2026 News Archive

Researchers launch literacy assessment tool to support children's reading and writing development

Thanks to the efforts of Kenn Apel and Victoria Henbest, USC and FSU have signed a contract with Brookes Publishing to make the Morphological Awareness Test for Reading and Spelling (MATRS) available to researchers and practitioners.

Maushmi Patel wins dissertation award to advance care coordination research for youth with special healthcare needs

Health services policy and management doctoral candidate Maushmi Patel has received a $20,000 award from the Southern Regional Education Board to evaluate family-centered care coordination for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

Researchers illuminate challenges facing older South Carolinians living with HIV

An expert on HIV prevention and interventions, epidemiology associate professor Monique Brown is unveiling new insights into the challenges facing an understudied, yet growing, segment of the HIV population: older adults.

Eric Vejerano receives National Science Foundation award to investigate how sunscreens form persistent free radicals

The NSF has awarded environmental health sciences associate professor Eric Vejerano a grant of nearly $620,000 to determine how and why common sunscreen ingredients form persistent free radicals when they are exposed to light.

MPH graduate brings systems thinking to community health across South Carolina

Dom Francis has built a public health career around one central idea: improving health requires looking beyond the individual.

Physical therapy graduate returns to Lancaster to provide home health services

David James' clinical rotations gave him experience in hospital, rehabilitation and private practice settings. One of them -- Vertex PT Specialists - offered him a position in home health following his graduation.

Speech-language pathology graduate turns love of working with older adults into career helping them thrive

Letizia Tamburini was working at a retirement community when she realized that a career in speech-language pathology would combine her passions for language, science, rehabilitation, and helping people communicate in ways that support their independence and quality of life.

Q&A with the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior's new chair, Brie Turner-McGrievy

Brie Turner-McGrievy marks 15 years this month at the Arnold School, and now she's officially stepping into a new role leading the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior after serving as interim chair for the past year.

New faculty member Fanghui Shi awarded NIH grant to protect at-risk populations from contracting HIV

Fanghui Shi's faculty career is just beginning, but she's already been awarded more than $2.2 million from the National Institutes of Health's Director's New Innovator Award to advance understanding and treatment of HIV.

Melissa Nolan receives Governor's Young Scientist Award

Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology and director of USC’s Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research, has received the 2026 South Carolina Governor's Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.

Edward Frongillo named Distinguished Fellow by American Society for Nutrition Foundation

As the Society's highest honor, Fellowship recognizes individuals for their significant contributions and outstanding lifetime achievements in the field of nutrition.

I Am Public Health: Farnaz Hesam Shariati

Farnaz Hesam Shariati is entering the third year of her Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior program, where she is researching how the built environment influences physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Andi Jilling leads USDA-funded projects to protect America's soil health

The environmental health sciences assistant professor is focused on identifying threats to healthy soil and protecting it on behalf of farms and consumers across the country.

Angela Liese selected by American Society for Nutrition as an inaugural Excellence in Nutrition Fellow

The American Society for Nutrition has launched an Excellence in Nutrition Fellows program, and epidemiology professor Angela Liese has been chosen as one of the inaugural recipients.

New grant will enable Xueying Yang to improve HIV care through AI-powered tools

With her latest National Institutes of Health grant of nearly $5.1 million, Yang will delve into a health challenge that accompanies the longer lifespan of individuals living with HIV: neurocognitive decline.

Physical activity may protect older adults from hearing loss, new study finds

Researchers from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders have partnered with faculty from across the Arnold School and USC to complete a study investigating the connections between physical function, blood pressure, hearing, and cognition among older adults.

A different way of speaking

USC features a new partnership between the College of Nursing's simulation lab and ambassadors from the Arnold School's Aphasia Lab to help nursing students learn healthcare communication skills from patients with aphasia.

Student balances work, family, graduate school to become speech-language pathologist

When looking at graduate programs, Goldsmith had significant coursework and experience in the field, but she also had to consider factors such as proximity, family responsibilities, fulltime work, and cost.

