2023 News Archive

Personal battles inspire future speech-language pathologist to help children, cancer patients

With two populations she is passionate about, Megan Morgan is excited to support pediatric patients with speech and language as well as patients with head and neck cancer to help them regain the ability to swallow and their quality of life.

Tracking our aging brains

USC features the Aging Brain Cohort, where researchers work across disciplines explore line between natural aging and cognitive disease. Led by Julius Fridriksson, ABC includes collaborators from COMD and others.

I Am Public Health: Mirza Isanovic

Mirza Isanovic graduates with a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences in August. He studies the bacteria that could be harboring antibiotic resistant genes and how these genes may be impacting the local communities near treatment plants.

Physician completes Ph.D., shifts to career as health services researcher to improve health for all

Yi-wen Shih's research examines mental health, health disparities and substance use. She advocates for nonpharmacologic treatment of chronic noncancer pain to improve health outcomes/pain management and mitigate the opioid crisis.

Inspiration and Faith Drive McFadden to Bigger Baseball Aspirations

Gamecocks Online features exercise science major and bullpen catcher Meredith McFadden, who is the first female to hold the position on a power five conference team.

ENHS hands out awards to six top students

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These six students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

Reducing infectious disease

USC features epidemiology associate professor Melissa Nolan, whose search for innovative ways to curb the impact of viral and insect-borne illness has earned her a Breakthrough Star Award.

Elizabeth Crouch wins national award for contributions to rural health

The health services policy and management (HSPM) associate professor and Rural and Minority Health Research Center director was recognized with one of the National Rural Health Association's top honors: the 2023 Outstanding Researcher Award.

Three students selected to receive HPEB department awards

Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior is proud to announce the 2023 winners of the Outstanding Master's Student, Christopher Peter Aluah Outstanding Doctoral Student, and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Research Awards.

Future hospital administrator focuses on veterans

Hannah Price spent the final semester of her MPH in HSPM program interning with the Dorn VA Medical Center. With veterans/active military in her family and circle of friends, she has always been passionate about this population.

Faculty Award Winners recognized at annual Hooding Ceremony

The Arnold School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Faculty Awards: James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Courtney Monroe), Faculty Research Award (Jihong Liu), and Faculty Service Award (Alicia Flach).

Exercise science recognizes seven students with Outstanding Student Awards

The Department of Exercise Science has selected seven students to receive the 2023 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Awards. This year’s winners were chosen for their academic achievements, community service and leadership roles.

Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery improves communication, quality of life

USC features the work of the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery, discussing new insights and ongoing approaches to treatment with communication sciences and disorders associate professor Dirk den Ouden.

Physician completes third USC degree to address addiction for patients, populations

After graduating in May with an MPH in Epidemiology, Humna Fayyaz will continue her training in these areas with a fellowship in addiction medicine at the University of Illinois-Chicago Hospital.

Melissa Nolan to establish USC Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research

USC is launching five new research institutes, with one led by associate professor of epidemiology Melissa Nolan. Supported by $2 million over four years, the team will study emerging diseases that could threaten public health.

Abby Berquist and Hannah Leili win student public health awards

The Office of Undergraduate Affairs is proud to announce the winners of this year's Outstanding Public Health Awards. Abby Berquist (B.A. in Public Health; pictured right) and Hannah Leili (B.S. in Public Health) are the 2023 recipients.

Top graduate student award winners announced

The top master's and doctoral students were honored at the annual Hooding Ceremony. Sujal Patel (M.S. in Advanced Athletic Training) received the Jeffrey Keith Mattison Award, and Gabriel Benavidez (Ph.D. in Epidemiology) won the Doctoral Achievement Award.

USC students Seas the Day in Greece

Travel (vicariously) through Greece for three weeks with 30 USC students as they compare ancient and modern Greece, learn about culture, history and health, and discover how the Greek diet impacts health outcomes.

Staff Spotlight: Chase Ferch

As the epidemiology and biostatistics department's grant administrator, Chase Ferch oversees the pre-award and post-award management for all grant funding.

Three future speech-language pathologists win outstanding student awards

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and in their clinical placements outside the classroom.

Public health graduates earn prestigious presidential management fellowship

Akeen Hamilton, Ellen Stowe and Michaela Williams are among the five University of South Carolina students and alumni selected for the 2022-2023 Presidential Management Fellowship.

Exercise science expands child health expertise with addition of sleep researcher Sarah Burkart

Sarah Burkart has explored the field of exercise science for the past decade. Across four degrees and a postdoctoral fellowship, she has examined challenges faced by multiple populations - ultimately focusing on the fight against childhood obesity.

