Bill Strosnider aims to turn the tide on environmental plastics
September 24, 2026, Laura Erskine
USC’s Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Science is a natural wonder. It’s also a frontline lab in the fight against environmental plastics.
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Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Kathy Quarles Moore
August 12, 2026, Laura Erskine
Pharmacist and instructor Kathy Quarles Moore is known for finding new ways to engage students. From keeping students on their toes in the lab to welcoming them to a peaceful garden in the College of Pharmacy’s courtyard, Moore’s holistic and student-centered approach to teaching has earned her the 2026 Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation: Alison Huppmann
August 05, 2026, Laura Erskine
As a clinical associate professor at USC’s School of Medicine Greenville, Alison Huppmann teaches medical students in their first two years of the program. Her goal is to equip her students with a broad understanding of medicine. Her efforts have now been recognized with the 2026 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.
Student body president leads through support and service
August 05, 2026, Laura Erskine
Cole Rotondo got involved with Student Government as a freshman and went on to serve in the administration of two former presidents. Now, as USC’s student body president for the 2026-27 school year, the business and pre-law senior is looking forward to making the most of his time in office.
Once banned from school, education graduate reflects on completing her Ph.D.
April 22, 2026, Laura Erskine
This spring, doctoral graduate Zo Sediqi will walk across the stage to receive her diploma from USC’s College of Education. As a woman born and raised in Afghanistan in the 1990s, the moment carries special significance: Sediqi is one of only a handful of Afghan women anywhere in the world to earn a Ph.D.
Making her voice heard: Researcher Peiyin Hung strives to improve rural health disparities
April 01, 2026, Laura Erskine
When Peiyin Hung talks about her path to public health, she comes back to the day her grandmother told her to study hard so her voice will be heard. That seed of passion, planted in a hospital hallway in Taiwan, eventually led Hung to the Arnold School’s Rural Health Research Center, where she continues to grow her research efforts.
Alyson McGregor aims to change how medical educators teach women's health
March 06, 2026, Laura Erskine
Medicine’s understanding of women’s health lags behind men’s. At USC, researchers in multiple fields are working to address the women’s health care gap. One of them is Alyson McGregor, an emergency medicine physician, professor and associate dean at the School of Medicine Greenville and an expert in sex and gender.
Public health researcher uses ArcGIS to map rural health disparities
February 16, 2026, Laura Erskine
On average, rural residents live farther away from hospitals compared to urban residents. Cassie Lewis Odahowski, assistant professor of public health, says those longer distances can lead to worse health outcomes. As a researcher for the Arnold School’s Rural Health Research Center, Odahowski studies access-to-care issues for rural communities using an advanced mapping tool available at USC.
The one and only Cocky: Many have worn the suit, but there's just one Cocky
February 06, 2026, Laura Erskine
At the 1980 Homecoming game, USC debuted its mascot, Cocky, for the first time. Cocky would go on to be named one of the “Greatest Mascots in College Football History” by Sports Illustrated. He’s won high-profile national competitions and appeared at sporting events worldwide. But his first appearance definitely ruffled some feathers.
Former Cocky brings kids and families comfort through mascot career
January 16, 2026, Laura Erskine
Alumnus Jamie Ballentine knew he wanted to be a mascot from the time he was a teenager. Before he even graduated from high school, he landed a role with USC as Cocky. After a four-year, national award-winning run, Ballentine set out to become a professional mascot. He now plays Olly the Otter for Lexington Kid's Day, visiting sick children and their families.
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.
Student historian maps out a new direction to a career in student affairs
November 11, 2025, Laura Erskine
Senior Gracie Bellah started at USC with her plans mapped out. A history and anthropology double major in the Honors College, she dove into historical research and became a leader in student organizations. Her experience helping other students as a McCausland College ambassador helped her decide to take her career plans in a new direction.
USC professor advocates for better maternal, postpartum health care
October 21, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC researchers are tackling the issues that underlie the women’s health care gap. Jihong Liu, professor of epidemiology in the Arnold School of Public Health, studies the impact of maternal health care for women and their children. While one branch of her research focuses on developmental origins of disease, Liu also examines how a woman’s experiences during pregnancy can affect her own health for a lifetime.