August graduate aims to advance healthy aging by addressing social and structural factors

Ph.D. in HPEB graduate Anna Chupak plans to research cognitive aging, dementia, and health disparities by understanding broader social and structural factors.

Arnold School launches new leadership program, announces inaugural faculty cohort

When long-time health promotion, education, and behavior professor Daniela Friedman officially took on the Arnold School's Associate Dean for Research position in 2025, the role came with an extended title and a pioneering charge rarely seen in academic units.

Doctoral graduate poised to use nutrition to fight chronic diseases

Enid Keseko already knew she was passionate about improving health through food and nutrition when she discovered she could use the public health field to extend her impact even further.

Mental health among rural Black women

Members of the Center for Healthcare Quality have completed two studies examining resilience, social support, and coping impact mental health among rural black women facing discrimination.

MPH graduate secures prestigious applied epidemiology fellowship

Graduate school has taught Naomi Higgins what type of epidemiologist she wants to be - someone who works in the field or a lab rather than solely crunching numbers behind a desk.

I Am Public Health: Taylor Bryant

Interested in investigating why negative emotions occur and for whom they occur in children with developmental language disorder and dyslexia, Taylor Bryant recently completed a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

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 2026 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

From collegiate athlete to sports performance pro: the student becomes the expert

Emma Worley has been working with the Miami Dolphins as an assistant sports scientist since April. She believes her doctoral degree has provided her with a strong foundation in both research and applied practice to prepare her for this role.

Experts across the state use collaborative model to continue expanding impact of SC Center for Excellence in Addiction

The SC Center for Excellence in Addiction is making statewide advances in the fight against the opioid epidemic. The state's three major research institutions and partners have been working together tirelessly to lay the groundwork for prevention and treatment for decades to come.

Two-time Arnold School graduate combines public health and physical therapy to advance women's health

Taylor Harding's journey began with an interest in clinical care, then broadened to focus on community-level health. After two degrees and several years as a public health professional, she's bringing it all together as physical therapist.

Doctoral graduate joins ranks of researchers committed to improving population health

Over the past decade, Olivia Finnegan has built a strong research portfolio in children's health behavior research - particularly the technologies that can be used to more accurately measure daily activities such as sleep, screen time and movement.

Master of Health Administration program recognized with national sustainability award

The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management and Education has selected the HSPM's MHA program to receive the Canon Award for Excellence in Sustainability in Healthcare Management Education and Practice.

Three students selected to win epidemiology and biostatistics awards

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is proud to announce the recipients of their 2026 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and outside the classroom.

Lee Pearson receives James A. Hayne Award from SC Public Health Association

The South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) has selected Executive Director for Operations and Accreditation Joseph "Lee" Pearson as the 2026 recipient of the James A. Hayne Award.

Doctoral student Olivia Hinds secures prestigious federal training fellowship to build expertise in substance use disorder treatment

Olivia Hinds is working on her third degree from USC, but she can trace her interest in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to high school when she had a unique opportunity to contribute to a two-year research project examining SUD treatment options for pregnant women in the state.

Public health award winners annouinced

The Office of Undergraduate Affairs is proud to announce the winners of this year's Outstanding Public Health Awards, including one B.A. and two B.S. students.

Epidemiology alumna Chelsea Richard named in SCBiz Top 100 Women list

SCBiz recently recognized the state's highest achieving women from across South Carolina and an array of fields for their impact in the areas of leadership, community service and mentorship.

Four Arnold School alumni included in 2026 Gamecock35 cohort

Alyssa Blickensderfer Paley (Master of Health Administration '22), Graham Caulk (B.S. in Public Health '22; Master of Public Health '23), Aaron Guest (Master of Public Health '12), and Ross Lordo (B.S. in Public Health '18) have all been selected as part of the 2026 Gameock35 cohort.

Physical activity declines as children move on from elementary school, and a long-term study helps us understand why

A multi-year research project led by members of the Children's Physical Activity Research Group has illuminated an array of factors related to the decline in children's physical activity as they move from elementary to middle and then high school.