Health services policy and management student award winners announced

The Department of Health Services Policy and Management is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

From the stage to the clinic. Actor pivots career to help others through physical therapy

As a student in the Department of Exercise Science's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Harrison Johnson interned at two hospitals and served as a senior teaching assistant for clinical associate professor Erika Blanck.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics honors 2023 student award winners

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to announce the recipients of their 2023 Student Awards. These four students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

Combining public health and medicine to end Black maternal disparities

The public health curriculum enabled Taylor Williams to discover her passion for addressing Black maternal mortality, including how policy change and community-wide interventions can improve health outcomes for these women and their children.

Arnold School announces 2023 Alumni Award Winners

Chynna A. Phillips (MPH in HSPM) has been awarded the Gerry Sue Arnold Alumni Award. Michael Wirth (MSPH, Ph.D. in Epidemiology) is the recipient of the Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal.

Epidemiology graduate joins Rural and Minority Health Research Center

The Center's work aligns perfectly with Emma Boswell's passion for maternal and child health, particularly adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, rural health, social emotional health and early childhood.

Doctoral graduate joins CDC as Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer

Ph.D. in Epidemiology graduate Andrea Danielle Brown studies the relationships between food insecurity, social needs and mental health among youth and young adults with diabetes.

MHA graduate to lead as administrative fellow at Lexington Medical Center

Public health major Abby Edwards, whose college experience was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, wasn't ready to leave - or to stop learning - when her 2021 graduation arrived.

Four Arnold School faculty win 2023 Faculty Awards from the USC Office of the Provost

Exercise science faculty Alicia Flach and Shana Harrington and epidemiology and biostatistics professors James Hébert and Angela Liese have been recognized with 2023 Faculty Awards from the USC Office of the Provost.

The meaning of magis

USC features Arnold School alumna (MPH in Health Services Policy and Management) Chynna A. Phillips, who is the senior director of policy and research for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Public health researcher plays key role in project aimed at addressing K-12 fitness

USC features exercise science professor Russell Pate's key role in SC FitnessGram, a project led by SC DHEC that aims to evaluate and improve health-related fitness among public school students.

Breaking barriers: Kaleb Phelps pioneers research on autism diagnosis experiences in the Black community

The Office of National Fellowships and Scholar Programs features public health major and Honors College student Kaleb Phelps' journey to becoming an advocate and researcher for autism in the Black community.

I Am Public Health: Ruilie Cai

Ruilie Cai is a student in the Ph.D. in Biostatistics program, where studies survival analysis, longitudinal analysis and machine learning with an interest in applying these methods to populations with mental health problems or people living with HIV.

Strength and conditioning coach earns physical therapy degree to holistically help clients

Using a holistic approach, Adam Bilodeau plans to pursue a dual role as a physical therapist and strength coach. He would like to open a performance facility that primarily works with athletes and other active populations.

Male soldiers who experience military sexual trauma more likely to turn to alcohol

Research from HPEB assistant professor Jennifer Fillo found that male victims had higher rates of alcohol consumption, more frequent heavy drinking and experienced more alcohol-related problems.

Doctoral graduate develops expertise in exercise and sleep

Erin Kishman, who graduates this August with from the No.1 Ph.D. program in the nation (exercise science), researches the 24-Hour Activity Cycle, which includes sleep, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Katie Hirsch bolsters Arnold School's growing expertise in women's health

The exercise science assistant professor researches the muscle-building effects of physical activity and nutrition through interventions and supplements, with a focus on sex differences and women's health across the lifespan.

Public health program inspires prevention focus for future physician

With interests in maternal and child health/mortality, particularly the disparities faced by rural communities in the U.S. and in S.C., Anjali Borsum will focus on prevention during her Doctor of Medicine program at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Epidemiology graduate heads to Harvard Medical School to continue liver disease research

A graduate of the Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, Longgang Zhao is interested in the role of nutrition, lifestyles, metabolic factors and genetics. Long term, he aims to identify the causes of liver disease and cancer at the population level.

Exercise science graduate pursues career in sport science

With interests in sports performance and injury-prevention among high-level athletes, Nestor Urrea's next steps include obtaining his doctoral degree. Long term, he would like to become the director of sport performance for a collegiate and/or professional team.

Making health information easier to understand

HPEB chair Daniela Friedman is dedicated to making health information widely available and easy to understand, particularly among older adults. The VPR Office has recognized her for this work with a Breakthrough Leadership Award.

Mapping the language of fragile X

USC features COMD associate professor Jessica Klusek, whose research on mothers who carry FMR1 premutation and their children who have fragile X syndrome have won her a Breakthrough Star Award from the VPR Office.

