlund and Julius Fridriksson that reveals better treatment gains for those without diabetes.

Katie Hirsch wins Young Investigator Grant from National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation

An assistant professor of exercise science, Hirsch was selected by the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee and Grant Panel after a thorough evaluation process of all applicants.

A calling to higher education. Two-time USC alumna Kara Montgomery commits career to academia

Clinical associate professor Kara Montgomery has dedicated her entire 33-year career to higher education, with nearly three decades spent right here at the University of South Carolina.

The Southeast Community Health Worker Network Awards $90,000 in grants to build CHW workforce in four states

As the backbone of the Network, the Arnold School's Center for Community Health Alignment will provide support, including technical assistance and facilitation of monthly virtual CHW Learning Collaboratives for grantees.

Two new projects bring health care to vulnerable groups

Nansi Boghossian and Melissa Nolan, both associate professors of epidemiology, have been awarded more than $600K each from The Duke Endowment to lead projects that improve access to health care for underserved populations.

Secondary school-aged students overseen by athletic trainers more likely to receive emergency medical services, according to new research

The authors interpret these findings as a sign of improved identification and triage of sport-related emergencies and evidence of the need for dedicated athletic trainers at all middle and high school sporting events.

Staff Spotlight: Grant Jackson

One of Jackson's favorite aspects of his job is the opportunity to learn and try new things. It helps that he likes to experiment with new technology and enjoys looking for ways to leverage emerging tools for the benefit of his clients.

Recent graduate finds intersection of public health and genetic counseling

With the MCH Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Program, Cassidy Lena explored the MCH field - even analyzing Medicaid policy impacts on maternal and infant outcomes in SC for her Honors Senior Thesis.

Arnold School students join This Is Public Health Ambassadors program

Ally Hucek (Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior) and Katherine Brown (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) have been selected to join the 2023-2024 Cohort for the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

I Am Public Health: Paige Banaszak

As a student in COMD's master's program, Banaszak found a passion for the impacts of mental health. After graduating this month she will work at a clinic that provides both speech-language and mental health therapy.

Exercise science student wins scholarship to support dissertation research on low back pain

John Gilliam, a third-year doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. in Exercise Science program, has been awarded a Promotion of Doctoral Studies II Scholarship from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

New study uses technology to protect children from preventable infections

Jan Ostermann is leading a new project to increase vaccination uptake among children in rural and underserved areas. He will use a $3 million NIH grant to implement a community-based digital intervention in Tanzania.

New study will examine impact of lifestyle physical activity on cognition for older adults

Jason Yang has been awarded nearly $400,000 from the NIH to explore the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among sufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer's or related dementias.

Objects in motion

USC features the work of exercise science professor Russell Pate, whose half-century career has focused on children’s physical activity research and fighting the childhood obesity epidemic.

Underdiagnosis of autism reveals need for better education, early screening

Jessica Klusek found that only 31 percent of the participants had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder through traditional clinical assessments when approximately 75 percent actually had the condition.

Glenn Weaver to advance childhood obesity research with two new grants

Building on the exercise science associate professor’s work over the past decade, both grants focus on healthy structured programming to reduce obesity and mitigate the weight gain that often occurs during the summer months.

Staff Spotlight: Dantz Woodberry

As business manager for health services policy and management, she manages the department budget, processes payroll/human resources actions, plans special events and supports chair Brad Wright.

Susan Yeargin named Fellow by two national organizations

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) have both invited the exercise science associate professor to join their fellowship ranks.

I Am Public Health: Catherine Christian

Currently the community health coordinator for a YMCA, Christian has found that the Online MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior program offers the perfect path for pursuing a graduate degree in the field.

E-cigarette manufacturers use targeted marketing to lure in young adults

Research led by HPEB assistant professor Minji Kim has found that marketing strategies used by e-cigarette manufacturers increase the likelihood of uptake among otherwise low-risk young adults.

Arnold School researchers play key role in child malnutrition report from UNICEF, WHO, and World Bank

Alexander McLain and Edward Frongillo were acknowledged for their role in developing the analytic methods used for estimating overweight and stunting trends among children around the world.

