College of Sciences & Engineering

USCA held its annual Academic Honors Ceremony on May 5 in the Etherredge Center, recognizing students from across the campus for their academic excellence.  “You have excelled in your studies, and we recognize your commitment to excellence,” Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, provost, told the students at the start of the ceremony.  Ainhoa Colino, originally from Spain, was chosen as the Outstanding Senior Student. She speaks five languages and graduated May 6 with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in psychology and exercise and sports science.   “It is an honor to be recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Student,” she said. “USC Aiken has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them. This university has seen me grow not only as a student, but as a person, and it is because of those experiences and opportunities that I am standing here today.  “Thank you again to everyone who has shaped my college experience in any way. I will carry everything this place has given me into whatever comes next.”  Multiple students were recognized by the deans of each college or school and for research conducted with faculty advisors.  “I’m extremely proud of each of you,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor. “The journey does not end here. It’s the beginning.”  “Challenge yourselves, press on and embrace opportunities.”   Magellan Scholars   Emily Walker, “Syntheses and Analyses of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Separation of Water Isotopologues”   Austin Powell, “Is Tobacco Free Really Tobacco Free?”   Skylar Shirey, “Embracing LIFE: Examining the Attitudes about Individuals with Disabilities at a Comprehensive Institution to Promote Learning is For Everyone (LIFE)”   August Beltran, “What is Keeping Immigrant Families Resilient?”  Palmer McCay, “Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project: Wartime Expectations, Realities, and Reflections”   Samantha Keats, “Associations Among Childhood Emotional Maltreatment, Identity Disturbance, and Sexual Functioning”   Cassidy Green, “Examining Causality Between Cultural Mindsets and Help-seeking in Young Adults”  Winifred Branscum, “Examining Decision-Making and P300 Amplitudes in Individuals Exhibiting Successful Life Redirection Following Adverse Childhood Experiences”  Kamya Brooks, “Political Fandoms & Misinformation: Examining the Role of Fan Culture in Political Discourse”  Chloe Elizabeth Grigsby, “Write to Read: An Encoding-centered Approach for Teaching Students with Dyslexia”  William Garlick, “The Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Mexico: Insights from Sediment Trap Fluxes”  Isabella Cardenas and Lucero Rodriguez Lopez, “Teasing apart egg development in Culicoides sonorensis midges.”   Tamea Chappelle and Emma Trotter, “Developers Assemble”  Addisen Alvanos and Laurie Collins, “William Gregg – Digital Edition”   Malia Tatyanna Patten, Allaina Rayne Szilveszter, and Ainhoa Colino, "Measuring mindfulness with electro-physiology: A pain perception study”  Samantha Owen, "Investigating the roles of rcor1 and rcor2 in zebrafish development"   Sanja Becnel, “The relationship between attachment anxiety and zero-sum thinking”     Honors Program Graduates     Emory Owens, biology  Alexa Carnahan, nursing  Andrew Towner, nursing  James Saxon, biology  Emily Walker, chemistry    Library Research Award  Caroline Wright, “The Graniteville Manufacturing Company’s Textile Worker Strike of October 1933”  Alexa Carnahan, “The Need to Please: People-Pleasing Tendencies in Prelicensure Nursing Students”     College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science  Imogen Veal, Mona L. Martin Prize in First-year Writing  Laurie Collins, Phebe Davidson Prize in Creative Writing  Laurie Collins, Virginia Kaplan Writing Award   Kirstie McElmurray, Outstanding Student in English  Kylie Michelle Burns, Ernestine B. Law Communication Student of the Year  Katie Carter, Outstanding Student of the Year in Emerging Media  Angela Grace Hayden, Outstanding Online Palmetto College   Sela Groomes, Albin Beyer Excellence in Art Award  Vivica Birt, Richard S. Maltz Excellence in Music Award  Beth Smith, Jack P. Benjamin Excellence in Theatre Award  Palmer McCay, Outstanding Student in History  Elenora Gazzelli, Outstanding Student in Political Science  Kylie Michelle Burns, Outstanding Student in Sociology     College of Sciences and Engineering  Lauren Strock, Outstanding Student in Biology  William Garlick, Outstanding Student in Geology  Emily Walker, Outstanding Student in Chemistry   Peri Rouillard, Outstanding Student in Physics  Savanna Spires, Outstanding Student in Exercise and Sports Science  Samantha Burns, Outstanding Student in Applied Mathematics  Denton Spivey, Outstanding Student in Applied Computer Science  Chadburn Wells Heath II, Outstanding