2023 News Archive

Small and mobile - new watchwords for nuclear power

There’s plenty of activity afoot on the design front for next-generation nuclear power, says Travis Knight, a mechanical engineering professor and program director of nuclear engineering at the University of South Carolina. The key to understanding the new frontier of nuclear power is simple, he says — think small.

2023 Year in Review

It has been another successful calendar year with innovative research, student success and recognition, and alumni achievements. Take a look back at some of the research, awards and events throughout 2023.

Five graduate students awarded Koerner Family Foundation Fellowships

This year's Koerner Family Foundation Fellows represent the CEC biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and nuclear engineering programs.

Fulfilling a passion for robotics

In only its second year, the Gamecock Robotics Club has provided an outlet for interested students to pursue their passions, while earning accolades in competitions.

Navigating the World of Consulting

The Gamecock Consulting Club is a blend of students from various academic backgrounds, including engineering. The club provides a unique path by providing students with a platform to explore consulting and achieving success in competitions.

Utilizing robotics and AI for planting and harvesting

Can digital farming go beyond data purposes and incorporate artificial intelligence? Mechanical Engineering Professor Sourav Banerjee is continuing his research into using AI-driven robots for planting, placing and removing stakes on farms.

Sur works on advanced wireless networking and sensing technologies research

Sanjib Sur's research group utilizes next-generation wireless network architectures to improve reliability and resiliency, while their sensing techniques enable objects to be truly smart by understanding and interpreting environments and conditions.

Shaping minds and breaking stereotypes

Sharon Gumina's lifelong dedication to education, coupled with her openness to leveraging technological advancements, has positioned her as a forward-thinking educator contributing to the inclusive and evolving landscape of coding education.

Liu publishes two papers in high impact journal

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Associate Professor Chang Liu and his research group recently published two cover articles in the high impact journal, ACS Nano.

Chemical engineering team places first in national competition

A team of CEC chemical engineering students finished first in a recent competition involving the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in product design.

Charged and ready to go

Phalanx of USC researchers energizes new SC Nexus initiative

Alumna recognized for contributions to Charlotte business community

Hannah Breed was recently named one of Charlotte's 50 Most Influential Women due to her significant impact on the Charlotte engineering and greater business community.

Paving the road to success

Alumna Lindsey Keziah may have been uncertain about her decision to major in civil and environmental engineering. But 15 years later and working in a senior position at the same company that hired her after graduating, it is obvious that she made the right choice.

Gross earns DARPA Young Faculty Award

Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Andrew Gross recently received an award to pursue research for developing the next generation of material testing methods.

CEC faculty recognized for outstanding contributions to the South Carolina engineering community

Two Civil and Environmental Engineering professors were recently honored by the South Carolina Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

IDEAS Lab leads collaboration efforts for innovative solutions

In the heart of South Carolina, a dedicated group of experts is taking the approaches of engineering solutions to a new level, shaping the future of infrastructure resilience and sustainability.

Force of nature

Chemical engineering team pioneers 3-D printing techniques to mimic natural materials

Civil engineering graduate student earns prestigious scholarship

Neve Steger was recently awarded the Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Scholarship from the Environmental Research & Education Foundation to help support her research related to sustainable solid waste management.

Educating with empathy

Portia Plante knew she wanted to teach computer science from an early age, but her path to academia was not straightforward.

Engineering students build familia, future success

Engineering students build familia and future success with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Civil and environmental engineering student enjoying benefits of SMART scholarship

A scholarship and service program has provided senior Trinity Collette with tuition benefits and real-world experience as well as a full-time job after graduating.

Doctoral student to present research at ECS meeting

Jarrett Peskar will present his work on electrothermal battery modeling at this month's Electrochemical Society Meeting in Sweden.

Alumna reshapes energy landscape through integration and storage

As the energy landscape evolves, Elizabeth Endler remains a trailblazer by shaping a greener, interconnected tomorrow.

Developing better materials for commercializing high-efficiency, high-power devices

Assistant Professor Iftikhar Ahmad is currently developing a prototype of devices with a larger bandgap to complement or surpass existing technology in energy efficiency.

Ph.D. candidate and inspirational educator

Ph.D. candidate Sowmya Raghu has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for the 2023-24 academic year. Her impressive collection of awards is the result of her dedication to the CEC community, including efforts to enhance collaboration among students and faculty.