New training program preps underrepresented minority students for careers in health data science

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded about $1.6 million to Arnold School faculty to launch a training program aimed at preparing underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in health data science.

Birth & Beyond

USC details efforts by several university researchers working to improve maternal and child health, including Peiyin Hung's efforts to address limited access to maternal care in rural areas.

Psychology background sparks passion for speech-language pathology

When looking at graduate schools, she knew that the Arnold School's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offered one of the nation's best Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology programs.

Double jeopardy: Food insecurity and diabetes

USC features the work of epidemiology professor Angela Liese, whose two decades of research into diabetes among youth and young adults has revealed food insecurity as one of the biggest challenges this group faces.

Office for the Study of Aging will be home to new coalition focused on social isolation among older adults

The Social Isolation in Older Adults Taskforce has recommended the development of the new coalition, which will be based in the Office for the Study of Aging. Co-director Megan Byers is a member of the taskforce and steering committee.

Lulú Hernandez selected as ambassador for National Community Health Worker Association

Lulú Hernandez, a community health worker with PASOs and statewide ambassador with the Community Health Worker Institute was chosen for one of the competitive spots.

Sickle cell disease worsens maternal health outcomes for Black individuals

New research led by Nansi Boghossian has investigated the relationship between sickle cell disease and severe maternal morbidity (i.e., adverse outcomes such as heart failure, blood transfusions, and hysterectomy after delivery).

New study will assess pandemic interruptions to health care for South Carolinians living with HIV

Shan Qiao has been awarded $3.5 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study disruptions to HIV-related care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff Spotlight: Catrina Plyler

As business manager for the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Plyler's role includes managing the center's budgets and handling human resources activities.

Personal battles inspire future speech-language pathologist to help children, cancer patients

With two populations she is passionate about, Megan Morgan is excited to support pediatric patients with speech and language as well as patients with head and neck cancer to help them regain the ability to swallow and their quality of life.

Tracking our aging brains

USC features the Aging Brain Cohort, where researchers work across disciplines explore line between natural aging and cognitive disease. Led by Julius Fridriksson, ABC includes collaborators from COMD and others.

I Am Public Health: Mirza Isanovic

Mirza Isanovic graduates with a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences in August. He studies the bacteria that could be harboring antibiotic resistant genes and how these genes may be impacting the local communities near treatment plants.

Physician completes Ph.D., shifts to career as health services researcher to improve health for all

Yi-wen Shih's research examines mental health, health disparities and substance use. She advocates for nonpharmacologic treatment of chronic noncancer pain to improve health outcomes/pain management and mitigate the opioid crisis.

Inspiration and Faith Drive McFadden to Bigger Baseball Aspirations

Gamecocks Online features exercise science major and bullpen catcher Meredith McFadden, who is the first female to hold the position on a power five conference team.

ENHS hands out awards to six top students

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These six students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

Reducing infectious disease

USC features epidemiology associate professor Melissa Nolan, whose search for innovative ways to curb the impact of viral and insect-borne illness has earned her a Breakthrough Star Award.

Elizabeth Crouch wins national award for contributions to rural health

The health services policy and management (HSPM) associate professor and Rural and Minority Health Research Center director was recognized with one of the National Rural Health Association's top honors: the 2023 Outstanding Researcher Award.

Three students selected to receive HPEB department awards

Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior is proud to announce the 2023 winners of the Outstanding Master's Student, Christopher Peter Aluah Outstanding Doctoral Student, and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Research Awards.

Future hospital administrator focuses on veterans

Hannah Price spent the final semester of her MPH in HSPM program interning with the Dorn VA Medical Center. With veterans/active military in her family and circle of friends, she has always been passionate about this population.

Faculty Award Winners recognized at annual Hooding Ceremony

The Arnold School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Faculty Awards: James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Courtney Monroe), Faculty Research Award (Jihong Liu), and Faculty Service Award (Alicia Flach).

