McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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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.

Peter McCausland wants to help University of South Carolina students discover their own pathways to success

College of Arts and Sciences namesake Peter McCausland looks back on his freshman year struggles at USC, the successes that followed and a lifetime of giving back.

How a dancer became a political science graduate turned law student

It's never too late to alter your future. Kaitlyn Byrne learned that when she changed career trajectories from dance to political science and criminal justice while at the McCausland College.

Psychology, criminology major reflects on her experience studying abroad

For psychology and criminology junior Caroline Hinkebein, exploring the world meant going to the University of South Carolina — nearly 1,000 miles away from her hometown. But her concept of world travel broadened when she got the opportunity to study abroad in Europe her freshman year. We talked to her about her experiences abroad.

Double duty: USC scientists discover that SARM1 protein helps rebuild nerve cells after breaking them down

USC neuroscientists reveal that SARM1, known for nerve degeneration, also aids nerve repair--offering new insight into healing and neurotherapeutic research.

Living and Learning: English, psychology senior reflects on experience in the Global Fellows community

English and psychology senior Rowan Coutsos talks about the experience living in South Quad, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities.

South Carolina Honors College graduate Tremayne Ansani finds his path at USC

Tremayne Ansani had big plans before he even set foot on campus, but he had one overarching goal: to create and support community. Four years and a double major later, the Honors College graduate sat on the commencement stage as the recipient of the university’s highest student honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

Unsung ocean fungi have 'superpower' to aid healthy marine environments

Little-known ocean fungi are microscopic in size but make a gargantuan impact on subterranean life. Their superpower? They are the heavy lifters of carbon and nitrogen cycling, processes essential for life on earth. Nick Peng, assistant professor in the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment, would like unsung ocean fungi finally to get the recognition they deserve.

Patient-reported outcome measures essential to clinical decision-making

USC philosophy professor Leah McClimans cares about how health care professionals gauge the quality of patient outcomes beyond traditional clinical metrics. Her research has helped improve survey instruments so they are more inclusive of the patient’s entire experience.

Researchers and former students recall harsh lessons from historic 2015 Midlands flood

It happened a decade ago, but lessons learned from the catastrophic flooding of Oct. 1-5, 2015, in the Midlands of South Carolina are still being reckoned by University of South Carolina researchers and former students who were involved in the flood’s aftermath.

Mentorship in Action: How McCausland Mentor Night shaped an environmental health leader

Meadow Wessinger graduated USC with a degree in biology and political science and while still a student, she found a McCausland mentor who helped her step outside her comfort zone.

Guiding Gamecocks: Two-time graduate helps McCausland students shape their paths

Lexington attorney and two-time USC graduate Brian Autry gives guidance to current McCausland students and answers their questions about the future.

Sarah Barker shares her wisdom about the mind-body connection

Theater Professor Emeritus Sarah Barker learned a new way of thinking about the mind-body connection early in her career. She has been spreading the word ever since.

Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year: Greg Carbone

Greg Carbone is USC’s 2025 Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year, but lecturing and leading classroom discussions didn’t always come easy for the veteran geography professor. His secret is to remind himself that good teaching comes from a place of joy and curiosity.

How to Throw a Festival: Hogs for the Cause

Over the past 16 years, Hogs for the Cause has raised millions of dollars to help families facing pediatric brain cancer. Cofounder Becker Hall credits the University of South Carolina for showing him the way.

Living and Learning: Sophomore history major reflects on his experience in the First-Generation Living and Learning Community

Eduardo Ajuech-Agreda talks about how his experience living in Maxcy Residence Hall, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities, helped him as a first-generation student.

English, Honors College alumnus follows his filmmaking passion

Luke Hodges says he found the arts community he was looking for when he transferred into USC's English and Honors programs more than 10 years ago. Looking back, the writer and documentary filmmaker says there was an "insane smorgasbord of opportunities" at USC.

Students build for the future with Habitat for Humanity

USC's chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building homes and futures. Led by president Ria Kothari, the club works in the community almost every weekend to build homes to improve access to affordable housing.

Garnet Apple Award: Meena Khalili

Change is a constant in the field of visual design — and Garnet Apple Award winner Meena Khalili embraces it. It’s what allows her, and her students, to be at the forefront of their field and to be ready for multiple career roles.

Living and learning: Criminal justice major reflects on experience in Capstone Scholars program

Criminal justice sophomore Navia Vohra talks about her experience living in Captone, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities.

Neuroscience student finds connection, purpose in pursuing special education

If Jaelyn Souza could give just one piece of advice to this year’s incoming students at USC, it would be this: “Keep an open mind, because me as a freshman and me as a senior are two very different people.” The neuroscience major says all of her beyond-the-classroom experiences helped her decide on her career path.

Baruch researchers investigate impacts of warming waters on shrimp populations

Project investigators from USC’s Baruch Marine Field Lab have been collaborating on a study into the impacts of warming coastal ocean waters on shrimp populations. They found that shrimp populations have been largely stable, and warmer water temperatures have led to longer seasons for shrimpers, often through January.

Kazakhstan studies affirm imperative to secure nuclear storage solutions

The pleasing pastoral landscapes across the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan hardly reflect its dark history. Generations of locals have lived near the site since it opened in 1949, and many remain today. USC researchers Timothy Mousseau and Magdalena Stawkowski are studying the impact of radioactive isotopes on the people, animals and plants of Semipalantinsk

Carolina Trustees Professorship: Susan D. Richardson, chemistry

Chemistry professor Susan D. Richardson, the 2025 Carolina Trustees Professorship recipient, has spent her career researching water— from the safety of the water we drink to the quality of water for our ecosystems.

Video: Investigating remote work "offices"

Remote work has become more common since the COVID19 pandemic, however it might not be the best for every worker. The Family Inequality Research Lab led by sociology professor Jennifer Augustine investigated remote work through collecting data on remote work spaces. What they found may surprise you.

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