Improving metal 3D Printing through identifying and preventing defects

Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) consolidates assemblies into a single part and turns complex designs into customized structural and functional properties. But different processes and environmental conditions can lead to inconsistencies and defects in part quality.

New master's program focuses on IT-related topics

The new master's program in information technology program provides the expertise and skills necessary to develop and integrate secure solutions to address the increasingly complex computing and digital requirements.

Carolina Band to spotlight CEC with halftime performance

The Carolina Band will highlight and honor the CEC in their debut halftime show of 2023 football season at the Gamecocks home opener this Saturday.

Managing sediment and water

Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Enrica Viparelli and her colleagues study how natural systems behave and evolve, and how humans impact these systems. Their research includes methods for improving water resource engineering practices.

Utilizing extreme materials for extraordinary healthcare applications

Extreme materials have usually led to improvements in the quality of life. Electrical Engineering Associate Professor MVS Chandrashekhar has done previous research in this area, but he is currently working on a project with another extreme material with healthcare applications.

Student Q&A: James Thurlow

When not focused on his computer science and engineering studies, James Thurlow's current activities in Naval ROTC and sailing can be attributed to growing up in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Arriving and returning twice to USC

A summer research experience for undergraduates brought Ivelisse Ortiz-Hernandez from Puerto Rico to USC. It also contributed to leading her back to the university as a graduate student and instructor.

From modest beginnings to a worldwide distributor of high-end technology

What started as an opportunity to transfer digital image correlation methods to industry has transformed into Correlated Solutions, Inc., which sells industry-leading solutions for materials and product testing on six continents.

CEC continues partnership for urban air mobility project

The CEC is helping to reimagine the design of urban air mobility vehicles through its expertise as part of the Atoms to Aircraft to Spacecraft project.

CEC welcomes new faculty for 2023-24 academic year

As the 2023-24 academic year begins this week, some new professors and instructors will join the CEC faculty.

Balancing engineering and ROTC responsibilities

One student's undergraduate journey includes his commitment as a member of the Air Force ROTC program.

Energizing the future

Rising senior Alexis Allegro's combination of her current internship with ExxonMobil and as an undergraduate research assistant have allowed her to develop the necessary skills to follow her passion for sustainability.

CEC provides more flexibility and pathways for Zhang's research

Associate Professor Bin Zhang brought industry experiences to the CEC, which has helped him connect his teaching and research to his expertise in control systems and other products.

Maribeth Bottorff promotes computer science careers through work at Google

While alumna Maribeth Bottorff changed her initial plans of becoming a chemistry teacher, she maintained her natural inclination to instruct and mentor.

Helping students soar to academic heights

Instructor Mostafa Mobli was intrigued about how planes fly, leading him to explore aerospace engineering. Now, he is committed to not only sharing his knowledge with students but accompanying them on their undergraduate journey.

Nader Taheri Qazvini named NSF CAREER award recipient

One chemical engineering professor's NSF-sponsored work will be used in several areas related to national security, such as aviation and control of power grid systems.

USC engineers work to improve earthquake-safe design

Civil and environmental engineering researchers examine soil behavior for best practices in building earthquake-resistant structures in South Carolina.

ECS student research award named in honor of Ralph White

The Ralph E. White Outstanding Student Award will recognize promising young engineers and scientists in the field of modeling and simulation of electrochemical systems, such as batteries and fuel cells.

In Memoriam: Joseph Gibbons, Ph.D.

The College of Engineering and Computing was saddened to learn of the death of Chemical Engineering Distinguished Professor Emeritus and USC alum Joseph Gibbons.

U.S. Marine Corps Vet and USC alum tackles new frontiers with Integer Technologies

Tristan Kyzer is the lead mechanical engineer on a program tasked with developing reliable perception systems for autonomous vehicles for every mile of the ocean.

An electric, entrepreneurial journey

CEC alum Joe Rooney, '14, and his brother and fellow USC alum John, have taken their passion for automotive technologies and an entrepreneurial vision to start a company specializing in a product-specific staffing agency for the electric and autonomous vehicle industry.

Erfan Goharian receives prestigious NSF CAREER award

Over the next five years, Civil and Environmental Engineering Assistant Professor Erfan Goharian will study the use of artificial intelligence and novel technologies in flood prediction and modeling.

