Tracking our aging brains
May 22, 2023, Megan Sexton
At the University of South Carolina’s Aging Brain Cohort, researchers from across the university are exploring how people’s brain health changes as they get older.
Stories for Parents
Law dean William Hubbard elected to prestigious national academy
April 19, 2023, Laura Kammerer
William C. Hubbard, dean of the School of Law, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences which is a prestigious fellowship of scholars and leaders. Distinguished members include Benjamin Franklin and Colin Powell, and current members include more than 250 Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Battling blazes with math and maps
March 15, 2023, Alexis Watts
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is now equipped with unexpected tools to battle blazes: maps, graphs and statistics. A University of South Carolina geography graduate lead the way in bringing these tools that calculate and cut off many fire risks before they even occur.
Poet laureate pens verse for USC
March 08, 2023, Michaela Taylor
Poetry has been ingrained in Jennifer Bartell Boykin’s life since she was young, and it’s followed her through adventures as a student, journalist, teacher, advisor and more. Now, it’s empowering her as Columbia’s new poet laureate.
USC youth summer camps 2023
February 03, 2023, Alexis Watts, Grace Farrar
With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all interests from music to soccer and dance to engineering.
USC researchers advancing transition to a new energy landscape
January 12, 2023, Megan Sexton
From policy-making surrounding cleaner energy technologies to researching better ways to make and store electricity to studying advanced nuclear materials for interplanetary space travel, University of South Carolina researchers are advancing the transition to a changing energy landscape.
Social justice awards recognize outstanding student, faculty members
January 09, 2023, Page Ivey
Four faculty members and a student have been recognized for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2023 Social Justice Awards. The University of South Carolina created the Social Justice Awards to recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.
Remains of Revolutionary War soldiers help USC anthropologists unravel the Battle of Camden
January 04, 2023, Rose Cisneros
Archaeologists with the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at USC have studied the Camden Battlefield for decades, but their most recent finding is the discovery of a lifetime.
Year in review '22: In with the old, in with the new
December 14, 2022, Communications and Marketing
Did campus feel just a little bit livelier this year? A touch more spirited? A tad more optimistic? We thought so, too — and not only because we named a new president back in January. Yeah, that was one heck of a way to ring in the new year, and it set the tone for the months ahead, but in the end, 2022 was about all of us, from the President’s House to Russell House, from Colonial Life to Williams-Brice. It was about respecting tradition, rediscovering our identity, remembering our past and reimagining our future. In 2022, the University of South Carolina reminded us all what it means to be USC.
USC to launch new Digital Studies certificate program
December 13, 2022, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina will launch a first of its kind interdisciplinary certificate program in Digital Studies, giving students the opportunity to gain in-demand digital skills that prepare them for careers in every field.
Graduating engineering student looks ahead to career in coastal conservation
December 02, 2022, Chris Horn
Maggie Kemp grew up a five-minute drive from windswept Assateague Island National Seashore on the Maryland coast, and that locale inspired her undergraduate research pursuits and plans for graduate school at USC.
First-generation college students add energy, resilience to USC campus
November 04, 2022, Megan Sexton
There is no typical first-generation college student. Some come from immigrant families, some from households where family members didn’t graduate from high school. But all add energy and variety to the University of South Carolina campus.
Hurricane, history and hauntings
October 26, 2022, Alexis Watts
This year marks the 200-year anniversary of the massive 1822 storm that hit Horry and Georgetown Counties. Cary Mock, professor of geography and a climatologist, says the storm transformed future development in the lowcountry. It also marked the first sighting of a legendary ghost.
Chemistry research fellow explores ways to protect watershed of coastal communities
October 26, 2022, Laura Erskine
Gwen Hopper’s research takes her to rivers, drainages and stormwater ponds throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties. She collects water samples to examine the amounts and types of dissolved organic matter in each system.
Honors alumna fights to save endangered species
October 19, 2022, Aïda Rogers
Honors college and Marine Sciences alumna Ana Bishop’s senior thesis and passion for protecting marine ecosystems grew into a two-year project and a mission to save endangered whales.
