2018 News Archive

Doctor of physical therapy graduate finds passion for advocacy and working with older adults

Originally from Conway, South Carolina, Robyn Culbertson had been living in Columbia since her USC master's graduation and was happy to have a highly ranked doctor of physical therapy program at a university she trusted right in town.

Two-time alumnus Jóhann Fridriksson combines public health and politics to improve health in Iceland

After moving back to Iceland in 2015, he took a position as a specialist and researcher at Iceland's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. His role focuses on employee health-related policies, workplace health promotion and research projects in prevention and health.

Passion for horses and public health leads December graduate to pursue career in zoonotics

After Tara Suhs' graduation, she will apply to graduate programs with a focus in epidemiology or infectious disease. Long term, she'd like to research the extent of the environmental influences on the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Master of public health (HSPM) graduate lands position with Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery

Leigh Robertson decided to use her graduate program as an opportunity to drill down to what truly impacts overall health as well as how to be a part of the healthcare delivery system while keeping population health in mind.

Physical therapy and psychology researchers win grant to investigate connection between the brain and back injury

Sheri Silfies, an associate professor who joined the exercise science department's doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program this fall, and psychology associate professor Jennifer Vendemia are co-principal investigators on a nearly $1.6 million R01 NIH grant.

UofSC alumnus uses Arnold School of Public Health education to shed light on rare diseases for the CDC

Based on his experiences in the biostatistics programs, Yinding Wang decided to continue this line of work after his 2016 graduation. First he joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an ORISE Fellow. Then he accepted a position there as a statistician.

December grad blends public health and medicine as she continues her healthcare career at the USC School of Medicine Greenville

Nabihah Kumte has had her sights set on becoming a physician for as long as she can remember. When she came to USC, her goal didn't waver but she found a new path for making it happen: public health.

Donaldson Conserve extends NIH Pathway to Independence Award into third year with R00 grant

The $746,989 grant will fund a three-year extension of the two-year K99 grant he received as part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pathway to Independence Award--a training grant designed to facilitate the transition from mentored postdoctoral research to independent research.

I Am Public Health: Lyndsay Schmitt

Communication sciences and disorders student Lyndsay Schmitt is pursuing a career as speech-language pathologist working with children who have developmental disorders.

Sean Norman awarded CDC grant to study the risk of human exposure to environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria

Working with a team of researchers, Norman will use the grant to study socio-ecological coupling of antibiotic resistance and the potential risk of human exposure to antibiotic resistant pathogens in bioaerosols generated during munciple wastewater treatment.

Desire to Challenge Herself Drives Sanderson in Distance Events

Gamecocks Online features distance swimmer Kate Sanderson, who is a freshman studying exercise science at the Arnold School.

USC student body president Taylor Wright makes an impact by combining public health and leadership experiences

Wright is still determining what shape that career will take after he graduates in May of next year. He's exploring the various options public health offers, such administration and policy, with the goal of continuing his public health education.

Delia West wins Pioneer Award from The Obesity Society's eHealth/mHealth section

West's work focuses on technology-assisted lifestyle interventions. She is particularly interested in identifying the most effective approaches to harness the platforms offered by technology to increase access and efficacy of lifestyle programs to promote healthy weight management.

HPEB researchers receive additional $771K to boost synthesis and dissemination of findings from Drivers of Food Choice competitive grants program

Originally funded with a five-year, $5.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Kingdom government, this supplemental award from the Gates Foundation brings the total funding for the program up to nearly $6.3 million.

Stroke Belt research pays off for patients

UofSC features communication sciences and disorders professor and SmartState Endowed Chair of Memory and Brain Function Julius Fridriksson, whose research focuses on helping stroke survivors recover from aphasia.

Arnold School of Public Health redesigns master of public health programs to maximize student learning

The Arnold School chose to redesign its MPH programs around an integrated, multidisciplinary core curriculum based on the foundational competencies required of all MPH students by the Council on Education for Public Health.

Jan Eberth leads study assessing geographic availability of low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening

A team of researchers led by epidemiology and biostatistics associate professor Jan Eberth has completed a study, published in Preventing Chronic Diseases, that assessed the availability of low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screenings in the United States.

Environmental health research team finds ‘ground zero’ of Gulf War illness

UofSC features the research of environmental health sciences associate professor Saurabh Chatterjee, who is working to understand and treat symptoms experienced by veterans with Gulf War Illness.

HSPM department receives grant from South Carolina Hospital Association to support master of health administration students

The South Carolina Hospital Association has awarded the health services policy and management department $25,000 to support the development of a high-quality healthcare workforce through the Indigo Enrichment Scholarship for master of health administration students.

I Am Public Health: Victoria Lambert

Doctoral student pursues Ph.D. in health promotion, education, and behavior after being inspired to pursue a career in academia by her experiences in her master’s program in the same department.

Arnold School researchers quantify links between chronic inflammation and diet

UofSC features the work of epidemiology and biostatistics Health Sciences Distinguished Professor James Hébert and other Cancer Prevention and Control Program researchers in understanding the link between diet, inflammation, and health.