Societal and humane components guide Hoque's research

Shamia Hoque's academic and research career has taken her from Bangladesh to Canada and the U.S. While her expertise in environmental engineering includes chemistry, physics and design, her research is also guided by other non-scientific components.

CEC Assistant Dean receives university Outstanding Staff Award

College of Engineering and Computing Assistant Dean for Student Services, Ruth Patterson, wins university Outstanding Staff Award.

Never stop learning

With a bachelor's and two master's degrees and as a current Ph.D. candidate, IIT Instructor Denise S. Davis is a lifelong learner. She also has a passion for sharing her knowledge with students.

Accelerating simulations of the flow and heat transfer for military vehicles

Associate Professor Yi Wang completed a research project this past January that utilized a specialized modeling technique for providing more accurate and efficient prediction of the infrared signatures.

Meet the CEC development team

The CEC development team has benefited from significant growth over the last year. During fiscal year 2023, the team worked alongside donors establishing multiple new endowed scholarships, supporting graduate fellowships and impacting research funds.

Boltin's work aims to learn the analytics behind data collection

By merging biomedical science with cutting-edge technology, Nicholas Boltin is working toward unlocking the potential to transform patient care and improve medical outcomes.

Integrating curriculum, experiences and internships for cyberwarfare training

This past February, IIT Professor Jorge Crichigno began a three-year research project that aims to better prepare students and professionals for careers in cyberwarfare.

Unique program strengthens relationship between USC and Boeing

The University of South Carolina is one of only six institutions in the country selected to partner with Boeing on its Accelerated Leadership Program, which provides scholarships, and internship and career opportunities for participating students.

Ling uses NSF CAREER Award for spray simulations and multi-phase flows

Since arriving at USC last August, Stanley Ling has continued his research into utilizing models and simulations to examine how different operating conditions affect spray formation.

CEC alumna leads effort for honor cord recognition

Thanks to the efforts of alumna Jenny Painter, 69 universities across the country now use honor cords to recognized students who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Two CEC alumnae receive honorary doctorate degrees

CEC alumnae Barbara Rusinko and Barbara Whye each received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree at this spring's University of South Carolina commencement ceremony.

Cocky: Out of the Box

Sarah Sylvester and the Cocky persona have become incredibly close over her two-year stint as one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports.

Faculty Feature: Odell Glenn Jr.

Along with a passion for STEM education, Instructor Odell Glenn Jr. is also a published author, podcast host and pastor.

Heyden's research aims to transform the energy and chemical industries

The fundamental motivation for Professor Andreas Heyden's research group is the belief in global warming and its immediate consequences. For the last 16 years at the College of Engineering and Computing, he has collaborated with colleagues and students on research to improve the sustainability of the energy and chemical industries.

Interdisciplinary research analyzes impact of family on STEM education

One CEC professor is utilizing a National Science Foundation grant to examine the influence of family on student interest and persistence in engineering.

Using machine learning algorithms for challenging image analyses

Artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to transform patient care, and Assistant Professor Forest Agostinelli is currently pursuing research on predicting outcomes for patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

DePratter one of four USC students named Goldwater Scholars

Biomedical engineering student Shannon DePratter recently earned a national award that recognizes the outstanding work and research of STEM undergraduates.

2023 CEC graduates receive outstanding senior awards

CEC seniors were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the University Awards Day ceremony on Thursday, April 20.

Fund established in honor of CEC alumnus

The purpose of the Tao Gao Endowed Scholarship Fund is to provide support for undergraduate scholarships to support students with a demonstrated need for financial aid.

Multidisciplinary approach drives success for one alumnus

Alumnus Jake Martin's pursuit of multiple disciplines stems from his early interest in engineering combined with his introduction to physics through internships. He is utilizing his engineering and physics expertise in a variety of projects during his current graduate studies.

AI-powered experimentation fuels energy research

In their drive to develop new catalysts for energy production, Jochen Lauterbach's research team is using artificial intelligence to speed up and improve the process of finding novel combinations of catalyst materials.

2023 NSF CAREER Award Winners

The NSF CAREER Award will help support assistant professors Austin Downey and Qi Zhang for five years in their early career development activities to successfully integrate research and education.

USC Honors students earn Goldwater scholarships

Undergraduate researchers thrive at the University of South Carolina. If you need proof, look no further than the Goldwater Scholarship, a national award recognizing the exceptional work and dedication of STEM undergraduates towards their research careers.