Bringing equity to rural health care

USC features HSPM associate professor and Rural and Minority Health Research Center deputy director Peiyin Hung, who has been named a Breakthrough Star for her research in maternal health disparities and policies.

Hala Ghattas tackles nutrition inequities for refugees

HPEB associate professor Hala Ghattas studies the links between inequity, food insecurity, malnutrition and poor health - mostly in low- and middle-income countries. She also develops interventions to address these challenges.

Staff Spotlight: Traci Williams

Traci Williams first joined the communication sciences and disorders department as a temp, but there was nothing temporary about her contributions to the group. Today she is the human resources manager for the department.

Fulbright Scholarship supports LEAP student's journey to bring health equity to all

Samantha Johnson combined her interests in international systems/policies with health by joining the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Program.

Arnold School Latinx experts partner with SC DHEC to reduce tobacco use in Hispanic communities

PASOs and the Consortium for Latino Immigration Studies will assess tobacco/vaping use among Latinx communities in S.C. and use this information to design culturally appropriate prevention programs.

I Am Public Health: Marnie McLean

Ph.D. in Exercise Science (No.1 in the nation) student Marnie McLean is dedicated to women's cardiovascular health. She is particularly interested in the effects of long-term endurance exercise on the arteries of female athletes.

Celebrating National Public Health Week 2023

The Arnold School of Public Health recognizes and highlights our community and health leaders and their work for this year's National Public Health Week!

Understanding the mechanics of speech

USC features COMD associate professor Roozbeh Behroozmand, whose research into speech processing in the brain has won him a Breakthrough Star Award from the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Gamecock Trio Helps Underserved in Ecuador

Gamecocks Online shares how exercise science majors/track and field junior distance runners Hope Dominique, Katerina Hendrix and Claudia Satzke spent their spring break working in health clinics in underserved communities in Ecuador.

Pandemic hurts HIV care, management for South Carolinians

In a statewide examination of electronic health records, researchers found that people living with HIV were less likely to engage with their health care providers and maintain adequate viral suppression during the pandemic.

James Hébert honored with 2023 ASPPH Research Excellence Award

The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) has named James Hébert, Health Sciences Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology, as the 2023 recipient of their Research Excellence Award.

The struggle for military fitness

USC reports on how Arnold School researchers are studying the health, financial and security costs of military readiness and how finding recruits who can meet physical fitness and weight requirements to begin military training is harder than ever before.

Improving internet access and outcomes

USC shares how university researchers, led by health services policy and management assistant professor Nabil Natafgi, are working to improve broadband availability across the state.

Language and cognitive development researcher Erin Smolak joins COMD

Erin Smolak has joined the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The assistant professor is also the director of the CLOuD Lab, where she researches children's language and cognitive development.

Former student body presidents: Where are they now?

USC catches up with past student body presidents, including public health alumna (2018) Taylor Wright, who now does public engagement for Secretary Pete Buttigieg improving public safety in the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Healthy Start program improves health behaviors, practices according to new research

The study found that the program resulted in significant reductions in inadequate prenatal care, large-for-gestational-age births, and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy as well as positive impacts on breast feeding and public service practices.

Toni Torres-McGehee wins national Athletic Trainer Service Award

The National Association of Athletic Trainers' Service Award recognizes recipients for their contributions to professional associations, community organizations, grassroots public relations efforts.

Staff Spotlight: Shania Johnson

As as an administrative assistant with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johnson's favorite part about her position is the workflow, networking opportunities and the organized environment.

I Am Public Health: Emily Farrell

In addition to interests in nutrition, sleep and health behavior, Farrell has developed a passion for maternal and child health (MCH), earning an MCH Certificate of Graduate Study alongside her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology.

Children living in safe, supportive neighborhoods have better oral health

A study led by Elizabeth Crouch, associate professor of health services policy and management and director of the Rural and Minority Health Research Center, has found a connection between children's living conditions and their oral health.

Three doctoral candidates win 2023 Breakthrough Graduate Scholar Awards

Gabriel Benavidez (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Maggie Carson (Environmental Health Sciences), and Valerie Yelverton (Health Services Policy and Management), are recipients of three of these prestigious honors.

Researchers help expand internet access for South Carolinians

Arnold School faculty, including health services policy and management assistant professor Nabil Natafgi, are partnering with the Broadband Office in the Office of Regulatory Staff to expand internet access in SC -- starting with a survey to assess needs.

USC researchers study how walking speed affects health

Stacy Fritz partners with engineering researchers to capture details about a person’s gait from the vibrations in their feet and then determine what variations in a person’s walking speed and step length can say about health changes and challenges.