Monica Baskin to provide keynote address at third annual Gerry Sue and Norman J. Arnold Childhood Obesity Lecture

The Arnold School of Public Health will host the Gerry Sue and Norman J. Arnold 2018 Childhood Obesity Lecture on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 3:45 - 5 p.m. The theme for the lecture is Understanding and Addressing the Social Determinants of Childhood Obesity: Not as easy as A,B,C.

Lisa Fitton brings expertise in improving educational outcomes for children from diverse backgrounds to COMD department

The Michigan native's commitment to equity ultimately shaped her career aspirations, leading to a lifelong pursuit of understanding how we can improve educational outcomes of children from all backgrounds.

Arnold School researchers produce second supplement to report findings from the Healthy Communities Study

Faculty and staff from USC's departments of exercise science, health promotion, education, and behavior, and psychology contributed to the issue, which was published in Pediatric Obesity.

UofSC tops U.S. in sport science for third straight year

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are making an impact around the world, and the success has earned global recognition. The programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the third consecutive year in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Saurabh Chatterjee receives $2.4 million VA Merit Award to study treatment implications for veterans with Gulf War Illness

Chatterjee and his team will study GWI pathways and connections both in a lab setting and with veterans recruited from members of the GWI Consortia in Boston and Miami VA Medical Centers.

Jan Eberth elected to American College of Epidemiology's board of directors

During her three-year term, which began on September 23, Eberth, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, will help guide the organization's policies, priorities, and other activities.

COMD postdoctoral fellow Alexandra Basilakos appointed to ASHA Academic Affairs Board

During the three-year term, Basilakos will work with the Board's nine other members to identify and monitor critical issues, forecast needs and trends, develop resources, implement programs, and recommend actions that address academic preparation.

Krystal Werfel extends study on language and literacy acquisition among children with hearing loss with NIH R01 grant

COMD assistant professor Krystal Werfel has been awarded nearly $3.3 million from the NIDCD to support the continuation of an existing project, Early Language and Literacy Acquisition in Children with Hearing Loss.

Alumna Paige Pierce pursues master's in health science research in the Netherlands

After researching graduate programs and discussing options with her Dutch best friend, she decided to pursue a master's in health science research at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

New COMD assistant professor William Matchin brings love of language to his life's work: understanding how we communicate

Matchin aims to help define this creative capacity among humans in greater scientific detail. Much of his research uses neuroimaging to examine how language is organized in the brain.

HPEB Ph.D. candidate Venice Haynes named first beneficiary of Butterfoss Community Research Endowment

When Arnold School alumna Fran Butterfoss gifted $25,000 to the HPEB department to establish the Butterfoss Community Research Endowment in 2016, Venice Haynes was just the type of doctoral student she was aiming to support.

I Am Public Health: Shelby Butz

Environmental health sciences doctoral candidate and South Carolina SmartState Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk graduate research assistant Shelby Butz travels the world studying marine life to improve human and environmental health.

CENR director Jamie Lead builds nano collaborations with Chinese University

During the five-year, funded appointment as an adjunct professor with Shanxi Agricultural University, Lead will collaborate with other researchers, supervise students and help the university develop a 'nano' group dedicated to agricultural issues.

ENHS and CENR's Eric Vejerano and Jamie Lead win NSF grant to study engineered nanomaterials

Assistant professor of environmental nanoscience Eric Vejerano (principal investigator) and professor of environmental nanoscience Jamie Lead (co-principal investigator) have been awarded a $380K, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation.

Nearly two decades after its inception, South Carolina Rural Health Research Center gets new name and new leadership

This fall, the Center has been relaunched under the direction of epidemiology and biostatistics associate professor Jan Eberth and has been renamed the Rural and Minority Health Research Center.

Suzanne Adlof launching two NIH R01 grant projects to learn more about children with developmental language disorder and dyslexia

The grants will support longitudinal projects (one focusing on children in grades K-2 and the other focusing on children in grades 2-4) examining how children with developmental language disorder learn new words and how that relates to their reading abilities.

Monique J. Brown-Smith joins epidemiology and biostatistics department, bringing expertise in HIV intervention and prevention

A faculty member of the South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Brown-Smith's research interests focus on HIV intervention and prevention; childhood trauma; social, behavioral and mental health; and aging--as both separate and intersecting areas of study.

Environmental health sciences' Shuo Xiao to study ovarian function with National Science Foundation grant

Working in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Charleston, South Carolina, Xiao will use the funding to support a project examining the impact of marine contaminants on ovarian function of bottlenose dolphins.

HSPM's Melanie Cozad and team win two awards for her work on patient decision-making at Greenville Health System Research Showcase

Earlier this year, Cozad and her research team won two poster awards connected to their research on patient decision-making, which is funded by a grant Cozad received from Pfizer in 2017.