Exercise science recognizes seven students with Outstanding Student Awards

The Department of Exercise Science has selected seven students to receive the 2023 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Awards. This year’s winners were chosen for their academic achievements, community service and leadership roles.

Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery improves communication, quality of life

USC features the work of the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery, discussing new insights and ongoing approaches to treatment with communication sciences and disorders associate professor Dirk den Ouden.

Physician completes third USC degree to address addiction for patients, populations

After graduating in May with an MPH in Epidemiology, Humna Fayyaz will continue her training in these areas with a fellowship in addiction medicine at the University of Illinois-Chicago Hospital.

Melissa Nolan to establish USC Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research

USC is launching five new research institutes, with one led by associate professor of epidemiology Melissa Nolan. Supported by $2 million over four years, the team will study emerging diseases that could threaten public health.

Abby Berquist and Hannah Leili win student public health awards

The Office of Undergraduate Affairs is proud to announce the winners of this year's Outstanding Public Health Awards. Abby Berquist (B.A. in Public Health; pictured right) and Hannah Leili (B.S. in Public Health) are the 2023 recipients.

Top graduate student award winners announced

The top master's and doctoral students were honored at the annual Hooding Ceremony. Sujal Patel (M.S. in Advanced Athletic Training) received the Jeffrey Keith Mattison Award, and Gabriel Benavidez (Ph.D. in Epidemiology) won the Doctoral Achievement Award.

USC students Seas the Day in Greece

Travel (vicariously) through Greece for three weeks with 30 USC students as they compare ancient and modern Greece, learn about culture, history and health, and discover how the Greek diet impacts health outcomes.

Staff Spotlight: Chase Ferch

As the epidemiology and biostatistics department's grant administrator, Chase Ferch oversees the pre-award and post-award management for all grant funding.

Three future speech-language pathologists win outstanding student awards

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and in their clinical placements outside the classroom.

Public health graduates earn prestigious presidential management fellowship

Akeen Hamilton, Ellen Stowe and Michaela Williams are among the five University of South Carolina students and alumni selected for the 2022-2023 Presidential Management Fellowship.

Exercise science expands child health expertise with addition of sleep researcher Sarah Burkart

Sarah Burkart has explored the field of exercise science for the past decade. Across four degrees and a postdoctoral fellowship, she has examined challenges faced by multiple populations - ultimately focusing on the fight against childhood obesity.

Health services policy and management student award winners announced

The Department of Health Services Policy and Management is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

From the stage to the clinic. Actor pivots career to help others through physical therapy

As a student in the Department of Exercise Science's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Harrison Johnson interned at two hospitals and served as a senior teaching assistant for clinical associate professor Erika Blanck.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics honors 2023 student award winners

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These four students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

Combining public health and medicine to end Black maternal disparities

The public health curriculum enabled Taylor Williams to discover her passion for addressing Black maternal mortality, including how policy change and community-wide interventions can improve health outcomes for these women and their children.

Arnold School announces 2023 Alumni Award Winners

Chynna A. Phillips (MPH in HSPM) has been awarded the Gerry Sue Arnold Alumni Award. Michael Wirth (MSPH, Ph.D. in Epidemiology) is the recipient of the Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal.

Epidemiology graduate joins Rural and Minority Health Research Center

The Center's work aligns perfectly with Emma Boswell's passion for maternal and child health, particularly adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, rural health, social emotional health and early childhood.

Doctoral graduate joins CDC as Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer

Ph.D. in Epidemiology graduate Andrea Danielle Brown studies the relationships between food insecurity, social needs and mental health among youth and young adults with diabetes.

MHA graduate to lead as administrative fellow at Lexington Medical Center

Public health major Abby Edwards, whose college experience was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, wasn't ready to leave - or to stop learning - when her 2021 graduation arrived.

Four Arnold School faculty win 2023 Faculty Awards from the USC Office of the Provost

Exercise science faculty Alicia Flach and Shana Harrington and epidemiology and biostatistics professors James Hébert and Angela Liese have been recognized with 2023 Faculty Awards from the USC Office of the Provost.

