With a new clinical education facility available to meet the needs of USC’s growing nursing student population, the College of Nursing saw an opportunity to transform and expand its research capabilities.
In 2025, construction will begin on a Biobehavioral Research Center that will provide dedicated space for faculty research, enhancing expertise and improving health outcomes for South Carolina and beyond.
Located in the Williams-Brice Building, the new research center will feature an experimental laboratory where faculty and their research teams can process and store specimens and conduct experiments. Additionally, there will be a clinical research and innovation suite for conducting studies and focus groups.
“Not only are we expanding our new registered nurses, but with the doubling of our physical footprint on two campuses, we are able to expand our graduate programs and research initiatives on the Columbia campus,” says College of Nursing Dean Jeannette Andrews.
The college’s existing research centers generated more than $20 million in new grant funding since 2019. Last fiscal year, nursing helped lead the university to achieving a record-breaking $309 million in sponsored awards.
Karen Wickersham, associate professor and interim assistant dean for research, is spearheading the project in collaboration with university leadership and architects.
"This new research center will advance our college’s work, fostering collaboration with university, community and industry partners,” says Wickersham.
Approximately 1,600 square feet of experimental laboratory space will occupy the former simulation center, which is now located in the satellite clinical education building in West Columbia. The experimental laboratory facilities will be fully equipped for college faculty and their research teams to perform assessments and process samples on-site.
The laboratory will support a wide variety of molecular biology, cell culture, biomarker analyses, microscopy, immunostaining and human physiology research, all aimed at understanding complex diseases to improve patient care outcomes.
"This new research center will advance our college’s work, fostering collaboration with university, community and industry partners."
According to Wickersham, whose cancer research samples are currently managed by an outside lab, the center will also help save time, grant dollars and reduce the margin for error.
The experimental laboratory will also include areas for student work, bench space and an office for a new laboratory director.
“This new dedicated lab space will enable us to apply for a wider range of grants and increase our research output,” says Wickersham.
The center’s Clinical Research and Innovation Suite will feature the latest technology and equipment for clinical studies. Spanning over 4,000 square feet, it will include a spacious patient intake area and a clinical exam suite. This space will host a community collaboratory, areas for physical activity and exercise research and focus groups, as well as offices for visiting researchers.
Plans also include a dedicated space for pediatric, adolescent and young adult-focused research.
"The university has a bold vision to be a part of the solution in South Carolina with workforce and health care excellence,” says Andrews. "With expanded research facilities, we'll be able to recruit and retain more faculty and students, contributing to the nursing pipeline."