USC researcher leads listening studies to help address bias in health care
October 21, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC researchers are tackling the issues that underlie the women’s health care gap. Jewel Scott, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and College of Nursing faculty member, says women are more likely to be dismissed in medical settings because their symptoms aren’t as well understood – or health care providers just aren’t listening. Scott is working to change that by helping patients and practitioners become better advocates.
USC exercise scientist strives to make health research more inclusive
October 21, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC researchers are tackling the issues that underlie the women’s health care gap. In the Arnold School of Public Health, assistant professor Katie Hirsch is working to address the research shortage. Traditionally, scientific research took findings based on the ‘typical’ male body and extrapolated the results to apply to all people, including women. The problem, Hirsch says, is that “women are not small men.”
Student-athlete brings her best to equestrian and engineering
September 26, 2025, Laura Erskine
As a member of the USC’s equestrian team, Ruby Voortmeyer competes in the horsemanship event, leading her horse to perform complex maneuvers. As a mechanical engineering major, Voortmeyer leads by putting her best effort into her studies in the classroom and the research lab. In both arenas, she gives it her all.
Neuroscience student finds connection, purpose in pursuing special education
September 04, 2025, Laura Erskine
If Jaelyn Souza could give just one piece of advice to this year’s incoming students at USC, it would be this: “Keep an open mind, because me as a freshman and me as a senior are two very different people.” The neuroscience major says all of her beyond-the-classroom experiences helped her decide on her career path.
Garnet Apple Award: Eilea Knotts
August 27, 2025, Laura Erskine
Marine biologist Eilea Knotts believes failure can be an important part of learning. She brings this philosophy into her classrooms, where she has equipped her students to learn from their setbacks and keep going with a new grading system. Her ingenuity has earned her the Center for Teaching Excellence’s Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.
Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award: Amy Taylor-Perry
August 11, 2025, Laura Erskine
For nearly 14 years, Amy Taylor-Perry has taught general chemistry classes and labs at USC. Hundreds of students take these courses each semester, and Taylor-Perry has designed them to provide a solid foundation. She has now received the Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award, with her nomination endorsed by the entire Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Alumnus Josh Dawsey publishes best-selling book on 2024 election
July 17, 2025, Laura Erskine
Josh Dawsey works at the forefront of U.S. politics. He has covered the White House extensively and has twice won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting with teams from The Washington Post. His new book "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" tells the story of the tumultuous election season.
Worth a listen: podcasts by USC faculty and staff
June 27, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC faculty and staff members produce a variety of podcasts that will keep you coming back for another episode. From deep dives into Southern history and campus life to engaging conversations with experts in business, pharmacy and public health, we’ve rounded up selections to give you a sample of what USC podcasters have to offer.
Biomedical engineering alum stays on mission with work in venture capital
May 12, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC alumnus David Prim has dedicated his career to fighting cardiovascular diseases — first as a researcher and now as a venture capitalist. He works for Broadview Ventures in Boston, helping the organization identify and invest in promising new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
SC impact: Pell Grant recipients thrive in a wide range of fields
April 29, 2025, Laura Erskine
For more than 50 years, USC has made an undergraduate education more attainable through TRIO programs. The foundation of these opportunities is the Pell Grant. Here, USC alumni share how the Pell Grant opened the door for them to achieve their dreams of earning their degrees and attaining fulfilling, impactful careers.
USC MIND club's mental health awareness challenge goes viral
April 21, 2025, Laura Erskine
The Ice Bucket Challenge is back, and a student organization at the University of South Carolina is behind it. In March, USC's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND challenge, which went viral and hit the national news. Who doesn’t love to see videos of friends, family and even strangers getting doused in buckets of ice water?
Student government experience leads two USC seniors to Harvard Law
April 17, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC’s student government has two graduating seniors who have been accepted to Harvard Law School, one of the nation’s top programs. The students credit their time in student government, along with the excellent training they received both in the classroom and beyond, with helping them reach their goals.
In the footsteps of Chand Bibi
March 20, 2025, Laura Erskine
As a Fulbright Scholar, Sarah Waheed traced the footsteps of Chand Bibi through the southwestern region of India. She visited ruins and archives, working with historians, archeologists and residents to gather the pieces of Chand Bibi’s story. Now Waheed tells this story in her forthcoming book.