Student in Cybersecurity  Aidan Clayton, Outstanding Student in Engineering  Sanja Becnel, Outstanding Student in Psychology  Jessica Ann Brannam, Outstanding Graduate Student in Psychology    School of Business Administration  Ian Dumas, Outstanding Student in Accounting  Logan Page, Outstanding Student in Management  Lindsey Greene, Outstanding Student in Marketing  Jenna Couch, Outstanding Student in Finance  Paula Gant, Outstanding MBA Student    School of Education   Skylar Davis, Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education  Brenne Hoeven, Outstanding Student in Elementary Education  Bailey Davis, Outstanding Student in Middle Level Education   Kayla Cox, Outstanding Student in Secondary Education   Skylar Shirey, Outstanding Student in Special Education   Stephanie Bell, Outstanding Student in the Master of Education in Educator Leadership    School of Nursing  Alexa Carnahan, Outstanding Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student  Philip Joel Harris, Jr., Outstanding RN-BSN Student 

For most students, graduating from college marks a personal milestone that’s years in the making. However, for triplets Sydney, Alex and Zane Yongue, it’s a shared achievement, one they’ve been working toward side by side their entire lives. On May 6, all three siblings will cross the stage together, each earning a degree from USCA. Sydney will receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while Alex and Zane will graduate with degrees in applied computer science, with minors in business. Originally from Gilbert, South Carolina, the trio didn’t always plan to attend the same college. Like many of their peers, they initially considered larger universities. But after visiting USCA, they quickly realized it offered exactly what they were looking for: a close-knit community, strong academic programs and the opportunity to get involved. “It was the right fit for all of us,” Zane said. “Even if we had chosen differently at first, we’d still pick here again.” Despite sharing the same campus, their college experiences have been shaped by different academic paths. Sydney says it’s been tough to get involved on campus due to the rigorous course load from the nursing program, but it will all be worth it as she prepares for a healthcare career. After graduation, she will begin a nurse residency at Prisma Health Richland in Columbia, where she plans to work as a cardiac nurse caring for post-surgical patients. “It’s exciting to finally take that next step,” Sydney said. “There’s still a lot to learn, but I feel prepared.” Alex and Zane, meanwhile, pursued careers in technology. Both studied Applied Computer Science, though each carved out a slightly different focus, one in software development and the other in cybersecurity. As they prepare to enter the workforce, they are navigating a competitive job market while remaining optimistic about their future. “Getting your foot in the door is the biggest challenge right now,” Alex said. “But we’ve learned a lot, and we’re ready to apply it.” Outside the classroom, Alex and Zane made the most of their college experience by getting involved across campus. From Greek life and Campus Outreach to working together as caddies at Old Barnwell, a private golf club in Aiken, they built connections and developed skills that extended beyond academics. “The opportunities here really push you to get involved,” they said. “You start out unsure, but then you realize how much there is to do and how easy it is to make an impact.” Even with busy schedules, the siblings found ways to stay connected. Whether it was catching up during the week, working out, a shared hobby they all enjoyed, or supporting one another through challenges, their bond remained constant. “We didn’t see each other every day,” Sydney said. “But that made the time we did spend together more meaningful.” One of the most defining influences on their journey, they say, has been their shared faith. Through the ups and downs of college life, it provided a foundation of support and resilience. “That’s something that’s been important to all three of us. It’s helped us grow and get through difficult moments together,” Sydney said. Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Faculty and staff describe the Yongue siblings as highly engaged students who have made meaningful contributions to campus life. “It’s special to see all three of them graduating together,” said Eric Fulwider, campus director of Campus Outreach at USCA. “That’s not something you can take for granted. They’ve also been very active on campus, which makes it even more impressive.” As graduation approaches, the triplets are embracing the moment, a rare and remarkable milestone that reflects years of shared experiences, individual growth and support for one another. “I never thought I’d be ready to leave,” one of them admitted. “But now, I’m excited for what’s next.”