August graduate lands postdoctoral fellowship to continue researching LGBT health disparities

After her August graduation, Sarah Piperato moved to Philadelphia to begin a postdoctoral research fellowship at Temple University. Long term, she plans to pursue a tenure-track faculty member position at a large university and continue her research on LGBT health disparities.

Alan Decho awarded NASA grant to study microbial mats in extreme environments

ENHS professor Alan Decho and a team of researchers have been awarded a $400k grant from NASA's Astrobiology: Exobiology Program to study cooperation and adaptability in microbial mats in extreme environments using quorum sensing.

August Ph.D. in health promotion, education, and behavior graduate to improve health for women in Costa Rica

With interests in human behavior, education and health promotion interventions, Martínez-Jaikel has more than a decade of experience implementing health life style programs for low-income women in Costa Rica.

Department of communication sciences and disorders and USC Speech and Hearing Research Center prep for move to Close-Hipp building

As of June, 2019, the COMD department will have a new forever home at the Close-Hipp building on the UofSC campus. With this move, the Center will be renamed the Montgomery Speech, Hearing, and Language Clinic.

I Am Public Health: Gelareh Rahimi

Doctoral candidate pursues career in biostatistics with focus on correcting for response bias in survey data.

Clinical trial led by University of South Carolina researchers finds electrical stimulation can improve speech production among stroke survivors by 70 percent

The study, which was the first large randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of tDCS on aphasia, was led by communication sciences and disorders professor Julius Fridriksson.

Southern Regional Education Board selects Akeen Hamilton to join State Doctoral Scholars Program

As a recipient of this prestigious award, Hamilton will receive a living stipend, all expenses paid to attend the annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, access to professional development funding, and participation in the SREB's online scholar directory.

August Ph.D. graduate to begin academic career at University of North Carolina Charlotte

Alicia Dahl, an August graduate of the Ph.D. in health promotion, education, and behavior program, will join the faculty ranks of the public health sciences department.

NIH Center for Dietary Supplements and Inflammation Receives $10 million Phase Two Grant

The USC Office of the Vice President for Research has announced the receipt of an additional $10 million over five years to support the Center, with one of its four major research projects lead by environmental health sciences associate professor Saurabh Chatterjee.

New National Institutes of Health grant to focus on electronic cigarette use and policies in Latin America

Jim Thrasher, professor of health promotion, education, and behavior in the Arnold School of Public Health, has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health's Fogarty International Center.

HPEB researchers assess the progress of the Drivers of Food Choice program at the halfway mark

Since 2015, HPEB researchers have been using a $5.5 million grant to manage a competitive grants program that supports research aimed at understanding drivers of food choice in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Standing Up for Human Rights

College of Social Work features the work of alumna Karen Rotabi (Master of Social Work, Master of Public Health), who helps ensure that women escaping to the U.S. from domestic violence and sexual assault in Guatemala are not sent back.

Master of speech pathology students win awards to help prep for academic-research careers

Sydney Bassard and Logan Douglass have been named recipients of the 2018 Students Preparing for Academic-Research Careers Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

HPEB doctoral student Jennifer Mandelbaum wins S.C. IMPH Outstanding Student Abstract Award

The USC Presidential Fellow uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the core social factors driving population health inequalities in the U.S. and abroad, particularly among low-resource populations.

COMD's Jessica Klusek to lead USC's role in $3.1 million NIH grant to study fragile X syndrome

This single-gene disorder represents the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and also the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder. Klusek's study will examine the transition out of school-based services and into adulthood.

Microbial mashup: From tropical mats to life on Mars and human infections

UofSC features professor of environmental health sciences and associate dean for research Alan Decho and his research into bacteria--where they can live and how they manage to survive in some of the harshest climates on Earth and beyond.

Mohammed Baalousha and Eric Vejerano secure nearly $1 million grant from National Science Foundation to acquire specialized state-of-the-art research instrument for UofSC

The funding is allocated from the Major Research Instrumentation Program, which supports the acquisition or development of a multi-user research instrument that is otherwise too costly or not supported by other NSF programs.

Making the jump. Alumna switches careers to advance public health while drawing from her law experience

The 2016 Ph.D. in HSPM grad is an assistant professor of healthcare administration at Samford University, and she just helped launch her School of Public Health's award-winning bachelor's degree in health administration.

I Am Public Health: Joshua Sparks

Exercise science doctoral candidate pursues degree from No. 1 program in the U.S. so he can study ways to help modify physical activity and dietary lifestyle factors to improve metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.

A diet of health: Public health scientist focuses on effective diets that do more than drop pounds

UofSC features Brie Turner-McGrievy, associate professor in the department of health, promotion, and education and USC Office of the Vice President for Research Breakthrough Star.

Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) Training on September 29

The USC Prevention Research Center is offering training to churches interested in the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) program! FAN is designed to help churches create a healthy church environment that supports physical activity and healthy eating.

May graduate will help rebuild Columbia community impacted by 2015 flood through project lead position with AmeriCorps Vista

In high school, Krauss was an athlete who studied health sciences through her school's science, math, and technology center and became interested in careers that connected sports/exercise to scientific study/applications.