USC psychologist uses mobile EEG to break down barriers to research
March 14, 2025, Laura Erskine
AJ Peterman is undergoing an EEG for a study led by Caitlin Hudac, director of USC’s Brain Research Across Development lab. Hudac first took her lab on the road to test children who have rare genetic conditions and couldn’t travel. Now, she hopes to expand her reach.
USC's medical schools work to train, retain key players in medicine
March 07, 2025, Laura Erskine
A primary care doctor is a key player in patient care, but South Carolina is facing a doctor shortage. That’s why both USC’s School of Medicine Columbia and School of Medicine Greenville are prioritizing primary care, with an emphasis on family medicine, thanks to their deans, Dr. Gerald Harmon (Columbia) and Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray (Greenville).
Augusta Baker: Trailblazer's legacy shines through South Carolina library programs
February 10, 2025, Laura Erskine
Augusta Baker left a remarkable legacy in the fields of librarianship and children’s literature. After retiring from the New York Public Library system, Baker became storyteller-in-residence at USC from 1980 to 1994. It was the first position of its kind at an American university, a role created for Baker to teach students, librarians and educators how to make reading more exciting for children.
Engineering student makes an early start on climate change research
January 13, 2025, Laura Erskine
Korebami Adebajo is by every measure an exceptional student. On track to earn her bachelor’s degree this spring from USC’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, she’s currently applying to doctoral programs. And she just turned 18. While her age may be notable, what truly sets Adebajo apart is her drive to achieve her goals.
Holiday card contest winner finds joy in making art
December 03, 2024, Laura Erskine
Senior Lauren Puttock has won the University of South Carolina’s third holiday card design contest for her acrylic painting of Cocky reading on a snowy day. President Michael Amiridis and First Lady Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis chose the artwork for the cover of their annual greeting card.
Double honor: USC historian lands Guggenheim Fellowship, Rome Prize
April 25, 2024, Laura Erskine
Carol Harrison is headed to Rome for the upcoming school year thanks to two major fellowships supporting her research on the First Vatican Council (1869-1870). A professor in USC’s Department of History, Harrison recently won both the Guggenheim Fellowship — one of the world’s most prestigious grants for scholars — and the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome.
USC students bring untold history of Sumter, S.C., to the public
January 31, 2024, Laura Erskine
Public history student Stevie Malenowski spent his summer digitizing images from boxes of archival materials, uncovering the history of the Williams Furniture Company, a staple of Sumter, South Carolina, for decades, alongside specialists at University Libraries. The archival materials are a key resource for a traveling exhibit coming in 2024.
Qiana Whitted on Black representation in comics
July 21, 2023, Laura Erskine
There’s no mystery about the disappearance of Ace Harlem. Born in 1947, his story ended just as quickly as it began. Picture this: a Black police detective comes upon the scene of a crime and traces the evidence to robbers holed up in a downtown apartment. A struggle ensues. Only one survives.
History professor's new book looks at cross-cultural ties created by slavery in the U.S. Colonies
November 14, 2022, Laura Erskine
Nicole Maskiell is an associate professor of history and affiliate faculty in African American studies at the University of South Carolina. Her book, “Bound by Bondage: Slavery and the Creation of a Northern Gentry” (2022 Cornell University Press), examines the institution of slavery in the early American Colonies and how it created lasting ties between families of the elite classes, even across cultural lines, as well as ties among the enslaved people.
Bound by blood
November 14, 2022, Laura Erskine
Nicole Maskiell is an associate professor of history and affiliate faculty in African American studies at the University of South Carolina. Her book, “Bound by Bondage: Slavery and the Creation of a Northern Gentry” (2022 Cornell University Press), examines the institution of slavery in the early American colonies and how it created lasting ties between families of the elite classes, even across cultural lines, as well as ties among the enslaved people.
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.
New cyber intelligence program prepares students for battlefield of the future
September 01, 2022, Laura Erskine
On Aug. 1, Jack Sadle became the first University of South Carolina student to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence — a field where issues of cyber and national security meet.