Engineering professor named National Academy of Inventors fellow
December 09, 2025, Collyn Taylor
Biomedical engineering professor Ehsan Jabbarzadeh became the University of South Carolina's fourth National Academy of Inventors fellow.
Stories for Faculty and Staff
Engineering prof named university's third-ever National Academy of Inventors fellow
December 05, 2025, Chris Horn
Electrical engineering professor Guoan Wang got his first U.S. patent while in graduate school and now has more than 60 patents and more than 50 additional patents pending. He was elected to the National Academy of Inventors’ 2024 Class of Fellows, the highest professional distinction awarded to inventors.
Innovative cardiac teaching tool earns recognition for nursing faculty
November 18, 2025, Laura Erskine
Heart defects affect about 1 percent of all babies born in the United States each year, making the cardiovascular system an important part of the nursing curriculum. To help students master this material, assistant professor Stephanie Schaller invented a new tool that lets students learn heart defects through hands-on activities.
USC students and alumni win South Carolina InnoVision Awards
November 14, 2025, Laura Erskine
Six finalists with ties to USC were recognized by the 2025 InnoVision Awards, with three winning top honors. The winning businesses are led by students in the South Carolina Honors College, alumni and graduate students from the Molinaroli College of Engineering, and alumni from the Darla Moore School of Business and the Honors College.
How to Throw a Festival: Hogs for the Cause
September 22, 2025, by Craig Brandhorst, photos by Kim Truett
Over the past 16 years, Hogs for the Cause has raised millions of dollars to help families facing pediatric brain cancer. Cofounder Becker Hall credits the University of South Carolina for showing him the way.
Phase 1 construction of Battery Center set to begin
July 09, 2025, Chris Horn
In about 18 months, the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation at the University of South Carolina plans to open the first phase of its Battery Center, a research, manufacturing and teaching facility in partnership with several commercial battery manufacturers.
Chemical engineering research aims to improve lithium-sulfur battery systems
July 07, 2025, Chris Horn
A rechargeable battery system with lower component costs and higher energy density potential than commonly used lithium-ion batteries is the focus of an industry-sponsored study by a chemical engineering research team at the University of South Carolina.
USC chemist leads new NSF center focused on developing sustainable, eco-friendly plastics
June 23, 2025, Chris Horn
By 2050 plastic manufacturing around the world is projected to total 1 billion tons, and more than half of all that plastic is expected to end up in landfills and the ocean. It’s an industry that relies on petroleum as a key ingredient and produces products that can’t easily be recycled without generating additional waste. But USC's Chuanbing Tang has a game-changing idea for the world’s plastic crisis.
Former USC football player Garrison Gist shows us his Charlotte murals
January 03, 2025, Thom Harman / photos by Kim Truett
Garrison Gist played fullback for the Gamecocks. Now the School of Visual Art and Design graduate is scoring big as a muralist and painter.
Civil engineering graduate Deepal Eliatamby left Sri Lanka to find opportunity, freedom
September 10, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
Civil engineering graduate Deepal Eliatamby left Sri Lanka to find opportunity and freedom. He found it at USC and is now paying it forward.
USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing isn't named after just one Gamecock.
September 04, 2024, Rebekah Friedman / photos by Kim Truett
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing is named after a family, not a single person. Brothers Alex, Carl and Ray Molinaroli showed us why.
Why Bowens Island?
August 15, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
When Carolinian magazine was looking for a scenic Low Country location for an interview and photo session with University of South Carolina alumnus and donor Alex Molinaroli and his brothers for the fall 2024 issue, Bowens Island was top of the list.
McNair Institute fosters entrepreneurial mindset
August 05, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Many students enter the University of South Carolina with entrepreneurial dreams. But the entrepreneurial mindset is as much about how you think about solving problems as it is about launching a new business or bringing an invention to market — and acquiring that mindset requires a very particular kind of educational environment. Since 2017, USC’s McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise has provided exactly that.
A Robot In Every Classroom
May 16, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Van Robotics founder Laura Boccanfuso has a vision for improving education, one dancing, smiling, fist-bumping robot at a time.
Roll out the Barrel!
May 15, 2024, story by Craig Brandhorst | photos by Kim Truett
Study abroad can change a student’s life. For Bierkeller founder Scott Burgess, it led to a dream come true.
Ring polymer research points way to new industrial and biomedical applications
March 06, 2024, Chris Horn
Imagine smartphones that bend, twist and stretch like rubber. Or 3D-printed material that mimics the pliable characteristics of human cartilage found in knees, noses and ears. It’s not much of a stretch for Ting Ge, an assistant professor in chemistry and biochemistry who has just begun a five-year CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to delve deeper into the field of ring polymers.