Angela Liese (EPID/BIOS) receives USC Educational Foundation Award for Research in Health Sciences

USC's most prestigious annual awards for research and scholarship are administered by the Office of the Provost. Liese’s selection marks the third year in a row and the sixth out of the past 10 years that an Arnold School faculty member has been chosen for this honor.

Students learn about sports culture and personal perseverance during Maymester course in Italy and Greece

This year, the department offered An Overview of Sport Culture: From Ancient World to Present (EXSC 555). Faculty Barbara Cuevas, Morgan Collins, and Sara Corwin led students throughout Italy and Greece, learning about the history of sports.

FoodShare South Carolina provides access to fresh produce and cooking skills

UofSC features FoodShare South Carolina, which Carrie Draper, director of policy and partnership development for the Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities, helped launch in 2015.

PASOs and its leader receive awards for their contributions to the Latino community

A South Carolina-based community organization house in the Arnold School of Public Health, PASOs helps Latino families and health and social service providers work together for healthier, stronger families.

Infectious diseases expert Melissa Nolan joins epidemiology and biostatistics department

Nolan is based at the Arnold School's growing satellite campus in Greenville, where she will work alongside USC School of Medicine and Greenville Health System clinicians to improve health in the upstate and throughout South Carolina.

HPEB doctoral student Akeen Hamilton joins Grace Jordan McFadden Professor Program

His research focuses on HIV prevention methods for black males, and he plans to pursue a career in academia, where he will design and implement programs to reduce the incidence of HIV for this population while teaching courses and advising students.

Public health major Eliana Lord is one of three USC students to win UK Summer Fulbright Awards

Rising sophomores Eliana Lord, Robert Magee, and Jeremy Ward are each spending their summers attending a UK Fulbright Summer Institute, bringing USC’s total to four winners since the program began in 2010.

UofSC features Breakthrough Leader: Janice Probst

When it comes to rural health disparities, researchers at the University of South Carolina are committed to leveling the field. Among these researchers is Janice Probst, a professor in the Arnold School of Public Health.

I Am Public Health: Torrance Nevels

Army physician assistant earns Ph.D. in epidemiology to improve soldier health and performance.

Epidemiology and biostatistics' Myriam Torres devotes career to improving health among Latino populations

Torres has dedicated her career to preparing future public health professionals/researchers and epidemiologists for their own careers. In parallel, she has worked tirelessly to improve the health of Latino populations in South Carolina and beyond.

UofSC feature: big data to the rescue

Researchers across multiple disciplines are putting data analytics to work to tackle an array of real-world challenges — from keeping helicopters flying safely to improving health care and detecting deadly fungal outbreaks in corn.

HPEB professional online MPH student helps bring smiles to children and young adults in Madagascar through free oral and facial surgeries

The MPH in HPEB professional online program's format supported Alyssa Geis' commitment to continue to working with Operation Smile, an international charity that provides free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries.

Mohammed Baalousha chairs the 19th International Symposium on Field- and Flow-Based Separations

One of the globally leading conferences on molecular and nanoscale separations, FFF brings together scientists, engineers, regulators and industry stakeholders concerned with separation and characterization in a variety of areas.

Angela Liese awarded $3.3 million NIH grant to research the impact of disparities in food security for youth and young adults with diabetes

Angela Liese, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, will serve as the principal investigator on a more than $3.3 million, five-year grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Arnold School student selected for three athletic training scholarships

The Arnold School's athletic training program offered Emily Meyerl the array of clinical sites (e.g., USC sports, small/large high schools, other colleges, private practice clinics) she was seeking.

Graduate Scholar in Aging Opportunity: Arnold School announces second annual Graduate Scholar in Aging Research Awards Program

Through the generous support of Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold, the Arnold School of Public Health is committed to developing future leaders in aging research.

HPEB's Andrew Kaczynski awarded NIH grant to advance mobile app for collecting data to improve parks

HPEB associate professor Andrew Kaczynski has won a grant to advance the development of a technology system for collecting park data and engaging stakeholders in improving parks to promote health and other benefits.

Study finds new non-exercise fitness test serves as reliable predictor of stroke for whites but not blacks

Research led by exercise science assistant professor Xuemei Sui has revealed racial differences in the usefulness of a new fitness measure in predicting the risk of stroke.

Communication sciences and disorders doctoral candidate Lorelei Phillip wins national student research award

Lorelei Philip, a COMD doctoral candidate, has won the National Black Association for Speech‐Language and Hearing Student Research Award. She was selected based on the scholarly merits of a research manuscript she submitted for the competition.

Students and faculty honor Raja Fayad's legacy by continuing his colorectal cancer research

When Raja Fayad's life was cut short in February of 2015, he was in the middle of some very important work. In addition to teaching classes and conducting ongoing colorectal cancer research, he was mentoring four graduate students and had just begun a new project.