New agreement with National Park Service advances UofSC's role in telling civil rights history
September 28, 2022, Alexis Watts
Under a five-year agreement with the National Park Service, the center will receive $3.4 million to expand the center’s existing work in civil rights education and scholarly research, including support for exhibits and programming at South Carolina sites in the African American Civil Rights Network. The center will help to grow the network in South Carolina by serving as a resource to property owners, community leaders and organizations interested in joining the network.
Old age isn't a modern phenomenon - many people lived long enough to grow old in the olden days, too
August 10, 2022, Sharon DeWitte
There is a common misperception that long life spans in humans are very recent, and that no one in the past lived much beyond their 30s before now. This is not true. There is physical evidence that plenty of people in the past lived long lives — just as long as some people do today. Anthropology professor Sharon DeWitte writes for The Conversation on the evidence that proves old age isn't a modern phenomenon.
Octavia E. Butler mined her curiosity to forge a new vision for humanity
June 22, 2022, Alyssa Collins
In an interview for The Conversation, Alyssa Collins, assistant professor of English Language and Literature, explains how science fiction author Octavia Butler’s boundless curiosity inspired her work and how Butler’s experiences as a Black woman drew her to “humans who must deal with the edges or ends of humanity.”
Conflicts over language stretch far beyond Russia and Ukraine
May 24, 2022, Stanley Dubinsky, Anyssa Murphy, Harvey Starr, Michael Gavin
There are many instances around the world of people who speak different languages living alongside each other, or those living near an international border to speak the language of the neighboring country. College of Arts and Science faculty write for The Conversation on conflicts over language and how it is used as a tool of politics and power.
Gilbert Gottfried and the mechanics of crafting one of the most memorable voices of all time
May 03, 2022, Erica Tobolski
As Gilbert Gottfried developed his comic persona, his distinctive voice made its way into his performances in stand-up comedy, advertising, television and film. However, his voice did not naturally sound this way. He figured out how to create a character that perfectly synched a personality with a voice. Theatre and dance professor Erica Tobolski writes for The Conversation on developing a character voice.
After son's diagnosis, alumna becomes leading advocate for families affected by autism
April 25, 2022, Carol J.G. Ward
Alumna Lorri Unumb's journey to becoming an advocate for families affected by autism began when she and her husband Dan noticed their son Ryan wasn’t behaving and developing like other children. Ryan was diagnosed with autism shortly before his second birthday. Today, Unumb is internationally known for her advocacy.
Sullivan Award winner focuses research, leadership efforts on sustainability
April 21, 2022, Communications and Marketing
Geography major Claire Windsor has turned a passion for creating a sustainable world into action throughout her four-year career at South Carolina. The Travelers Rest, South Carolina, native and Honors College student received the university's top leadership award, the 2022 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
UofSC alumna guides employer's gift to Center for Civil Rights History and Research
April 12, 2022, Megan Sexton
Alumna Kelly Adams, managing director of state government and regulatory affairs for the energy infrastructure company Williams, was instrumental in her employer’s gift of $1.5 million to the university's Center for Civil Rights History and Research.
Dance Marathon raises $931,016
April 12, 2022, Allen Wallace
On April 9, nearly 2,000 University of South Carolina students spent the day dancing together, closing more than a year of work with a huge success as they raised $931,016 to support the Child Life program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.
Type Hike exhibition makes UofSC debut at Thomas Cooper Library
April 05, 2022, Elinore Armstrong
Jane Armstrong’s experience in creating art pieces for the Type Hike exhibition at Thomas Cooper Library fuels her passion for graphic design and illustration.
Research project brings childhood curiosity about the 1970s full circle for UofSC junior
April 05, 2022, Carol J.G. Ward
UofSC junior combines curiosity about the 1970s, a love of history and an interest in culture and media into an undergraduate research project to assist history professor Lauren Sklaroff with research for a book proposal on 1970s popular culture.