Alumni couple use 'complementary skillset' to create thriving taproom
February 26, 2024, Page Ivey
Brian and Nicole Cendrowski spent more than a decade dreaming of opening their own brewery before settling on a plan and a location. Their Fireforge Brewery & Taproom in downtown Greenville weathered the pandemic and is now a thriving member of the Upstate community they call home.
Advertising alumna uses her skills to run successful interior design business
February 09, 2024, Téa Smith
After earning her advertising degree in 2008, Amber Guyton never imagined she would be using it to help her run an interior design business, but she’s done just that. Now she owns and operates the Atlanta-based, Blessed Little Bungalow.
Motion Analysis and Performance Lab brings high-tech perspective and science-based solutions to athletes and non-athletes alike.
February 05, 2024, Chris Horn
Puggy Blackmon wants to improve more than your swing. As part of the team at PRISMA Health’s Motion Analysis and Performance Lab, the former USC golf coach is also improving lives.
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly is lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city's tech sector
January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly has a history of helping early stage entrepreneurs. Now, he’s lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city’s tech sector.
Journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons helps caregivers through Leeza's Care Connection
January 11, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons devoted her second act to helping caregivers through Leeza’s Care Connection.
Honors College grad Roger Barnette is helping the SCHC recruit today's top students
November 13, 2023, Thom Harman
Following in his father's footsteps, Roger Barnette attended the University of South Carolina, loved his college experience and learned what he needed to have successful career. Now he's helping the Honors College recruit today's top talent from the Atlanta area and beyond.
Bryan Bros Tee Off!
August 25, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
Wesley and George Bryan IV made their mark on the greens as Gamecock golfers. The brothers are now teeing off as golf course owners.
Faculty principals play crucial role in student development
August 16, 2023, Hannah Cambre
As new students settle into the IDEA community and Galen Health Fellows this academic year, they will meet two of the university’s incoming faculty principals, David Cutler and Alicia Flach, who are eager to make their mark on their respective communities.
Sport management professor brings experience, network to USC students
July 26, 2023, Megan Sexton
Bill Sutton, a professor of practice in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, brings his half-century of experience and connections in the sports industry to students at USC.
The Happiest Lunch on Earth
June 26, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
On the last Friday before the end of classes, USC TIMES invited three staff members to lunch at McCutchen House’s Garden Grill to discuss how our work lives change — or don’t change — over the summer. George Hendry, director of the McCutchen House and senior lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, shared his thoughts on troubleshooting through teamwork. Jennifer Asouzu, assistant director for special populations and communication with New Student Orientation, talked up partnerships and first impressions. Leroy Sims, a custodial zone manager with Facilities and a member of Staff Senate, discussed employee satisfaction and how to make the USC campus the happiest place on Earth.
COVID gave QR codes new life
June 14, 2023, Page Ivey
After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the hospitality and tourism industries in March 2020, businesses, particularly restaurants, encouraged customers to return, in part, by offering contactless menus. One key piece of that was the QR code — a technology created by a subsidiary of Toyota as a means of tracking its manufacturing processes.
Research looks at pet-based marketing strategies
May 25, 2023, Megan Sexton
Darla Moore School of Business marketing associate professor Xiaojing Yang along with researchers from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, examined the effects of pet exposure on consumers’ subsequent judgments and decisions, even in ads that are not focused on pet products.
Saskia Coenen Snyder explores the role of Jews in the late 19th century diamond trade.
May 22, 2023, Q&A by Craig Brandhorst
In “A Brilliant Commodity” (Oxford University Press), USC history and Jewish studies professor Saskia Coenen Snyder explores the diamond trade of the late 19th century and the critical role played by Jews at every level of an emerging international commodity market.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction alumni look back on pathways to success
April 21, 2023, Hannah Cambre
The Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning is celebrating the Graduation with Leadership Distinction Program's tenth anniversary. Take a look at some of the earliest graduates with leadership distinction.
Prisma Health makes key investment in SC nurses
April 20, 2023, Page Ivey
To combat South Carolina’s nursing shortage in the next few years will take a team effort, involving health care companies as well as universities who train the essential health care workers. Prisma Health is providing $5 million to five South Carolina schools, including USC Columbia and USC Upstate, which will receive $1.3 million each. The program also helps the next generation of South Carolina nurses understand their roles within a larger health care system.
In the fight against poverty, Chynna A. Phillips strives to do more
April 10, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
As senior director of policy and research at Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, Chynna A. Phillips is taking on poverty one partnership at a time.
First-year marketing major Jala Lewis crafts signature hairstyles players wear on the court
March 28, 2023, Téa Smith
First-year marketing major Jala Lewis helps key players on the women’s basketball team craft the signature hairstyles they wear on the court.
Renowned entrepreneur Sheila Johnson returns for second semester as executive-in-residence
February 24, 2023, Allen Wallace
As a partner and vice chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Sheila Johnson is the only African American woman with ownership in three professional sports teams. Students in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management are gaining unique insights from Johnson as she returns for a second semester to co-teach a class on leadership.
