Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

2025

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Aiming high in the IT field

Alum Mary Kathryn Holliday started as an intern at Boeing and now leads one of the IT teams responsible for deploying and maintaining critical software and applications for more than 20,000 users worldwide.

MCEC hosts summer camps for middle and high school students

"These workshops offer an early, impactful experience that reinforces the importance of academic excellence in engineering and computer science." - Willie Morgan

Chemistry, computer science senior dreams of changing the world

Chemistry and computer science senior Christian Ruff talks about how his experiences at the University of South Carolina have helped shape him.

Chemical engineering research aims to improve lithium-sulfur battery systems

A rechargeable battery system with lower component costs and higher energy density potential than commonly used lithium-ion batteries is the focus of an industry-sponsored study by a chemical engineering research team at the University of South Carolina.

From architecture to engineering to promoting STEM

When Jessica Farmer started at USC as an art history major in 1997, she never imagined that she would be back for a second degree 15 years later.

USC and NUST Oman Partnership Flourishes

Since 2022, a partnership between the University of South Carolina and the National University of Science and Technology in Oman has fostered a cross-cultural engineering community.

Carolina Distinguished Professor honored for pioneering contributions to III-nitride semiconductor technology

Asif Khan, Carolina Distinguished Professor in Electrical Engineering and director of the college's Photonics and Microelectronics Laboratory, was recently named the first recipient of the Isamu Akasaki Memorial Award by the International Conference on Nitride Semiconductors.

Investigating sustainable and environmental-friendly chemical processes

Chemical engineering Ph.D. student Mahmoud (Nadi) Amirsalehi's research activities aim to generate clean, sustainable energy while reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Integrating geography and demographics for improved railroad safety

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, there were 112 reportable accidents recorded in South Carolina in 2022. With more than 150,000 miles of railroad tracks in the U.S., trespassing is the top cause of all railroad-related deaths.

Electrical engineering research group poised to advance manufacturing technology for next-gen semiconductors

Twenty-five years ago, electrical engineering professor Asif Khan and his team helped put the University of South Carolina on the map in semiconductor electronics and photonics research, garnering several large grants and gaining widespread scholarly recognition along the way. Now, Khan and several colleagues in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing are poised to do it again in the field of next-generation extreme semiconductor chips that can function in harsh environments — including outer space.

MCEC students at the core of ExxonMobil recruiting efforts

A pair of alumni who work at ExxonMobil have both returned to the University of South Carolina for recruiting events. And over the years, their employer has taken notice of the talent and preparedness of Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing interns and alumni.

Finding passion in vehicle efficiency for naval and aerospace applications

As a graduate research assistant under Electrical Engineering Assistant Professor Kristen Booth, Jack Hannum studies digital twins for naval power systems and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft powertrains for NASA.

Jamshidi recognized again for most influential paper

For the second consecutive year, Computer Science and Engineering Associate Professor Pooyan Jamshidi has received the Ten-Year Most Influential Paper Award at an international conference.

Taheri Qazvini pursues new research direction to close petrochemical knowledge gap

Thermoplastic polyurethanes are versatile materials found in numerous applications, ranging from automotive components and medical devices to footwear and electronic equipment. Their desirable properties include elasticity and durability, making them suitable for use as soft engineering plastics or alternatives to traditional vulcanized rubber.

Biomedical engineering alum stays on mission with work in venture capital

USC alumnus David Prim has dedicated his career to fighting cardiovascular diseases — first as a researcher and now as a venture capitalist. He works for Broadview Ventures in Boston, helping the organization identify and invest in promising new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Honors student builds career path in engineering, while nurturing his passion for music

Aidan Billings followed his head and his heart when he came to the University of South Carolina. Billings, who also is in the South Carolina Honors College, didn’t think a career as a musician would provide the income he wanted for his life, so he chose engineering for that aspect. But the second violinist in USC’s Symphony Orchestra says he loves playing classical music and does it professionally with several orchestras in the state.

Turning a passion into a career

"That passion I had as a six-year-old drawing cars is still with me. Now I get to bring those dreams to life." - Bryn Dixon

Ph.D. student pursues the intersection of biomedical science and AI

Ricky Dash's research involves using machine learning to help improve treatments for osteoporosis.

Helping small to medium manufacturers manage supply chain interruptions

Incorporating AI and machine learning is a promising technology for today's manufacturing networks. However, there is an increasing divide between large manufacturers and small and medium manufacturers in adopting digital tools and leveraging their benefits on resilience.

USC football player combines engineering, business off the field

Gamecock football player William Joyce was one of the first students selected to participate in the 4+1 pathway partnership between the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing and the Darla Moore School of Business. The program prioritizes engineering and computing graduates for direct admissions into the Moore School's one-year Master of Business Administration or the Master of Science in Business Analytics programs.

Preparing a new cybersecurity workforce

In the Carolinas, there are more than 27,000 cybersecurity job openings, which is much higher than the number of graduates with the skills necessary to fill positions.

Biomedical engineering faculty member studying the biomechanics of brain injury

Sudden violent impact to the head, the kind that can happen in car crashes, football games and other activities, can shear and stretch brain tissue in ways that are very difficult to see. That’s why USC biomedical engineering assistant professor Ahmed Alshareef is part of a team studying the biomechanics of brain injuries with a goal of understanding exactly what happens dynamically to the brain during concussive events.

Computer science friends launch AI study tools platform

Three computer science undergraduates have teamed up to create an artificial intelligence toolkit designed to help students study more efficiently.