I Am Public Health: Melinda O'Leary

Local pediatrician pursues master of public health in general public health to help fight childhood obesity.

Four graduating seniors named 2018 Outstanding Exercise Science students

The department of exercise science has selected William Clarkson, Brooks Herring, Elizabeth Rizor, and Jane Warther from among those nominated by faculty members to receive the 2018 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Awards.

Doctoral candidate Karim Johari wins national award to support dissertation research

Despite the need for COMD researchers and clinicians, there is a shortage of faculty/scholars in the field. The Council awards ten $20,000 scholarships annually to support future COMD researchers while they complete their dissertation research.

Center for Healthcare Quality postdoctoral fellow LaDrea Ingram joins prestigious scholars program

Ingram has been selected to participate in Yale University's Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars program, which is designed to support HIV researchers from underrepresented groups meet the challenges and barriers they face.

Danielle Varnedoe preps to lead South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association as president

Danielle Varnedoe has supported and led SCSHA in almost every way possible. She has served on numerous committees, some of them twice and some of them as chair or co-chair.

Doctoral graduate completes third UofSC degree to secure tenure-track position with Valdosta State University

Just three years after beginning his doctoral program, George Grieve graduated this month. He'll get married in June and then begin a tenure-track position at Valdosta State University.

Exercise science students travel through Greece and Italy learning about sport and how its related to health

Join 30 students and three faculty members as they blog their way through Greece and Italy, learning bout the history of sport and competition, how sport has an impact on culture, and the relationship between sport and health.

Arnold School faculty members to serve as principal investigators on 14 projects supported by 2018 ASPIRE grants

Faculty members from across the Arnold School received funding from the Office of the Vice President for Research with 2018 Advanced Support for Innovative Research Excellence (ASPIRE) grants.

Arnold School honors graduates at 2018 Hooding Ceremony

The Arnold School celebrated master's and doctoral graduates at the 2018 Hooding Ceremony on May 10. Arnold School and department award winners, along with Delta Omega inductees, were also recognized.

Arnold School students participate in Discover USC 2018

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the second Discover USC showcase included more than 1,000 projects from students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical scholars. Arnold School students were well represented among the presenters.

Susan Steck (EPID/BIOS) receives Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award

Susan Steck, associate professor epidemiology and biostatistics, has received the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award from the South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Columbia-Midlands Dietetic Association.

Graduate with leadership distinction Scott Salters sets his sights on medical school

UofSC features May graduate Scott Salters, who didn't think it would be possible to become a physician. Now, after earning his exercise science degree, he's planning to attend medical school this fall.

Military veteran notches perfect GPA while advocating for campus veteran community

UofSC features Brooks Herring and his successful balancing of family, academics, and service while earning his exercise science degree at the Arnold School. In August, he'll join his department's doctor of physical therapy program.

May graduate builds clinical expertise through master's degree in advanced athletic training

Kenya Moore's high school didn't have an athletic trainer, but she was always intrigued with the recovery process after seeing friends experience season-ending injuries. She began researching the profession and quickly realized that's what she wanted to do as a career.

May graduate strives to lead healthcare policy analysis in Saudi Arabia with Ph.D. in health services policy and management

During her doctoral program in health services policy and management, Duaa Aljabri developed expertise in analyzing and implementing national healthcare policies as well as assessing outcomes in both the managerial and clinical practice levels.

U.S. Navy veteran graduates with exercise science degree, joins doctor of physical therapy program

May exercise science graduate Brooks Herring won't transition to his department's doctor of physical therapy program until August, but his long-term plan to create a program for veterans is already well under way.

May doctoral graduate begins academic career with fellowship at University of Missouri

Kaleea Lewis' research focuses on the ways in which race and racism operate as a social determinant of mental health. Her approach to this work explores how race and racism intersect to produce health inequities among African Americans.

I Am Public Health: Manel Boufaied

Fulbright Scholar completes master of health administration degree to contribute to positive change globally.

Study links long-term antibiotic use with increased progression in colorectal cancer

Research from scientists across the University of South Carolina and several collaborators from the Baylor College of Medicine has found a link between long-term antibiotic exposure and increased progression of colorectal cancer.

Martha Haynes retires after 15 years with doctor of physical therapy program, 38 with university

When Haynes joined the program, the first cohort of students was underway. That inaugural class had around 30 applicants and admitted a dozen students. Today, the program receives more than 600 applications for just 30 spots.

May graduate combines practical and academic experiences to prepare for public health career

The master of public health in general public health, with its focus on establishing a broad understanding of public health disciplines and designed for those with a terminal degree or significant experience in the healthcare field, was a perfect fit for Ayanna Woodberry.

Office for the Study of Aging marks 30th anniversary of South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Registry

The Office for the Study of Aging, in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, uses the rich, diverse collection of data housed in the Registry to produce an annual report.

UofSC honors top students at Awards Day

UofSC celebrates the university's top students, including public health seniors Ryan Anderson and Ross Lordo, who won the Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Steven N. Swanger Awards, respectively.