Despite being less than two years old, the public health program at USCA is already proving its strength through the accomplishments of its students.   Their recent recognition by the South Carolina Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (SC Tracking), underscores just how quickly the university has become competitive with more established programs across the state.   USCA students in Dr. Della Sirizi’s public health classes were recognized by the SC Tracking team for their efforts to highlight issues facing South Carolinians and how to mitigate unhealthy impacts. SC Tracking, part of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) holds a collegiate competition, known as the Data Dash, which challenges public health students across the state to highlight health conditions and interventions through engaging infographics.   “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the creativity and innovation students bring to their work,” said Emmanuelle Durant, education and outreach coordinator for the SC Tracking grant.  “The competition gives them hands-on experience using SC Tracking dashboards while fostering friendly competition among classmates and across institutions.”  USCA public health students Jeasmine Blyther, Tiffani Rowe, and Valerie Ruvalcaba entered the competition, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding, life expectancy as a key indicator of population health, and Lyme disease, respectively.  “I was heavily inspired by the classes I am currently taking while I was creating my work. I took in consideration everything I have learned in my community health, health communication and medical sociology courses while developing my infographic,” said Blyther, USCA ’26.  “Every fact and advice about audience engagement, presenting health information, and understanding the audience's needs really drove my motivation because I was able to apply all that I have learned. I am so happy to be able to use my public health degree for good.”  SC Tracking declared USCA the Spring 2026 “champion,” thanks to Blyther’s submission, titled “Every Ounce Counts” The design educates new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding.   “This infographic stood out immediately. The color palette was nice and fresh, and I really liked the title. I also like the flow of information and the graphics that were used,” said Deanna Foster, an epidemiologist with SCDPH who judged the entries.   “Within the first few seconds of looking at the infographic, I could grasp the topic, purpose, and target audience. This is what good infographics do; they immediately capture your attention and make the reader want to read more.”   Rowe and Ruvalcaba also received accolades for their original work     “Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of watching this competition grow, and I’m truly impressed by the progress students have made. It’s especially meaningful when faculty incorporate the Data Dash into their coursework,” said Durant.   “With USC Aiken’s public health program still in its early stages, it’s clear that not only does Dr. Sirizi do an amazing job with her students, but her students take great pride in their work, and the first-place winner should be exceptionally proud of her outstanding achievement.”   A Bachelor of Science in Public Health from USCA is designed for students interested in health-related areas of study but not focused on clinical careers such as nursing or medicine. The overall intent is to create more public health and wellness professionals, which continue to be in great demand both in the state and nationally.   The curriculum focuses on public health principles, practices, and policies. From understanding the determinants of health and disease to promoting health equity, students engage in interdisciplinary coursework that spans environmental health, health behavior, and more. With a focus on real-world applications and experiential learning opportunities, graduates emerge equipped to address pressing public health challenges, promote wellness, and improve the quality of life for individuals and populations alike.   “One of the most important facets of public health is health literacy. A public health intervention cannot be effective if your messaging is not understood or well received,” said Foster.   “The Data Dash competition is a great opportunity for the students to learn how to interpret and visualize data to promote their message and effectively connect with their target audience.”   USCA’s public health program focuses on community health, environmental health, issues and trends in health care, disease prevention and control, and health care and public health policy.    “The program is well suited for students pursuing pre‑health pathways, those interested in making a meaningful impact on community health, students drawn to the intersection of public health and environmental health, and those considering graduate study in applied health sciences or research,” said Sirizi an assistant professor of public health.  The initial cohort began coursework in fall 2024. 