National Academies appoints Melissa Nolan to Forum on Microbial Threats

Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology, has been selected to serve on the Forum on Microbial Threats for the National Academy of Medicine. The forum convenes leaders to discuss critical scientific and policy concerns related to infectious diseases.

New study to use mobile phones, social networks to increase HIV testing

Jan Ostermann, an associate professor in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management, has been awarded $374K from the National Institutes of Health's Fogerty International Center.

Chen Liang named DATA Scholar by National Institutes of Health

Highly selective, this program is designed to support data/computer scientists/engineers who improve public health by tackling challenges related to biomedical data.

Staff Spotlight: Zach Jenkins

As far as life missions go, Zach Jenkins' is simple and clear: to spread peace, love and joy to everyone he encounters. Fortunately, it's a goal he gets to work towards in both his personal and professional lives.

2022-2023 SPARC Graduate Research Grants awarded to 12 Arnold School graduate students

Graduate students from across the Arnold School have earned 2022-2023 SPARC Graduate Research Grants from the USC Office of the Vice President for Research to fund individual scholarship initiatives.

Arnold School faculty member wins national award for outstanding advising

Caleb Morris, an instructor in the Department of Exercise Science and an advisor within the Office of Undergraduate Services, has been honored with an Outstanding Advising Award from the National Academic Advising Association.

I Am Public Health: Anna Dunbar

After graduating with a Master of Health Administration degree in May, Anna Dunbar will serve as an Administrative Fellow, working with the executive leadership team on day-to-day operations at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

Lessons from a leader: Public health alumnus explains how to build a career

Two-time Arnold School alumnus Billy Oglesby reflects on his career trajectory, including the two key types of mentors, the unique opportunities offered by USC and how a public health degree is your passport to the world.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics to host day of celebration on February 17

Events will include a breakfast social, student poster session, dinner/silent auction, and symposium with Dean Thomas Chandler, Provost Donna Arnett, and former Chair/USC President Emeritus Harris Pastides.

Maggie Carson awarded Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

ENHS doctoral candidate Maggie Carson has been selected to join one of the most prestigious fellowship programs in her field. She will live and work in Washington D.C. as a fellow in the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Study seeks to understand aging-related decline among mothers who carry FMR1 premutation

Associate professor of communication sciences and disorders Jessica Klusek has been awarded $2.9 million from the National Institute on Aging to extend her research into the effects of the FMR1 premutation on mothers who carry it.

Rahul Ghosal brings functional, distributional data analysis expertise to Arnold School as assistant professor of biostatistics

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics welcomed Rahul Ghosal to their ranks at the start of the academic year. The assistant professor specializes in developing statistical methods with applications in the health sciences/biosciences.

Danielle Varnedoe retires after 40 years with Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Danielle Varnedoe has more to celebrate than the start of a new year. This month, the director of the Montgomery Clinic will retire after four decades of service with COMD. She also recently welcomed her first grandchild.

Office of the Vice President for Research announces 2023 Breakthrough Award winners

Five Arnold School faculty members and three graduate students have been recognized with 2023 Breakthrough Awards. They have been honored with Breakthrough Leadership in Research, Breakthrough Star and Breakthrough Graduate Scholar Awards.

The scientific reasons you should resolve to start gardening in 2023

Arnold School scientists have contributed to new research on how community gardening increases fiber consumption and physical activity while decreasing stress and anxiety.

Staff Spotlight: Van Cornelius

Now in her ninth year, Cornelius is the business manager for the Arnold School's Center for Community Health Alignment, which is home to PASOs, the Community Health Worker Institute, and Equity through Meaningful Engagement.

Big Data Health Science Center engages students through diversity, equity and inclusion efforts

This year, the Center will expand their DEI efforts with a special focus on students. During their annual conference (February 10-11), they will host an Academic Career Development Luncheon for underrepresented minority students.

DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby, Gov. Henry McMaster Announce S.C. Center of Excellence in Addiction

Arnold School alum (MSW/MPH '15) Sara Goldsby has announced the creation of the SC Center of Excellence in Addiction, and HSPM associate professor and collaborator Christina Andrews weighs in on the importance of the endeavor.

Communication sciences and disorders department boosts auditory neuroscience expertise with arrival of Meisam Arjmandi

As an auditory neuroscientist, Arjmandi's expertise includes speech, hearing, and language as well as biomedical signal processing and cognitive sciences. His projects, which often involve cochlear implants, use principles and methods from a variety of areas.

I Am Public Health: Kaigan Benning

COMD student pursues M.S. in Speech-Language-Pathology using distance education path that enables her to work as a speech-language-pathologist assistant and make necessary moves as a military spouse.