From athlete to sport scientist. Exercise science program helps graduate turn passion into purpose

The Arnold School's M.S. in Exercise Science program stood out to Alexander Andersen as an opportunity to grow as an independent researcher, deepen his knowledge, and gain hands-on experience with advanced technology and data.

Communication sciences and disorders honors students

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is proud to announce the recipients of their 2026 Student Awards. These students were selected for their outstanding performance both academically and in their clinical placements outside the classroom.

Medicare Part D plan designs hold steady in initial wake of Inflation Reduction Act implementation, researchers find

A recent study led by HSPM assistant professor David Anderson has examined changes in Medicare Part D plans to assess how insurers may have changed various aspects of the plans in response to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

I Am Public Health: Taryn Senger

The opportunity to gain real-world experience was what ultimately drew Taryn Senger to the MHA program. The South Dakotan didn't know a single person when she arrived in Columbia, but she quickly became close with the other members of her cohort.

Exercise science department honors 2026 student award winners

The 2026 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Award winners were chosen for their academic achievements, community service and leadership roles.

2025-2026 SPARC Graduate Research Grants awarded to 10 Arnold School graduate students

Ten of the 41 2025-2026 Support to Promote Advancement of Research and Creativity (SPARC) Graduate Research Grants from the USC Office of the Vice President for Research have been awarded to Arnold School graduate students.

HPEB announces 2026 Student Award winners

Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior is proud to announce the 2026 winners of the department’s student awards program: Bria Singleton, Anna Chupak, and Amber Buckingham.

Aphasia Lab continues to expand impact at local, state, national levels

South Carolina may be part of the stroke belt, but it's poised to pioneer a recovery belt - thanks to the efforts of experts like Julius Fridriksson who has been advancing stroke recovery in the Midlands and beyond.

Physician completes MHA degree to advance connections between clinicians and health care administrators

Rebecca McNair never imagined she would pursue a master's degree more than 20 years after completing her Doctor of Medicine at USC. But two decades as a physician made her want to better understand major health care systems.

Jim Mensch named faculty director of Galen Health Fellows living-learning community

The University of South Carolina has appointed Arnold School of Public Health professor Jim Mensch new faculty director of the Galen Health Fellows Living-Learning Community.

USC inks licensing agreement for prostate cancer screening tool

20/20 Biolabs Inc. will commercialize a patented technology developed by James Hébert, Health Sciences Distinguished Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, to assess health risks from rising levels of prostate-specific antigen.

Top graduate student award winners announced

Makiyah Lewis (Master of Health Administration) is the Jeffrey Keith Mattison Outstanding Student Achievement Award and Morgan Boncyk (Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior) is the recipient of the Doctoral Achievement Award.

MPH graduate continues education with doctoral degree to advance reproductive health, justice

Having grown up in the South, Rachel Gressick is particularly interested in these areas of research within the context of the Southeastern United States due to the cultural and political influences - as well as their consequences - within the region.

2026 Alumni Award winners announced

Melinda Merrell (Ph.D. in HSPM '19) has been awarded the Gerry Sue Arnold Alumni Award, and Sara Goldsby (MPH in HSPM '15) is the recipient of the Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal.

Office for the Study of Aging leads efforts to increase awareness in social isolation and loneliness across SC

Thanks to efforts from the Office for the Study of Aging, Governor Henry McMaster has issued a proclamation declaring May to be Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Awareness Month in SC.

Graduate combines love of dance and passion for athletic training to close health care gaps in performing arts

Kendall Doyle's favorite thing about athletic training is the opportunity to be there for athletes from start to finish. It's a unique health care role because athletic trainers are present from injury prevention to inception through rehabilitation and finally return to play.

Well-rounded Arnold School experience preps exercise science grad for physical therapy school

At the Arnold School, Amber Buckingham served on the Dean's Student Advisory Council, Undergraduate Lead Ambassadors, and Undergraduate Dean's Advisory Committee. She also contributed to research at the BRIE Lab.

I Am Public Health: Mahbub Alam

Mahbub Alam began studying environmental sciences more than 15 years ago, when the young student was passionate about understanding the environmental and public health challenges that arise in a rapidly developing country like his native Bangladesh.