The meaning of magis

USC features Arnold School alumna (MPH in Health Services Policy and Management) Chynna A. Phillips, who is the senior director of policy and research for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Public health researcher plays key role in project aimed at addressing K-12 fitness

USC features exercise science professor Russell Pate's key role in SC FitnessGram, a project led by SC DHEC that aims to evaluate and improve health-related fitness among public school students.

Breaking barriers: Kaleb Phelps pioneers research on autism diagnosis experiences in the Black community

The Office of National Fellowships and Scholar Programs features public health major and Honors College student Kaleb Phelps' journey to becoming an advocate and researcher for autism in the Black community.

I Am Public Health: Ruilie Cai

Ruilie Cai is a student in the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program, where studies survival analysis, longitudinal analysis and machine learning with an interest in applying these methods to populations with mental health problems or people living with HIV.

Strength and conditioning coach earns physical therapy degree to holistically help clients

Using a holistic approach, Adam Bilodeau plans to pursue a dual role as a physical therapist and strength coach. He would like to open a performance facility that primarily works with athletes and other active populations.

Male soldiers who experience military sexual trauma more likely to turn to alcohol

Research from HPEB assistant professor Jennifer Fillo found that male victims had higher rates of alcohol consumption, more frequent heavy drinking and experienced more alcohol-related problems.

Doctoral graduate develops expertise in exercise and sleep

Erin Kishman, who graduates this August with from the No.1 Ph.D. program in the nation (exercise science), researches the 24-Hour Activity Cycle, which includes sleep, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Katie Hirsch bolsters Arnold School's growing expertise in women's health

The exercise science assistant professor researches the muscle-building effects of physical activity and nutrition through interventions and supplements, with a focus on sex differences and women's health across the lifespan.

Public health program inspires prevention focus for future physician

With interests in maternal and child health/mortality, particularly the disparities faced by rural communities in the U.S. and in S.C., Anjali Borsum will focus on prevention during her Doctor of Medicine program at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Epidemiology graduate heads to Harvard Medical School to continue liver disease research

A graduate of the Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, Longgang Zhao is interested in the role of nutrition, lifestyles, metabolic factors and genetics. Long term, he aims to identify the causes of liver disease and cancer at the population level.

Exercise science graduate pursues career in sport science

With interests in sports performance and injury-prevention among high-level athletes, Nestor Urrea's next steps include obtaining his doctoral degree. Long term, he would like to become the director of sport performance for a collegiate and/or professional team.

Making health information easier to understand

HPEB chair Daniela Friedman is dedicated to making health information widely available and easy to understand, particularly among older adults. The VPR Office has recognized her for this work with a Breakthrough Leadership Award.

Mapping the language of fragile X

USC features COMD associate professor Jessica Klusek, whose research on mothers who carry FMR1 premutation and their children who have fragile X syndrome have won her a Breakthrough Star Award from the VPR Office.

Bringing equity to rural health care

USC features HSPM associate professor and Rural and Minority Health Research Center deputy director Peiyin Hung, who has been named a Breakthrough Star for her research in maternal health disparities and policies.

Hala Ghattas tackles nutrition inequities for refugees

HPEB associate professor Hala Ghattas studies the links between inequity, food insecurity, malnutrition and poor health - mostly in low- and middle-income countries. She also develops interventions to address these challenges.

Staff Spotlight: Traci Williams

Traci Williams first joined the communication sciences and disorders department as a temp, but there was nothing temporary about her contributions to the group. Today she is the human resources manager for the department.

Fulbright Scholarship supports LEAP student's journey to bring health equity to all

Samantha Johnson combined her interests in international systems/policies with health by joining the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Program.

Arnold School Latinx experts partner with SC DHEC to reduce tobacco use in Hispanic communities

PASOs and the Consortium for Latino Immigration Studies will assess tobacco/vaping use among Latinx communities in S.C. and use this information to design culturally appropriate prevention programs.

I Am Public Health: Marnie McLean

Ph.D. in Exercise Science (No.1 in the nation) student Marnie McLean is dedicated to women's cardiovascular health. She is particularly interested in the effects of long-term endurance exercise on the arteries of female athletes.