Excellence takes many forms at the University of South Carolina Aiken, and Ainhoa Colino, a graduating senior double majoring in psychology and exercise and sports science, embodies it all. With a perfect 4.0 grade point average, Colino has been named USCA’s Outstanding Senior Student for Spring 2026, an award that highlights not only academic achievement but also leadership, service and resilience. She will be recognized during USCA’s May Commencement ceremony, starting at 6 p.m. May 6 in the Convocation Center. Originally from Spain, Colino arrived in the United States alone, stepping far outside her comfort zone to pursue both academics and athletics. What followed was a college journey defined by determination, growth and an experience she says she’s grateful to have had at USCA. Colino will be the first in her family to graduate abroad. “I’ve had a lot of highs and lows,” Colino said. “Being far from family is hard, but it’s helped me grow so much as a person. I’ve had opportunities here that I don’t think I would have had if I stayed home.” Colino was recruited for racewalking by Columbia College in South Carolina in 2022 and later transferred to USCA in 2024. As a member of the cross-country team, she’s earned All-American honors while balancing the demands of a rigorous double major. Along the way, she also navigated multiple injuries, setbacks that tested her resilience, but it’s never derailed her progress. “I had never been injured before coming to the U.S.,” she said. “But I learned how to understand my body better and take care of it. That knowledge, combined with my studies and my team, really helped me improve.” Colino’s academic success speaks for itself. Aside from her 4.0 GPA, she’s a Magellan Scholar, a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology and has been actively engaged in multiple research projects geared toward psychology and exercise sports science. Her work has been presented at conferences across the country, including one internationally in Barcelona, Spain. To add more to her success, Colino can even speak five languages fluently, which include Spanish, Italian, Basque, French, and English. Despite having a strong foundation in English, she recalls the early adjustment to conversational slang and constant immersion. “It was overwhelming at first,” she said. “But now I feel completely comfortable.” Her nominator for outstanding senior, Dr. Adam Pazda, a psychology professor at USCA, described her as “the perfect student,” noting that in more than a decade of teaching, he has never encountered someone more deserving of the honor. “On the ground level, Ainhoa is remarkably talented, intelligent and hardworking, and a delightful student of psychology,” Pazda said. He recalled a time when he would try to trick Colino on tests saying, “She gets perfect scores on every exam and assignment. I have tried multiple times to trick her into making a mistake and she dosen’t fall for it,” Pazda said jokingly. “We have seen some perfect GPA students come and go over the years, but how about a student athlete? How about an All-American track and field superstar juggling the demands of a collegiate athletic program while at the same time maintaining a 4.0? With a double-major! Not a problem for Ainhoa,” Pazda said. For Colino, success is about more than accolades; it’s about connection, curiosity and making the most of every opportunity. “I originally wanted to be a fashion designer, but I’ve been involved in track since I was 8,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in how the body works and how to improve performance. When I found out exercise science was a major, it felt like the perfect fit.” Adjusting to life in the United States wasn’t always easy. She quickly noticed cultural differences, particularly in how people build relationships. “In Spain, people are more open and spontaneous,” she said. “In the U.S., it can feel more surface-level at first. But once you open up, you can build meaningful connections.” Over time, she found her place forming friendships, traveling with teammates and classmates, and embracing new experiences. From academic conferences in New Orleans to personal trips across cities like Chicago and Charleston, Colino made it a priority to explore beyond campus during her final year. After graduation, Colino plans to continue her education abroad, having been accepted into a master’s program in exercise science in the Netherlands. She hopes to eventually earn a PhD and pursue a career in academia, combining teaching, research and travel. “I want to do a little bit of everything,” she said. “Teach, work with students, stay connected to athletics, and keep learning.” For Colino, being named outstanding senior is both an honor and a reflection of the people who supported her along the way. “I didn’t even know this was something I could receive,” she said. “When I found out, I was shocked. I called my parents right away.” As she prepares for the next chapter, Colino leaves behind a legacy at USCA that is as impressive as it is inspiring, one defined not just by achievement, but by perseverance, passion and purpose.