Interim BSW program coordinator Bree Alexander returns to USC to train the next generation of social workers
February 14, 2023, Téa Smith
New interim bachelor of social work program coordinator Bree Alexander is eager to give students more opportunities to pursue their research interests — on their own or working with a faulty member.
Alumna Caroline Harper works to bring back indigo
January 17, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
Indigo is tightly woven into South Carolina history, but few have worked with the rich natural dye since it fell out of favor nearly 150 years ago. Alumna Caroline Harper is bringing it back.
Catching Up with David Shields
January 13, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
English professor and heirloom foodways expert David Shields introduces us to South Carolina seed saver Carold Wicker, whose Newberry County freezer chest is the stuff of legend among farmers, gardeners and heirloom produce detectives like Shields.
Prohibition-era beer laws persist to the present
December 02, 2022, Téa Smith
Craft beer is big business but that doesn’t necessarily mean business is booming.In fact, for many of the nation’s smaller brewing operations, competing with established large-scale “macrobreweries” is a David and Goliath story — and the laws are stacked in Goliath’s favor. But Scott Taylor Jr.. and his colleagues at the Wine and Beverage Institute at USC School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management are working on the first of three papers exploring the negative impact of Prohibition-era laws on competition within the alcoholic beverage industry.
Former Gamecocks tackle life, literacy beyond football
November 15, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
Langston Moore and Preston Thorne made a big impact on the football field at Williams-Brice. Now the former Gamecock defensive lineman make their impact writing children’s books and visiting schools.
USC, West Columbia police continue to see success in social work outreach program
November 14, 2022, Kyndel Lee
The West Columbia Outreach Program allows social work graduate students to complete field hours in the law enforcement field, giving them hands-on experience with case file management.
UofSC grant program to fund projects in arts, humanities, social sciences
September 08, 2022, Jeff Stensland
University of South Carolina faculty members in the liberal arts, humanities and social sciences can now apply for a new grants program that will provide up to $25,000 for scholarship and creative work in the arts.
For sports agent Aaron Henderson, responsibility is a two-way street
July 28, 2022, Megan Sexton
In a field where careers can change in an instant and big money is always on the line, sports agent and HRSM grad Aaron Henderson understands the importance of doing the hard work. He expects the same professionalism and commitment from his clients.
UofSC engineers develop disaster-resistant building materials
June 01, 2022, Chris Horn
For the past 10 years, Fabio Matta, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been engineering earthen building blocks made from local soil. Up close, the blocks don’t look like anything special, but their simplicity is the appeal — the blocks don’t require firing in energy-intensive kiln furnaces and can stand up to the worst Mother Nature can throw at them.
Young adult novelist and school librarian turns the page on its head
April 11, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
Romance, historical fiction, sci-fi — for young adult novelist Shanna Miles, it’s all fair game. It’s also rocket fuel for the imagination, whether she’s typing up the next interstellar adventure or turning kids on to reading and writing as a virtual school librarian.
Music professor gets creative in managing change
April 05, 2022, Dan Cook
When you think of change management, you might think of the Harvard Business Review or McKinsey’s global consultants. You probably don’t think about musicians. But in David Cutler’s new book, the distinguished professor of entrepreneurship and innovation in the School of Music takes lessons that began in the arts and translates them into a broad-based way of thinking about change in any other facet of life.
UofSC instructor inspires the next generation of leaders in sports
March 23, 2022, Megan Sexton
Susan O'Malley, the first woman to run a professional sports franchise, has brought her knowledge, insight and enthusiasm to the University of South Carolina, focusing on giving students a taste of the fast-paced field of sports and event management.
UofSC's McNair Institute inspiring student entrepreneurs
November 04, 2021, Laura Kammerer
Columbia native Ben Green will speak live at the McNair Entrepreneurship Showcase on Friday (Nov. 12) at the Russell House Underground. The event, sponsored by the university’s McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise, will also feature speakers such as MapQuest founder Chris Heivly, ’84 master’s geography, and Mixtroz co-founder Ashlee Ammons.
Business graduate shares vision for developing historic Greenville location
July 26, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
Greenville developer and business administration graduate Brody Glenn oversees major construction projects for corporate clients nationwide. With Camperdown, a mixed-use, live-work-play development in the heart of downtown Greenville, he is reshaping his hometown.
Upstate alumni take roundabout route to owning successful brewery
July 21, 2021, Page Ivey
Brian and Nicole Cendrowski have traveled a circuitous route to owning their own brewery in downtown Greenville, but what started from a “not awful” batch of beer in January 2007 has turned into a brewery, taproom and kitchen.
Solar trailer spurs sustainability efforts at UofSC
April 30, 2021, Audrey Hill
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.