Celebrating National Public Health Week 2023

The Arnold School of Public Health recognizes and highlights our community and health leaders and their work for this year's National Public Health Week!

Understanding the mechanics of speech

USC features COMD associate professor Roozbeh Behroozmand, whose research into speech processing in the brain has won him a Breakthrough Star Award from the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Gamecock Trio Helps Underserved in Ecuador

Gamecocks Online shares how exercise science majors/track and field junior distance runners Hope Dominique, Katerina Hendrix and Claudia Satzke spent their spring break working in health clinics in underserved communities in Ecuador.

Pandemic hurts HIV care, management for South Carolinians

In a statewide examination of electronic health records, researchers found that people living with HIV were less likely to engage with their health care providers and maintain adequate viral suppression during the pandemic.

James Hébert honored with 2023 ASPPH Research Excellence Award

The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) has named James Hébert, Health Sciences Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology, as the 2023 recipient of their Research Excellence Award.

The struggle for military fitness

USC reports on how Arnold School researchers are studying the health, financial and security costs of military readiness and how finding recruits who can meet physical fitness and weight requirements to begin military training is harder than ever before.

Improving internet access and outcomes

USC shares how university researchers, led by health services policy and management assistant professor Nabil Natafgi, are working to improve broadband availability across the state.

Language and cognitive development researcher Erin Smolak joins COMD

Erin Smolak has joined the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The assistant professor is also the director of the CLOuD Lab, where she researches children's language and cognitive development.

Former student body presidents: Where are they now?

USC catches up with past student body presidents, including public health alumna (2018) Taylor Wright, who now does public engagement for Secretary Pete Buttigieg improving public safety in the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Healthy Start program improves health behaviors, practices according to new research

The study found that the program resulted in significant reductions in inadequate prenatal care, large-for-gestational-age births, and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy as well as positive impacts on breast feeding and public service practices.

Toni Torres-McGehee wins national Athletic Trainer Service Award

The National Association of Athletic Trainers' Service Award recognizes recipients for their contributions to professional associations, community organizations, grassroots public relations efforts.

Staff Spotlight: Shania Johnson

As as an administrative assistant with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johnson's favorite part about her position is the workflow, networking opportunities and the organized environment.

I Am Public Health: Emily Farrell

In addition to interests in nutrition, sleep and health behavior, Farrell has developed a passion for maternal and child health (MCH), earning an MCH Certificate of Graduate Study alongside her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology.

Children living in safe, supportive neighborhoods have better oral health

A study led by Elizabeth Crouch, associate professor of health services policy and management and director of the Rural and Minority Health Research Center, has found a connection between children's living conditions and their oral health.

Three doctoral candidates win 2023 Breakthrough Graduate Scholar Awards

Gabriel Benavidez (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Maggie Carson (Environmental Health Sciences), and Valerie Yelverton (Health Services Policy and Management), are recipients of three of these prestigious honors.

Researchers help expand internet access for South Carolinians

Arnold School faculty, including health services policy and management assistant professor Nabil Natafgi, are partnering with the Broadband Office in the Office of Regulatory Staff to expand internet access in SC -- starting with a survey to assess needs.

USC researchers study how walking speed affects health

Stacy Fritz partners with engineering researchers to capture details about a person’s gait from the vibrations in their feet and then determine what variations in a person’s walking speed and step length can say about health changes and challenges.

National Academies appoints Melissa Nolan to Forum on Microbial Threats

Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology, has been selected to serve on the Forum on Microbial Threats for the National Academy of Medicine. The forum convenes leaders to discuss critical scientific and policy concerns related to infectious diseases.

New study to use mobile phones, social networks to increase HIV testing

Jan Ostermann, an associate professor in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management, has been awarded $374K from the National Institutes of Health's Fogerty International Center.

Chen Liang named DATA Scholar by National Institutes of Health

Highly selective, this program is designed to support data/computer scientists/engineers who improve public health by tackling challenges related to biomedical data.