Gallery showcases student photos of University Libraries' collections
March 31, 2022, Savannah Bennett
Photography students focus on University Libraries' collections to create a gallery for a blank canvas.
Two UofSC honors students win Goldwater Scholarships
March 28, 2022, Abbey Smith
For two University of South Carolina students, earning a Goldwater Scholarship has turned childhood dreams into reality. Kirsten Fisher and Amanda Manea also have the honor of marking 30 years of Goldwater Scholars at UofSC.
Water-analyzing aerial drone could get bigger and better
February 28, 2022, Chris Horn
A new water sampling aerial drone developed by University of South Carolina professors has six motors, four pumps, two batteries, one six-foot-long collection hose and a zero-carbon footprint. But this proof-of-concept machine could become even more impressive if the team is able to secure NSF funding for a new level of capability.
UofSC to expand civil rights education with $1.5 million gift from Williams to fund civil rights exhibits, programs and collections
February 15, 2022, Peggy Binette
A $1.5 million gift from Williams, an energy infrastructure company, will enhance the University of South Carolina’s Center for Civil Rights History and Research’s ability to share South Carolina’s important role in the broader national movement.
Alumni make their mark in Mars exploration
February 15, 2022, Bryan Gentry
South Carolina graduate students have played instrumental roles in developing the technology used on Mars. Whether in research labs on campus or in NASA offices, they’ve made their mark on the Red Planet.
Samuels named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
February 04, 2022, Bryan Gentry
The University of South Carolina has named Joel H. Samuels as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective Feb. 16. Samuels, a longtime law professor at the university, has served as interim dean of the college since January 2021. Over the past year, he has worked on numerous initiatives to advance the college.
UofSC physics graduate leads American Medical Association through the pandemic with optimism
January 18, 2022, Bryan Gentry
As president of the American Medical Association, Gerald Harmon, a University of South Carolina physics graduate, sees a path to progress as he leads America’s medical community through a pandemic.
Gift of rare Third Folio enhances UofSC's Shakespeare collection
December 14, 2021, Carol J.G. Ward
Third Folio of Shakespeare’s plays printed in 1664 has a permanent home at University of South Carolina Libraries. The book, a gift from Chicago attorney Jeffery Leving, along with the university’s copies of the Second and Fourth folios, will provide a rare opportunity for students, faculty and other researchers.
Biochemistry major, December graduate parlays lab skills into job
November 29, 2021, Chris Horn
College life has been a quite a ride for Ismael Delgado, who switched campuses, changed majors, flipped his bike, broke his collarbone, fell in love with scuba diving — and studied abroad in South Korea during the pandemic. And if all of that weren’t enough, Delgado managed to turn his passion for laboratory research into a regular job in a COVID-testing lab and developed career plans for after graduation this December.
Joe Exotic channels the spirit of America's 19th-century tiger kings
November 23, 2021, Madeline Steiner
A bizarre cast of characters involved in the exotic animal trade returns in ‘Tiger King 2.’ Madeline Steiner, a post-doctoral fellow of history, examines parallels between larger-than-life Joe Exotic and 19th-century circuses and showmen for The Conversation.
Renowned topiary garden makes a comeback with help from UofSC
October 20, 2021, Bryan Gentry
With a pair of shears and the occasional use of power hedge trimmers, Mike Gibson — topiary artist-in-residence for UofSC's McKissick Museum — snips bits and pieces of holly bushes and trees to restore the living sculptures at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden.
Alumna's passion for environment leads to career at EPA
October 19, 2021, Savannah Bennett
Alumna Hali Kerr says that environmental law and policy "puts a fire in my belly." Her new job at the Environmental Protection Agency drives that passion.
Poet Nikky Finney embraces outspoken candor to inform, educate, motivate
October 13, 2021, Bryan Gentry
In “At War with Ourselves: 400 Years of You,” Nikky Finney, the poet and English professor, covers four centuries of American history, recounting uncomfortable truths about racism and violence. But she also sings of success and resilience.