CEC to host second annual Diversity Gala

The CEC will celebrate diversity with an event that also provides an opportunity for students to network with industry professionals.

CEC honors distinguished alumni

The CEC took time to recognize distinguished alumni and thank donors at the Alumni Awards and Benefactor Dinner at the Pastides Alumni Center.

Palmettos to palms and back

Instructor Natasha Delahunt teaches a subject that may not be considered creative. But with an undergraduate degree in theater and after working in the performing arts, she realizes creativity can be found in almost any field.

Zhang plans research with symmetries in AI for NSF CAREER Award

Computer Science and Engineering Assistant Professor and AI researcher Qi Zhang plans to utilize his NSF CAREER Award to identify and utilize symmetries for cooperative AI tasks to maximize their combined benefit.

Bringing HIV testing to patients

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Assistant Professor Chang Liu is currently working on research that aims to develop a specialized HIV self-test that could help lower transmission rates and allow for early treatment to reduce the chances of developing AIDS.

Student Spotlight: Lauren Speck

Senior Lauren Speck developed an interest in engineering when her grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Combined with her interests in science and math, Speck's personal experience caring for her grandmother ultimately led her to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering.

Amit Sheth leads center that seeks to integrate AI into all research

Since its inception, the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Carolina has enjoyed rapid growth, earned significant accolades and fostered multiple partnerships in its efforts to infuse artificial intelligence expertise into the framework of research at USC.

Alumni Q&A: Aisha Moultrie

Aisha Moultrie graduated in 2007 with a degree in civil and environmental engineering. She faced many challenges as an undergraduate, but her positive experience in Associate Professor Michael Meadows senior design class played a pivotal role in her career.

Sewing & Swearingen

Biomedical engineering junior Mina Schaafsma is quite a talented student. Whether it is doing research or making her own clothes, she always makes time to pursue her academic and creative interests.

Faculty Feature: Christian O'Reilly

Computer Science and Engineering Professor Christian O'Reilly has completed research in artificial intelligence and identifying brain differences between neurotypical people and individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Austin Downey earns NSF CAREER Award

Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Austin Downey recently received an NSF CAREER Award that will build on his previous research involving time constraints in real-time machine learning.

Engineering alumna uses beauty pageants, philanthropy to inspire STEM interest in young girls

Miss USA Morgan Romano knows all too well that only 28% of the STEM workforce is made up of women, and she's using her platform to spark interest in young girls and help create a pipeline for more women to pursue careers in the STEM fields.

Improving condensation rates for more energy efficient systems

Condensers are essential parts of any two-phase systems, such as air conditioners. Since energy efficiency of these systems is important, Mechanical Engineering Professor Chen Li is currently utilizing a technique for the optimal effectiveness of household, industrial and space systems.

Adapting innovative systems for more secure naval communications

U.S. Navy communications and mission capabilities continue to evolve from basic voice communications to higher data bandwidths, which require new modes of operation. Electrical Engineering Professor Guoan Wang is currently leading research for creating future infrastructure for secure wireless communications.

Sousaphones & STEM

If you do not see seniors Tally Bovender and Ahmad Alford in one of the CEC buildings, you can probably find them with their sousaphones preparing for an upcoming band performance.

Protecting critical infrastructure through high-assurance security and authorization

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware cyberattack in 2021 showed how unauthorized users could use stolen credentials to infiltrate the country's critical infrastructure systems. Computer Science and Engineering Professor Csilla Farkas is currently working to help implement a stronger authorization framework that is more resilient against cyberattacks.

Office of Research honors extraordinary researchers at USC with the 2023 Breakthrough Awards

The Office of the Vice President for Research is pleased to announce the exceptional faculty members and graduate students selected to receive the 2023 Breakthrough research awards.

USC joins IBM Quantum Hub

The University of South Carolina (USC) has joined the IBM Quantum Hub at North Carolina State University. In addition to supporting industry and university partners, the IBM Quantum Hub also focuses on educating the next generation of quantum computing users and developers.

DoD program offers significant opportunity for cybersecurity students

Erin Kremer is one student experiencing the benefits of the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program. Now, Kremer and Computer Science and Engineering Professor Csilla Farkas are encouraging other students interested in cybersecurity to apply.

Opening doors to research

While COVID-19 limited in-person interactions, senior Corinne Smith took advantage of a unique opportunity created by the pandemic to begin her undergraduate research experiences.