Coming full circle. May graduate returns to former high school as athletic trainer

Samantha Sedivy plans to return to school to earn a master's degree in teaching with a focus on physical education and health. Long-term, she hopes to work as the head athletic trainer at a high school while also teaching sports medicine to high school students.

Public health graduate to apply rich set of college experiences to serving as a public health educator with Peace Corps

In a few months, Kate Samuel will apply the knowledge and skills she gained at Carolina with a new adventure: a 27-month assignment as a public health educator in Peru with the Peace Corps, likely working with HIV/AIDS, mothers and children, and/or youth development.

May graduate leaves UofSC with fellowship at Lexington Medical Center in hand and a lifelong passion for public health

When Hope Woolf began her freshman year at Carolina, she envisioned using her public health degree as a foundation for a career in dentistry. It was her experiences in the classroom that made her realize she was already in the right field.

Exercise science professor Sara Wilcox elected Board of Trustee member for American College of Sports Medicine

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Wilcox will assist the American College of Sports Medicine in its continual development of a vision and the establishment of goals to achieve this vision.

May graduate pursues career working with nonprofit organizations after experiencing her own health crisis

The Dean's List recipient is currently working to achieve Graduation with Leadership Distinction. Next, she will pursue a master's in nonprofit management at DePaul University while working part-time at a nonprofit organization.

SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality prepares trainees for careers in research and teaching

With CHQ, Xiaoming Li aimed to improve the safety, effectiveness, and affordability of healthcare in South Carolina. He also planned to train and mentor others to help prepare them for careers working toward these same goals.

Toni Torres-McGehee named Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In her new role, Torres-McGehee plans to convene a committee of stakeholders to finalize and implement a School-wide Diversity Plan and expand the inclusive nature of the Arnold School.

COMD's Crystal Murphree-Holden elected Vice President of Higher Education for South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association

In her role, Murphree-Holden will be responsible for keeping the board members informed of certification standards as well as currently certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

I Am Public Health: Emmie Culclasure

Communication sciences and disorders master's student pursues speech language pathology career working with pediatric populations.

8th Annual Nutrition Symposium features Diane Harris on April 13

The Arnold School's Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities will host their 8th annual Nutrition Symposium: Healthy Eating in Context on April 13 at the USC Alumni Center.

‘The skin you’re in’ may determine your health

UofSC provides a preview of the keynote presentation, It's the skin you're in, Amani Nuru-Jeter will deliver during the 11th Annual James E. Clyburn Health Disparities Lecture on April 6.

2018 Outstanding Woman of the Year

UofSC features Rebecca Kaze, a public health senior who was named University of South Carolina's 2018 Woman of the Year for serving the Carolina community during her tenure as an undergraduate.

Cancer Prevention and Control Program Diet Assessment Research and Data Analysis and Management Units’ services support research across university

These programs have become core resources within CPCP and have been utilized by numerous researchers in parallel with CPCP's growth, which has evolved to encompass an interdisciplinary team.

A dual purpose: Physician-scientists needed to help bridge gap between biomedical discoveries, patient care

UofSC features dual Ph.D./M.D. School of Medicine student Johnie Hodge, who is also one of three students selected to participate in the Arnold School/School of Medicine's Susan G. Komen-funded Interdisciplinary Graduate Training to Eliminate Cancer Disparities program.

Researchers use non-exercise test to confirm link between cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced cancer mortality in U.S. population

A team of researchers led by exercise science assistant professor Xuemei Sui recently completed a study that provides evidence linking cardiorespiratory fitness with reductions in all-cancer mortality.

Invisible power: The impact of engineered nanoparticles on the environment and human health

UofSC features environmental health sciences and SmartState Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk associate professor Mohammed Baalousha, who has been named a 2018 Breakthrough Star by the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Leading the leaders. Professor strengthens the world's reading experts through service to the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading

The associate professor of communication sciences and disorders has been involved in the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading since she attended the group's first meeting in 1994, and her commitment has grown ever since.

Clyburn Lecture will feature keynote speaker Amani M. Nuru-Jeter on April 6 with a focus on "We Can't Wait - Health Equity Now"

The Arnold School and the SC DHEC will host the 11th Annual James E. Clyburn Health Disparities Lecture on April 6 at the USC Alumni Center. Please join us for a poster session and keynote presentation by Amani M. Nuru-Jeter.

Galen Fellows: A healthy approach to a living and learning community

UofSC features the new Galen Health Fellows program for undergraduates pursuing degrees in the health sciences. The program is led by HPEB associate professor David Simmons, who serves as faculty principal.

Doctor of physical therapy class achieves 100 percent first time pass rate and outperforms peer programs on national physical therapy exam

December 2017 doctor of physical therapy graduates who took the national physical therapy exam in December 2017 or January 2018 had a 100 percent first time pass rate compared with a 92.7 percent national average.