Senior maternal and child health epidemiologist earns second degree to improve health in SC

Over the past several years, Carlos Avalos has developed research interests in diabetes epidemiology, mental health outcomes, and youth and young adult populations.

Public health provides foundation for May graduate's next steps to become physician assistant

With plans to pursue a career in health care, USC caught Caitlin Monaghan's eye because it offered a strong academic foundation and an array of opportunities through the Arnold School of Public Health.

Epidemiology graduate poised to advance aging and Alzheimer's disease research

Daniel Amoatika's work focuses on cognitive decline, pharmacoepidemiology, causal inference and the use of real-world data to address public health problems.

Graduate of new athletic training certificate program builds expertise in emergency care

Athletic trainer Zdenka Horwath is one of the first students to complete a Certificate of Graduate Study in Critical Incident Management & Primary Care in Athletic Training to expand her expertise.

Master's student graduates equipped to improve health through incorporating cultural relevance

During her time in the Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior program, Bria Singleton dug deeper into the importance of creating culturally relevant public health programs and initiatives to best meet the needs of modern populations.

Public health junior finds joy in serving her community

USC features Alina Tofiqul, who says public health encapsulated many of her interests, and it also offered her a different perspective on medicine that she felt would complement her future medical education.

Preventive medicine and public health resident plans to improve health for South Carolinians

William Capell's commitment to practicing medicine grounded in public health has been inspired by his desire to advance population health as well as his direct interactions with patients.

Exercise science clinical assistant professor Debra Krotish brings unique opportunities to Arnold School community

Krotish is an 2007 graduate of the Arnold School's Ph.D. in Exercise Science program who has returned as a faculty member. And she didn't come alone. Silas, her service animal, has his own USC ID and is always by her side.

May graduate blends athletic training expertise with passion for public health

Though invisible to many, public health projects were always underway in Victor Delgado's hometown of Laredo, Texas, so he developed an appreciation for the field from a young age.

Making her voice heard

USC features the work of health services policy and management associate professor and Rural Health Research Center co-director Peiyin Hung, who strives to improve rural health disparities.

I Am Public Health: Zichun "Liela" Meng

Behind many of the most impactful medical advances are mathematical savants - behind-the-scenes superheroes who are working with vast stores of data to improve public health. Ph.D. in Biostatistics candidate Zichun "Liela" Meng has been developing her skills in this area for nearly a decade.

West Nile virus more than ten times higher in South Carolina compared to national average

With little historical data on the prevalence of West Nile virus in the state of South Carolina, members of the Delores Marie Thomas Research Lab have assessed its presence in the Palmetto State.

It's time to change how we think about exercise, researchers suggest

Researchers believe it's time for a mindset shift. Instead of viewing exercise as a temporary treatment for the condition, clinicians and patients should view physical activity as a lifelong behavior.

Making fruits and veggies more accessible for South Carolina families

USC features exercise science assistant professor Elizabeth Adams, who studies how to improve food security through nutrition assistance programs, like SNAP.

Staff Spotlight: Yesil Kim

As an assistant scientist with the USC Prevention Research Center, Yesil Kim plays a key role at both the beginning and the end of every project the center leads.

Lingering under the radar

Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology and director of USC’s Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research, and Arnold School alumnus Matthew Haldeman have found a rare intestinal parasite that could affect 1 in 20 South Carolinians.

Is telehealth the great equalizer for postpartum care?

Supported by NIH funding, Arnold School researchers have been examining the role of telehealth in providing care to at-risk – and often intersecting – populations.

Prestigious fellowship program selects three Arnold School members to receive social determinants of health training

Health promotion, education, and behavior (HPEB) doctoral students Edith Utaka and Hao Zhang and postdoctoral research fellow Rui Luo (HPEB and Center for Healthcare Quality) have been selected to join the Social determinants of Health Advanced Research Training Fellowship Program.

Health care on the map

USC features Cassie Odahowski, an Arnold School alumna (Ph.D. in Epidemiology, '19) and scientist with the Rural Health Research Center who uses ArcGIS to map rural health disparities.

