Cheers to the Class of 2025!
Celebrate the Class of 2025 from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences as graduates reflect on their experiences and share what's next.
2025 graduate follows the data into research bridging biology, chemistry and AI
Christian Geils, USC's first data science graduate, used AI to tackle research in biology and chemistry--earning a Magellan grant and launching the university's first AI student club along the way.
About the USC graduate who just named the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
When Peter McCausland first visited the University of South Carolina as a teenager, he had no idea he would one day become the namesake of its largest college. From changing majors and finding his passion for history, to founding a Fortune 500 company and giving back through transformative philanthropy, McCausland's journey is a testament to the lifelong power of a liberal arts education. Learn how one USC graduate shaped his legacy -- and the future of the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
From Microbes to Medicine: How this USC chemistry professor inspires future scientists
In Jie Li's chemistry lab at USC, undergraduate researchers discover how tiny microbes can lead to big discoveries for medicine and public health.
Brain scientist Kristy Welshhans helps student researchers tackle big questions in early development
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences neuroscientist Kristy Welshhans advances Down syndrome research while mentoring undergraduates in cutting-edge brain development studies to prepare them for careers in science, medicine and beyond.
USC chemistry professor awarded as champion for undergraduate researchers
USC chemistry professor Olja Simoska helps turn first-year students into scientists and earned the 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for launching hands-on lab experiences that tackle big issues like antibiotic resistance and wearable health tech.
USC media arts alumni shape Columbia's filmmaking scene
Four USC media arts alumni are shaping Columbia's film scene--turning passion into legacy while mentoring the next generation of storytellers.
Michael Stipe Named 2025 McNair Honoree
Michael Stipe, former lead singer of R.E.M., was honored as the 2025 McNair Honoree during a live-recorded McNair Conversation on the American South, hosted by the Institute for Southern Studies. The event highlighted his artistic career and will be featured on the Take on the South podcast, along with a video and images available online.
In the footsteps of Chand Bibi
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 alumna, Marine champions veterans
For USC alumna Caroline Fermin, the decision to join the Marines at a time when only 2 percent of the officer corps were women led to a successful 25 years in the military with high-level global postings and numerous medals for meritorious service. She followed her military service with a thriving second career in public service, now as the director of Veterans Affairs for Beaufort County.
Give 4 Garnet helps fuel geology students' essential field camp experience
Geology students turn to Give 4 Garnet — the university's annual day of giving — to help fund their essential field camp experience.
USC psychologist uses mobile EEG to break down barriers to research
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.
Children's book about Ida B. Wells by USC professor wins international award
USC professor Dianne Johnson-Feelings' latest children's book, Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote, has won the prestigious Golden Kite Award. The book brings to life the inspiring story of Ida B. Wells, a fearless journalist and suffragist who fought for justice. Through her work, Johnson-Feelings continues to ignite a love for literature and history in young readers.
PR and English graduate builds a career in Columbia's arts scene
Sumner Bender credits a movie with inspiring her first true career choice. It seems only fitting, then, that the 2007 public relations graduate now leads Columbia’s art house cinema, The Nickelodeon Theatre. Her journey from PR to nonprofit executive has woven through Columbia’s arts scene for most of her adult life.
World-renowned Joffrey Ballet residency at USC promises unforgettable experiences
Dance students in the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program are spending extra time at the barre in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will have collaborating with the world-famous Joffrey Ballet. The company begins a three-week residency at USC on March 17 that will culminate with an unprecedented Koger Center performance on April 5.
USC youth summer camps 2025
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 ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.
AIs flunk language test that takes grammar out of the equation
While the quality of AI systems' output sometimes rivals work done by humans, they are also prone to confidently churning out factually incorrect information. Skeptics have also called into question their ability to reason.
Gamecock grad went all-in on math and stats. Now he invests in people.
Steve Smith's love for numbers led him from a surprising run-in with the law as a Gamecock freshman to a top role in investment management. The former math and statistics major now helps organizations maximize financial returns--and invests in the careers of young professionals, just as his advisors once invested in him.
How a USC media arts graduate empowers youth through writing
USC Media Arts graduate Elizabeth Perlman empowers youth through creative writing, channeling her passion for storytelling and lessons from her alma mater into her students at the Intuitive Writing Project.
Seven incoming McCausland scholars uphold legacy of excellence
Seven faculty members at the University of South Carolina's College of Arts and Sciences have been named McCausland Faculty Fellows, the college's most prestigious faculty award. These scholars, specializing in fields ranging from criminology to mathematics, exemplify excellence in teaching and research. The fellowship, established through a $10 million endowment from alumnus Peter McCausland and his wife, Bonnie, supports early-career faculty in advancing their research and academic contributions.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination signals new era of anti-intellectualism in American politics
The many controversial people appointed to the Trump administration have at least one thing in common: They dislike and distrust experts. While anti-intellectualism and populism are nothing new in American life, there has hardly been an administration as seemingly committed to these worldviews.
USC students explore American history with Mellon Grant programs
USC students are diving deep into American history with the help of a $500,000 Mellon Grant. Through dynamic events, research opportunities, and expert-led discussions, they're engaging with constitutional scholars and exploring the relevance of founding documents in today's democracy. Discover how this program is shaping the next generation of civic leaders.
2025 heart health faculty experts list
February is American Heart Month. The University of South Carolina is home to many faculty members who are available to offer their expertise in cardio care and research.
The Starbase rocket testing facility is permanently changing the landscape of southern Texas
If there is a leader in the aerospace industry, SpaceX is it. Boca Chica, Texas, is home to SpaceX’s flagship assembly and test installation, Starbase. Since 2021, research has been conducted with environmental groups and community members in south Texas who see space exploration as a landscape-altering industry. Geography professor Robert A. Kopack writes about Starbase for The Conversation.
As Syria ponders a democratic future: 5 lessons from the Arab Spring
The fall of Bashar Assad’s dictatorship in December 2024 has ushered in a nerve-wracking time of hope and fear for Syrians concerning future governance in the long-war-torn country. While it’s unclear what exact political path Syria will take, the dilemmas the country faces are similar to the experiences of other Arab countries more than a decade ago. Robert Kubinec, assistant professor of political science at the University of South Carolina, writes for The Conversation about his research on Arab uprisings in the Middle East.
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