MCEC seniors to be recognized on Awards Day

MCEC students from each of the 10 undergraduate programs will be recognized for their achievements at the university's annual Awards Day on April 17.

Engineering researcher focused on improving manufacturing processes for advanced composite materials

Embedded sensors, edge computing, machine learning and high-fidelity simulations are part of the toolkit for Paul Ziehl and the research team he works with at USC’s McNAIR Center for Aerospace Engineering and Research.

MCEC moves up another 12 spots in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Over the past two years, the college has had the largest improvement in rankings of all engineering programs ranked in the top 100 nationally.

"Changemaker" IIT Chair honored with prestigious award for advocacy and community service

Department of Integrated Information Technology Chair Elizabeth Regan received the prestigious HIMSS Founder Award at the organization's 2025 Global Health Conference last month.

Facial expression recognition project powers social robot innovation

What began as a student project in Ramtin Zand’s course on neuromorphic computing—an area of computer science that designs artificial intelligence systems inspired by the human brain—has rapidly grown into an award-winning research initiative with real-world applications in education and AI.

USC neuroscience experts working to understand, improve brain health

The University of South Carolina is focused on the brain. From autism and aphasia to Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, university researchers are working across several academic disciplines to better understand how the brain works and to develop solutions that will improve people’s health.

MCEC faculty and staff earn recognition

Five faculty and one staff member were recently recognized for their excellence in research, teaching and service.

Capgemini teams up with the college to train students

Capgemini, a global business and technology transformation company, is one of the top employers of MCEC graduates. The company has collaborated with the college to develop and teach a two-course certification track.

Integrating sales and engineering

Generous engineering alumnus supporting engineering students, expanding USC sales programming

Using novel technologies for removing computer memory bottlenecks

While machine learning continues to be implemented into more daily applications, large data centers that serve the workloads face challenges in keeping pace with current and future demand. But Computer Science and Engineering Assistant Professor Ramtin Zand may have a solution.

Mechanical engineering alum leads while learning

Brandon Palomino's impressive 17-year career has spanned nuclear design, oil and gas systems, energy transition, and financial risk management.

Taking charge in the community

Considering how involved senior Valerie Sims has become at the college, it is hard to believe there was a time when she would return to her hometown every weekend and not want to return to campus.

A catalyst for growth: Christopher Williams appointed chair of Department of Chemical Engineering

For his new appointment, Christopher Williams is working to expand outreach to bring more students into the department, support faculty research, and create an alumni and industry network.

MCEC honors distinguished alumni

The college recognized distinguished alumni Grace Duncan and Rhonda Gass for their achievements and impact in their respective fields at the annual Gibbons Legacy Society Dinner.

Lyons reflects on more than three decades at USC

After earning his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1984, Jed Lyons was eager to enter the workforce. He worked as an engineer for Harris Corporation, and while he considered research positions in industry, Lyons devoted the remainder of his career to academia.

Combining two approaches to better understand traumatic brain injury

Biomedical Engineering Assistant Professor Ahmed Alshareef recently started a research project that combines two novel approaches to better understand the biomechanics of the human brain during high-severity impacts.

Utilizing predictive analytics to optimize satellite life cycle

To help address challenges for maintaining a satellite's optimal efficiency, Mechanical Engineering Professor Abdel Bayoumi, research scientist Rhea Matthews and their team completed a project late last year that aimed to monitor operational life and predict failures.

National Engineering Week Spotlight: Shree Ghosh

The theme of this year's National Engineering Week is, "Design Your Future," a call to action and celebration of the limitless possibilities in engineering.

Alum makes an impact with robotic systems

As an undergraduate student, Ted Cole strived to never lose sight of his big picture goals, which included engineering large systems that improve people's lives. His experiences at USC helped him identify where to channel his interest for the greatest impact.

Bridging the gap: Working to bring new materials to South Carolina's infrastructure

Fabio Matta's bridge deck maintenance research project aims to bring innovative but well-researched materials out of academia and into the real world.

Combining a love of chemical engineering and medicine to advance FDA medical device policy

Alumna Heather Agler has provided numerous contributions to policy surrounding medical devices and countermeasures during her 20 years with the FDA.

Never too young for research

For sophomore Zachary Gardiner, a chemical engineering major and nuclear engineering minor, his research experience began even before entering a classroom at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing.

USC participating in Department of Energy collaboration to accelerate commercial fusion energy

The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing will take the lead on USC's part of $107 million in funding for six projects as part of the Department of Energy's Fusion Innovative Research Engine Collaboratives.

Electrical Engineering doctoral candidate's research improves semiconductor detection and resolution

Room Temperature Semiconductor Detectors are considered an important class of X-ray and gamma-ray sensors. Electrical Engineering doctoral candidate Ritwik Nag is currently pursuing research in this area and was recognized last semester for his work toward improving detection and resolution.

New engineering professor Thor Wuest prepares students for careers on the cutting edge

Newly hired Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing professor Thorsten "Thor" Wuest is a recognized thought leader in smart manufacturing. As South Carolina experiences record manufacturing job growth, Wuest sees an opportunity for USC’s engineering graduates to keep that momentum going.

Engineering student makes an early start on climate change research

Korebami Adebajo is by every measure an exceptional student. On track to earn her bachelor’s degree this spring from USC’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, she’s currently applying to doctoral programs. And she just turned 18. While her age may be notable, what truly sets Adebajo apart is her drive to achieve her goals.

Moss named senior associate dean for academic affairs

Professor and Department of Chemical Engineering Chair Melissa Moss was recently appointed as the new senior associate dean for academic affairs.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.