I Am Public Health: Abby Steiner

Collegiate and professional track star Abby Steiner is pursuing an M.S. in Exercise Science so she can use strength and conditioning to help others improve their own health.

Positive childhood experiences are important for long-term outcomes, but not everyone gets them

Published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, one of the Rural Health Research Center's recent studies analyzed the prevalence of PCEs among children with special health care needs.

Hitting the slopes can boost your brain — if you protect it

USC features exercise science chair Shawn Arent, who explains how downhill skiing sharpens cognition — and the four steps that reduce concussion risk.

Coping with chronic disease when food is scarce takes its toll on mental health, researchers find

Twenty-five years into her CDC and NIH-funded diabetes and youth research, epidemiology professor Angela Liese and her team continue to increase our understanding of this uniquely vulnerable population.

Master's program equips student with skills, knowledge to oversee university grants program

Just before her 2024 graduation with a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Ashanti Cromedy accepted a position with the University of Kentucky as a grants specialist.

Maternal and Child Health Catalyst program launches two new development opportunities

With renewed support from the Health Resources and Services Administration and matching funds from the Dean's Office, the Arnold School's Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Catalyst program is expanding its capacity-building opportunities even further.

A legacy of leadership, health promotion and disease prevention. Remembering Donna Richter

Donna Richter is widely known for her leadership role as the fourth dean of the Arnold School (2003 - 2007), but she is best remembered for her enduring commitment to advancing public health.

Correctional health care expert Samuel Soltis shares how his Arnold School degree helped him make a lasting impact in SC

Samuel Soltis (Ph.D. in HSPM, '12) spent his career serving SC. The American College of Healthcare Executive recently recognized him for this work and his contributions to the profession with their Lifetime Service and Achievement Award.

I Am Public Health: Ben Bailey

As Bailey begins his final semester of the online MPH in Epidemiology program, he sees the experience as incredibly rewarding and extremely challenging and looks forward to teaching his students about a variety of public health topics.

Free summer camp helps close the gap in healthy behaviors for kids, study finds

Researchers from the Arnold Healthy Kids Initiative and Research Center for Child Well-Being have continued publishing results from their three-year study examining the health effects of providing free summer camp for children from low-income households.

Nominate an Arnold School graduate for one of our alumni awards

The number of outstanding Arnold School alumni grows every year, and we love recognizing two of the best at our annual hooding ceremony. Nominate your favorite alum by February 20 for one of our two prestigious awards.

Call for 2026 Faculty Award Nominations

Arnold School faculty are the best! Nominate a deserving candidate for one of three awards in teaching, research and service by March 31.

Prisma Health recognizes Caroline Rudisill with Academic Partner Research Award

Caroline Rudisill, a professor in the Arnold School's Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and Academic Director of the USC-Prisma Health partnership, received the Academic Partner Research Award.

USC leads the nation in fragile X research and education

Researchers at the University of South Carolina are leading the country to improve the health of millions of people with fragile X disorders — some of the most common but least-known neurological disorders.

Fulbright Scholar wins national grant to support dissertation research using wastewater-based epidemiology to detect STIs

Health services policy and management (HSPM) doctoral candidate Syeda Shehirbano Akhtar is still in the early part of her career, but she's already amassed significant global health experience.

Sunscreen produces persistent free radicals when exposed to light, a recent study finds

New research from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences explores how common sunscreen ingredients behave under light exposure. Led by associate professor Eric Vejerano, the team tested seven commercially available sunscreens.

Staff Spotlight: Janna Borden

As the project coordinator for TecHealth, Janna Borden provides administrative support to the faculty and research staff associated with the Center.

Measles outbreak surveillance confirms utility of wastewater-based epidemiology for monitoring infectious disease surges

New research led by environmental health sciences assistant professor Laura Langan has provided further support for the effectiveness of wastewater-based epidemiology.

I Am Public Health: Anahyra Fernandez Reyes

As a graduate research assistant, Anahyra Fernandez Reyes has been learning how to conduct community-engaged research to improve the health and well-being of various populations. She has also interned with the Center for Community Health Alignment.