Staff Spotlight: Zach Jenkins

As far as life missions go, Zach Jenkins' is simple and clear: to spread peace, love and joy to everyone he encounters. Fortunately, it's a goal he gets to work towards in both his personal and professional lives.

2022-2023 SPARC Graduate Research Grants awarded to 12 Arnold School graduate students

Graduate students from across the Arnold School have earned 2022-2023 SPARC Graduate Research Grants from the USC Office of the Vice President for Research to fund individual scholarship initiatives.

Arnold School faculty member wins national award for outstanding advising

Caleb Morris, an instructor in the Department of Exercise Science and an advisor within the Office of Undergraduate Services, has been honored with an Outstanding Advising Award from the National Academic Advising Association.

I Am Public Health: Anna Dunbar

After graduating with a Master of Health Administration degree in May, Anna Dunbar will serve as an Administrative Fellow, working with the executive leadership team on day-to-day operations at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

Lessons from a leader: Public health alumnus explains how to build a career

Two-time Arnold School alumnus Billy Oglesby reflects on his career trajectory, including the two key types of mentors, the unique opportunities offered by USC and how a public health degree is your passport to the world.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics to host day of celebration on February 17

Events will include a breakfast social, student poster session, dinner/silent auction, and symposium with Dean Thomas Chandler, Provost Donna Arnett, and former Chair/USC President Emeritus Harris Pastides.

Maggie Carson awarded Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

ENHS doctoral candidate Maggie Carson has been selected to join one of the most prestigious fellowship programs in her field. She will live and work in Washington D.C. as a fellow in the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Study seeks to understand aging-related decline among mothers who carry FMR1 premutation

Associate professor of communication sciences and disorders Jessica Klusek has been awarded $2.9 million from the National Institute on Aging to extend her research into the effects of the FMR1 premutation on mothers who carry it.

Rahul Ghosal brings functional, distributional data analysis expertise to Arnold School as assistant professor of biostatistics

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics welcomed Rahul Ghosal to their ranks at the start of the academic year. The assistant professor specializes in developing statistical methods with applications in the health sciences/biosciences.

Danielle Varnedoe retires after 40 years with Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Danielle Varnedoe has more to celebrate than the start of a new year. This month, the director of the Montgomery Clinic will retire after four decades of service with COMD. She also recently welcomed her first grandchild.

Office of the Vice President for Research announces 2023 Breakthrough Award winners

Five Arnold School faculty members and three graduate students have been recognized with 2023 Breakthrough Awards. They have been honored with Breakthrough Leadership in Research, Breakthrough Star and Breakthrough Graduate Scholar Awards.

The scientific reasons you should resolve to start gardening in 2023

Arnold School scientists have contributed to new research on how community gardening increases fiber consumption and physical activity while decreasing stress and anxiety.

Staff Spotlight: Van Cornelius

Now in her ninth year, Cornelius is the business manager for the Arnold School's Center for Community Health Alignment, which is home to PASOs, the Community Health Worker Institute, and Equity through Meaningful Engagement.

Big Data Health Science Center engages students through diversity, equity and inclusion efforts

This year, the Center will expand their DEI efforts with a special focus on students. During their annual conference (February 10-11), they will host an Academic Career Development Luncheon for underrepresented minority students.

DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby, Gov. Henry McMaster Announce S.C. Center of Excellence in Addiction

Arnold School alum (MSW/MPH '15) Sara Goldsby has announced the creation of the SC Center of Excellence in Addiction, and HSPM associate professor and collaborator Christina Andrews weighs in on the importance of the endeavor.

Communication sciences and disorders department boosts auditory neuroscience expertise with arrival of Meisam Arjmandi

As an auditory neuroscientist, Arjmandi's expertise includes speech, hearing, and language as well as biomedical signal processing and cognitive sciences. His projects, which often involve cochlear implants, use principles and methods from a variety of areas.

I Am Public Health: Kaigan Benning

COMD student pursues M.S. in Speech-Language-Pathology using distance education path that enables her to work as a speech-language-pathologist assistant and make necessary moves as a military spouse.