Andrew Kaczynski (HPEB) and Susan Steck (EPID/BIOS) among inaugural recipients of Distinguished Research Service Award

Kaczynski and Steck were chosen as inaugural recipients of the award based on their contributions as reviewers and committee members for these programs, which include numerous new funding opportunities over the past several years.

First Annual Arnold Aging Lecture to be held on March 29

Join the Arnold School of Public health for the Norman J. Arnold 2018 Lecture on Exploring the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Epidemiological Evidence from Around the World by Dr. Kenneth M. Langa on March 20 (3 p.m.) at the USC Alumni Center.

Communication sciences and disorders' Sarah Scarborough wins DiCarlo Award from South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association

It is named for Louis M. DiCarlo, audiologist and speech-language pathologist who had a long and distinguished career in the COMD field helping children and war veterans. Winners at the state level are considered for the national-level awards of the group's parent organization.

HPEB selects Sarah King and Lauren Hunt as first two recipients of Ann Cassady Endowed Fellowship Fund

Established by the family of Ann Cassady, who served as the HPEB business manager for 13 years before passing away in 2017, this fund honors Cassady's life by providing financial support for the training, research and professional development of HPEB master's degree students.

Health promotion through storytelling. Student uses Magellan grant to help professor reach at-risk group about HIV prevention

UofSC features HPEB associate professor Alyssa Robillard, who began documenting the experiences of HIV-positive African American women after becoming interested in storytelling as a way to promote health, and public health junior Chelsea Perry.

Alumna finds her needle in the haystack--an athletic training position in the performing arts

Mariah Bernanke knew that UofSC had a well-established athletic training program, and its Division 1 status would provide opportunities to work with high-level athletes and resources. What she didn't expect was that she would learn a way to reintegrate sports and the arts.

Public health student gains hands-on experience in infectious diseases and global health through study abroad programs

Now a junior studying public health with a minor in statistics, Keen has known she wanted to pursue a career in epidemiology since her junior year in high school. It was around that time that she first traveled to Kenya--a country to which she would later return as a college student.

Call for Abstracts! 11th Annual James E. Clyburn Health Disparities Lecture is accepting poster abstracts until March 9

This poster session is an opportunity for USC faculty, staff and students and individuals from other academic institutions and community organizations to share their health disparities research/practice and address this year's theme: "We Can't Wait - Health Equity Now."

Next Student Body President Taylor Wright finds connection between medicine, leadership

Daily Gamecock features Taylor Wright, the newly elected president of the student body and the second public health major in a row to hold the position. Current president Ross Lordo, also a public health major, will pass the torch to Wright and graduates in May.

Arnold School's Saurabh Chatterjee secures a nearly $1 million grant to advance treatment and understanding of relationship between gut-microbiome and Gulf War Illness

With funding support from the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (DOD-CDMRP), Chatterjee and a group of researchers from around the country will use the three-year grant to learn how to best treat patients with GWI.

I Am Public Health: Margaret Peck

After 37 years in the field of fitness and nutrition, Margaret Peck completes the HPEB MPH Professional Online program to make a broader impact on her community.

Researchers demonstrate usefulness of nanoparticles in suppressing aflatoxin biosynthesis in a plant pathogen

Over 55 million people worldwide still suffer from uncontrolled exposure to aflatoxin. Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin elimination from food and feed, therefore, is critical for reducing its global burden on public health and economy.

HPEB associate professor Katrina Walsemann appointed to editorial board of Social Science & Medicine

Katrina Walsemann has been invited to join the editorial board of Social Science & Medicine, a leading interdisciplinary journal that provides a forum for disseminating international social science research on health, as an advisory editor.

Researchers win grant to evaluate innovative "Physical Therapy First" program for orthopaedic care

The $100,000 grant from the Foundation for Physical Therapy will be used to advance an existing Greenville Health System program that has already shown promise in lowering costs and improving outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal issues.

Exercise science graduate turns practicum into full-time position, representing Cancer Rehabilitation clinic sites as a marketing specialist for KORT

For her six-week practicum experience, Kuiper merged exercise science with marketing at KORT, a physical therapy corporation. KORT was so impressed by Kuiper that when her practicum ended in August 2017, they hired her as a full-time employee.

Arnold School alumnus Graham Adams leads rural health conversation statewide, worldwide

His growing expertise of the rural experience and community health led organizers of the Salzburg Global Seminar's Health and Healthcare Innovation event to invite Adams to participate in a session on The Smart Utilization of Technology.

Study finds cardiovascular fitness may serve as predictor for adverse pregnancy outcomes

Research conducted by exercise science assistant professor Abbi Lane-Cordova provides preliminary evidence for the connection between cardiovascular responses to exercise and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Communication sciences and disorders department to host Open House on March 23

The department of communication sciences and disorders is hosting an Open House Day for admitted and prospective students, on Friday March 23 (1:30-4 p.m.) Join us for a tour of the facilities and an opportunity to meet faculty.

