Downey receives early achievement award
The Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award recognizes a rising researcher whose notable contributions and work has already had an impact in their field within adaptive structures and material systems.
New initiative brings together academic strength and nuclear energy industry insights
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing and Palmetto Nuclear Coalition recently announced an agreement aimed at transforming South Carolina into a national and global leader in nuclear innovation.
Faculty Feature: Melih Calamak
Melih Calamak enjoyed all aspects of civil engineering as an undergraduate student in Turkey. Now, he is sharing his knowledge and experiences with undergraduates as an instructor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Chemical engineering faculty member demonstrates breakthrough technology for blue phase liquid crystals
Since they first appeared on wristwatches in the early 1970s, liquid crystal displays have made the leap to TVs, smartphones, household appliances and automobile dashboards. Now an even more responsive type of LCD technology, called blue phase liquid crystals, is getting closer to commercial use, and a USC chemical engineering professor’s research in that field is attracting notice.
USC hosts Omani engineering students
"I think continuous collaboration between USC and NUST could provide students with international engineering competence, which would undoubtedly produce versatile and exceptional engineers." - NUST visiting student Barakat Al Hinai.
Alum finds passion in challenging obstacles, creating opportunities
Colisha Dunbar's determination reflects the spirit that has fueled her success in both engineering and business. Today, she is widely recognized for her leadership, community impact and unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation.
Roberts continues his impact on the nuclear industry
Despite recently celebrating his 90th birthday this past August, Research Associate Elwyn Roberts continues to serve as a valuable consultant in both industry and academia.
Fulfilling goals with biomedical engineering and Capstone
The University of South Carolina is a long way from senior Jessica Schmidt's hometown of Wantagh, New York. But recommendations from friends and her mom pushed her to take a closer look at the university.
Documentary on nuclear energy screened at the MCEC
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing hosted a screening of the documentary, "The Nuclear Frontier," followed by a panel discussion in the college's Amoco Hall on Tuesday, September 23.
Tri-state collaborative focusing on removing harmful contaminants from water
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in industry and can be found in numerous household products. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS do not easily break down over time due to strong chemical bonds and could build to levels that harm individuals' health and the environment.
O'Reilly's NSF CAREER award aims to better understand brain processes and autism
Computer Science and Engineering Assistant Professor Christian O'Reilly is working on developing a framework to support multiscale model-driven analysis of the brain and its disorders.
Aiming for flexible energy routing for naval power distribution systems
"We're doing algorithms and determining what will happen if the communication links fail. If it's successful, then it has a chance to be picked up and some of this technology may show up in the Navy fleet." - Herb Ginn
Baja SAE returns to South Carolina for 50th anniversary
Premier engineering design competition Baja SAE originated in 1976 at the University of South Carolina under the direction of Mechanical Engineering Professor John F. Stephens.
Video: Snapping shrimp could hold the key to protecting human brains from shockwaves
Snapping shrimp can create shockwaves strong enough to stun prey. But how do they survive each other’s blasts? USC biologist Dan Speiser and his team discovered that a special “orbital hood” — a helmet-like shield around the shrimp’s eyes and brain — protects them from these powerful shockwaves. Collaborating with biomedical researchers at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, the team is now studying the hood’s structure to design next-generation helmets that could protect human brains from shock waves and even reduce the risk of PTSD in military personnel.
A ten-year journey to the MCEC
"One thing about me is that I want to be taken out of my comfort zone. I want to be challenged." - Laura Danielli
Using chemical engineering skills to clean up the environment
The average cleanup cost of oil spills varies between states, but the costs are often overwhelming for small businesses which handle petroleum. As a result, many businesses in the past have failed to report leaks and spills. But one MCEC alum has helped cover costs and has been actively involved in cleanups.
Graduate researcher advances machine learning research
Computer Science Ph.D. student Misagh Soltani channels his passion for artificial intelligence into furthering model-based deep reinforcement learning. It is work he hopes will make tasks easier and information more accessible for the betterment of society.
Landmark partnership between The Nuclear Company and USC aims to advance nuclear energy innovation
A partnership announced this week brings together the University of South Carolina's nationally ranked nuclear engineering program and The Nuclear Company, which is leading gigawatt-scale deployment of nuclear power across America and pioneering the modernization of nuclear construction.
Improving and better understanding damage mechanics and detection
Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Subramani Sockalingam's current research project aims to use a novel approach to address challenges and better understand damage development in carbon composite materials.
MCEC welcomes new faculty for the 2025-2026 academic year
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing is welcoming new faculty in the chemical engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering departments.
2025 artificial intelligence faculty experts list
University of South Carolina researchers explore how artificial intelligence can be used for advancements in health care, education, manufacturing, energy, disaster management and transportation. They are also helping shape and inform the ethics and policies surrounding these emergent solutions.
Entrepreneurial Ph.D. candidate develops AI models for use in healthcare, social connection
In 2016, Computer Science Ph.D. candidate Alireza Bagheri first realized that artificial intelligence would change the world.
New technology under development for real-time monitoring, mapping of mines
A see-in-the-dark monitoring and navigational system intended to improve safety in underground mines is being developed by a University of South Carolina computer science and engineering team in collaboration with researchers in India.
IIT student hones his business skills through study abroad
This past May, Integrated Information Technology rising senior Sean McGaha returned from a semester abroad better equipped to tackle the global business world.
Interdisciplinary initiative teaches medical students how to use AI productively and safely
The University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine has begun preparing its students to understand AI’s potential — and its shortcomings. The medical school in Columbia partnered last year with the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing to launch the AI in Medicine Extracurricular Track.
Research funds talented MCEC students
For the last five years, Ed Gatzke, chemical engineering undergraduate director and associate professor, has been leading the University of South Carolina Synthesized Program for Undergraduate Retention to increase retention of engineering and computing students.