Journalism through numbers: Alumna tells stories with statistics
October 05, 2021, Lauren Arabis
If you turned to the internet for insights leading up to the 2020 presidential election, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Anna Wiederkehr’s work. Wiederkehr, a 2012 visual communications alumna, is the senior visual journalist for FiveThirtyEight, a website that uses statistical data to explore everything from sports to politics.
UofSC professor: Human-driven climate change is devastating ocean ecosystems
September 28, 2021, Rose Cisneros and Bryan Gentry
Warming oceans are driving some marine populations out of their habitats and into peril, according to new research by University of South Carolina professor Erin Meyer-Gutbrod. The temperature change is affecting creatures large and small, from the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale to more common fish whose habitats are losing oxygen.
A giant space rock demolished an ancient Middle Eastern city and everyone in it
September 21, 2021, Christopher Moore
About 3,600 years ago, a giant space rock exploded in a massive fireball in the atmosphere above an ancient Middle Eastern city. The explosion destroyed the city, killing its 8,000 inhabitants and setting off a massive shockwave that ripped through the city and surrounding areas. University of South Carolina archaeologist Christopher Moore and his colleagues explain for The Conversation how they know how this actually happened near the Dead Sea in Jordan thousands of years ago.
A summer along the sea
September 13, 2021, Megan Sexton
UofSC’s Belle W. Baruch Institute for Coastal and Marine Sciences offers students a first-hand look at a beautiful but changing ecosystem — and the chance to get a taste of fieldwork and perform research projects in the on-site labs.
Gamecock family affair
August 23, 2021, Savannah Bennett
Marjorie Weber was a widow in her 40s when she decided to return to college to earn her teaching degree from the University of South Carolina where her late husband had been an education professor. She also served as a starting point for a string of family members attending South Carolina, including a granddaughter and two great-granddaughters, who are current education students. They are among the hundreds of students who follow family members to become Gamecocks each year.
Biologist searches for environmental tipping points in marathon migratory species
July 26, 2021, Chris Horn
As a population biologist at the University of South Carolina, Nate Senner studies migratory bird species whose feats of endurance make his own look almost puny by comparison. What interests him most is not just the extremes that different bird species can endure but the many environmental variables to which they must adapt — with the long-term survival of their species population hanging in the balance.
How did the superstition that broken mirrors cause bad luck start?
June 30, 2021, Barry Markovsky
The origins of many superstitions are unknown. Others can be traced to specific times in history, sociology professor Barry Markovsky writes in The Conversation. Included in this second category is a superstition that is between 2,000 and 2,700 years old: Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
6 surprising facts about the Declaration of Independence for July Fourth
June 30, 2021, Woody Holton
In celebration of the United States’ 245th birthday, history professor Woody Holton writes in The Conversation about six surprising facts about the nation’s founding document – including that it failed to achieve its most immediate goal and that its meaning has changed from the founding to today.
UofSC faculty experts list on the Summer Olympics
June 25, 2021, Tenell Felder
Japan will host the Summer Olympic Games July 23 to Aug. 8. Though the Olympics will be taking place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will continue to be officially branded as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. To help journalists report on the Tokyo games, the University of South Carolina has compiled a list of faculty experts.
'Lady of Guadalupe' avoids tough truths
June 14, 2021, Rebecca Janzen
The film “Lady of Guadalupe” available on many streaming services, mixes a fictional retelling of the 16th-century appearance of the Virgin Mary to a Mexican peasant named Juan Diego with the tale of a wholly fictional 21st-century reporter. Professor of Spanish and comparative literature Rebecca Janzen writes in The Conversation although the film portrays the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe for a broad audience, ultimately itsanitizes the real-life brutality of the Church toward Indigenous peoples in the 16th century.
Colorectal cancer screening recommended at age 45 instead of 50 - it's no fun, but it's worth it
May 25, 2021, Franklin G. Berger
Colorectal cancer remains a major source of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. The American Cancer Society recently estimated that in 2021, there will be 149,500 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,980 deaths in the U.S. alone. In The Conversation, Franklin G. Berger, professor emeritus in biological sciences, writes about two significant developments that could save lives.