Heather Brandt receives award from South Carolina Public Health Association for contributions to public health

Over the past two decades, Brandt has worked tirelessly to educate and mentor students, serve in various leadership roles within her field, and advance research and community partnerships in the areas of cancer prevention and control.

Second generation, same degree. EXSC mainstay Gaye Christmus and son pursue MPH degrees 35 years apart

Gay Christmus, grant writer and editor in the exercise science department, earned a master of public health from the Arnold School. Thirty-five years later, her son, Sam, is pursuing the same degree.

Jamie Lead included in Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate Analytics fourth year in a row

Compiled annually, the Highly Cited Researchers list recognizes leading researchers in the sciences and social sciences. The 2017 list includes approximately 3,400 highly cited researchers in 21 fields from around the world.

Nominate extraordinary Arnold School students for the 2018 master’s and doctoral achievement awards

The Arnold School of Public Health is seeking nominations for its annual student awards that will be presented at the 2018 Hooding Ceremony at the Koger Center.

Health promotion, education, and behavior associate professor Caroline Rudisill joins Arnold School's Greenville Campus

The health economist joins UofSC from the London School of Economics and Political Science and will be located at the Arnold School's Greenville Campus, which opened last fall. She holds an associate professor appointment with the HPEB department.

Speech-Tacular project crowdfunds support for clients of USC Speech and Hearing Research Center

Learn about the USC Speech and Hearing Research Center’s crowdfunding project, Speech-Tacular, and how it can make a difference in the lives of those with speech, language and hearing challenges.

I Am Public Health: Firas Alhasson

Despite growing up among widespread conflict in his native Iraq, Firas Alhasson managed to complete both bachelor's and master's degrees in his war-torn homeland but he wanted to learn more. Now he's breaking new ground in the field of environmental health sciences.

Nominate an exceptional Arnold School faculty member for one of three Arnold School faculty awards

The Arnold School of Public Health is seeking nominations to recognize outstanding faculty with one of three 2018 awards in the areas of teaching, research, and service. Recipients will be honored at the 2018 Hooding Ceremony.

Ten Arnold School graduate students earn 2017-2018 SPARC Graduate Research Grants

Graduate students from across the Arnold School have earned 2017-2018 SPARC Graduate Research Grants from the USC Office of the Vice President for Research to fund individual scholarship initiatives.

Anthony Alberg contributes to national report on Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes

Epidemiology and biostatistics professor and chair Anthony Alberg, a nationally recognized cancer researcher with expertise in tobacco control, was among the specialists invited to join the committee that produced the resulting report: Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes.

DPT graduate completes degree with support from peers and faculty to land position as pediatric physical therapist

Sarah Pate's hard-fought battle to graduate with her cohort this past December was further bolstered when Pate received an offer to join Kidnetics as a pediatric physical therapist.

Exercise science graduate volunteers her way through her undergraduate experience to prepare for a career in pediatrics

A December graduate, Effie Spears will be working to improve public health in Lancaster at the J. Marion Sims Foundation where she interned last summer, and she'll be preparing her medical school applications.

Nominate outstanding Arnold School graduates for one of two Arnold School alumni awards

The Arnold School of Public Health is seeking nominations to recognize outstanding alumni with 2018 awards in two categories: those who graduated in 2007 or earlier and those who graduated in 2008 or later. Recipients will be honored at the 2018 Hooding Ceremony.

Senior Angelette Weaver leverages public health foundation to launch nursing career

Now nearing the completion of her degree, Weaver believes that public health has given her the foundation to pursue a nursing degree so that she can utilize the two backgrounds together.

National Aphasia Association spotlights USC Aphasia Lab

The National Aphasia Association (NAA) has featured the USC Aphasia Lab and their tailgating event, which brings together participants, their families, and lab members, in their Affiliate Highlight series.

Doctoral students Firas Alhasson (ENHS) and Min Jee Lee (HSPM) named 2018 Breakthrough Graduate Scholars

Firas Alhasson, an ENHS doctoral candidate, and Min Jee Lee, a HSPM doctoral student, were identified as Breakthrough Graduate Scholars due to their exceptional performance and achievements in their programs.

Mohammed Baalousha (ENHS) and Brie Turner-McGrievy (HPEB) named 2017 Breakthrough Stars

Selected by peers based on early career achievements, Breakthrough Stars exceed expectations in their fields, demonstrate exceptional potential and make outstanding contributions to research and scholarship.

Health services policy and management professor and rural health expert Janice Probst receives 2018 Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award

The HSPM professor was chosen from among numerous nominations across the university for her mentorship of junior faculty, establishment of a research center with wide-reaching impact, community engagement and creation of programs aimed at increasing diversity.

Environmental health sciences alumna wins Environmental Safety and Health Excellence Award

One year into her role at Lockheed Martin Corporation, Arjamand Sami received an award for establishing a robust ozone-depleting substance program that works to lower greenhouse emissions and engages in green practices of ozone-depleting substance disposal.

I Am Public Health: Akhtar Hossain

Doctoral candidate combines passion for statistics and public health to forge career in biostatistics.