Learning Beyond the Classroom

University of South Carolina Aiken's Summer Scholars Institute

Aiken, SC (07/29/2021) — The University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) College of Sciences and Engineering showcased its top scholars in the fourth annual Summer Scholars Institute Summer Symposium on July 28, 2021, on the university campus. Twenty-seven STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) students, including seven Aiken Scholars Academy students, presented their research to faculty and guests.

In his address, Dr. Chad Leverette, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, said:

"We want to provide our students with professional experiences while they are still students. One of the best ways to do that is through the nationally recognized, high-impact practice of undergraduate research, which happens to be a strength of our college. We want to develop students' critical thinking; we want them to dive deep into their disciplines alongside our faculty - and that's definitely what took place this summer."

The research included the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, computer science, exercise and sports science, and psychology. Research topics ranged from "Effects of Exercise on Brain Activity During an Attention Task" to "Using a Short Hairpin RNA to Inhibit Expression of HIV-1 Tat" to "Intrinsic Goals Predict Greater Psychological and Physical Well-being."

The annual Summer Scholars Institute is underwritten in part from grants provided by Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC), ADP, Inc., and South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE). WORC is a STEM initiative through the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to grant-funded research opportunities, WORC provides a number of scholarships to qualifying Pacers. ADP is a worldwide company that provides payroll, global HCM, and outsourcing services in more than 140 countries. They have been a longstanding educational partner with the university and employ several alumni, many in Augusta, Georgia. SC INBRE, funded by the National Institutes of Health National Institute of General Medical Sciences, aims to expand biomedical research across South Carolina.

Mindy Mets, director of regional workforce programs at SRS Community Reuse Organization, spoke of the program's success: "UofSC Aiken uses some funds from the WORC grant program to support student research. These students are developing scientific and professional talents that align directly with the workforce needs of our greater region, particularly those that relate to the Savannah River Site. That is precisely the intent of the WORC grant, and I am so pleased to see this successful SSI program in action."

SSI 2021 Participants

USCA STEM Students

Madison Carelock

Erin Doran

Rhiannon Gregory

Mark Griggs

Michaela Hall

Austin Hartley

Burley Johnson

Zara Lacera

Conner Martin

Ian Murray

Faith Oladejo

Q'May Qourters

Chasey Shabdue

Caitlin Shirey

Kieran Short

Diego Sojo

Kylie Tager

David Weidner

Meghann Williams

Luke Willis

USCA Faculty Members

Dr. April DeLaurier

Dr. Patrick Gelinas

Dr. Nathan Hancock

Dr. Andy Hatchett

Dr. Bill Jackson

Dr. Rao Li

Dr. Nicholas Marshall

Dr. MK Mills

Dr. Brian Parr

Dr. Adam Pazda

Dr. Kristina Ramstad

Dr. Ken Roberts

Dr. Gerard Rowe

Dr. Laura Swain

High School Students

Madison Ackroyd

Lauren Jackson

Zephanae Liis

Alyssa Perkins

Kaili Renken

Andrew Singer

Brooklyn Turner

Peter Woodell

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