“This moment belongs to all of us,” said Brianna Jordan, president of the USCA women’s polo team. “But as much as we celebrate today, know this: we aren’t finished. We’re coming back next year to do it all over again and defend our title.” Jordan addressed a crowd of faculty, staff and students gathered outside the Robert E. Alexander Student Activities Center on April 1, where the university celebrated the Pacers’ historic run to the 2026 United States Polo Association Division I Intercollegiate National Championship. USCA secured the national title with a dominant 15-6 victory over Texas A&M University on March 22 in Dallas, marking an impressive season defined by resilience. “In the short history of our polo club at USCA, we have often been seen as the underdogs,” said USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann. “But year after year, we make sure bigger Division I schools with more established programs know exactly who we are and where we’re from.” That message was reinforced throughout the season. The Pacers opened with a 16-9 win over Texas A&M on Oct. 22, followed by an 11-9 victory against the University of Virginia just two days later. They continued their strong play in the spring, defeating Texas A&M twice more —17-13 on Feb. 5 and 9-7 on Feb. 6. By the time they reached the national tournament, the Pacers were in peak form. They delivered a commanding 25-6 win over Cornell University in the semifinals before carrying that momentum into the championship match. From the opening throw-in, USCA controlled the final against Texas A&M, building a commanding 12-2 lead heading into the fifth chukker and ultimately sealing the title with a 15–6 finish. Beyond the scoreboard, the team’s accomplishments were equally historic. Brianna and her twin sister, Madison Jordan, became the first set of twins to win both interscholastic and intercollegiate national championships as teammates. Individual honors also highlighted the team’s success. Madison and Winnie Branscum were named All-Stars, an award voted on by tournament participants. Branscum’s horse, Fiscal, earned Best Playing Pony honors, while USCA received the Best String award — an impressive feat considering the team competes on rented horses rather than owning its own. During the celebration, the university also recognized the New Bridge Polo and Country Club arena and the Aiken Polo Club for their continued support of the program. Head coach Parker Scott, who was unable to attend, shared his pride in the team through a message read during the ceremony. “We truly appreciate your early support and the consistent encouragement you’ve shared with us since the beginning,” Brianna Jordan said on behalf of the team. The Pacers’ championship season has also drawn recognition at the state level, with the South Carolina House of Representatives passing legislation honoring the team’s achievements, along with local and state news outlets recognizing the success. The team is scheduled to be honored at the state capital later in April. With a national title secured and a legacy growing, the Pacers have made one thing clear — they are no longer underdogs, but a program to beat. The team members have not only delivered standout performances during their championship season, but also excel in the classroom. Brianna is a junior majoring in graphic design, Madison is a sophomore studying sociology, and Winnie is a sophomore majoring in biology, each maintaining a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club selected Vivica Birt as its student of the month for March. Originally from North Augusta, Birt is pursuing a dual path in vocal performance and biology at USCA and stands out as dynamic leader, scholar, and performer whose journey shows resilience, passion and purpose. “I love both,” she said, explaining why she chose to major in both the arts and science fields. “There are moments where it feels like a lot, but I just remind myself why I started.” Birt’s connection to USCA began even before she enrolled, inspired in part by her mother, a former Pacer who majored in nursing. “She was already hyping me up about USCA before I was even accepted,” Birt said. Still, her journey to campus wasn’t part of her original plan. After experiencing a difficult period marked by personal loss, she found herself reevaluating her path. Within days of returning home, she was accepted and enrolled at USCA, a decision she now describes as life changing. “It just felt right,” she said. “I’ve grown so much here, and I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities anywhere else.” Birt has taken advantage of a wide range of opportunities, including studying abroad twice and conducting laboratory research with Dr. William Jackson, the co-coordinator for USCA’s Center for Research Excellence. Research conducted in the lab focuses on the molecular biology of HIV and how it can be targeted for antiviral treatments. The goal is to stop the virus from replicating by disrupting key viral functions, such as transcription and infection.   Her academic journey began in biology, but her lifelong love of singing, rooted in her church upbringing, eventually led her to add a second major in music. Encouraged by her voice teacher, Dr. Keely Rhodes, an associate professor of music at USCA, Birt realized that a career in music could take many forms beyond the spotlight. “I always loved to sing,” she said. “I just didn’t realize it was something I could truly pursue.” In the classroom and beyond, Birt has worked closely with faculty mentors, including Dr. Jamel Hodges, the dean of students, and Dr. Jackson, gaining hands-on research experience and guidance that have helped shape her academic and career goals. Among her proudest and most recent honors was being named Homecoming Queen during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 21. It’s an experience she describes as both humbling and affirming. “It made me feel like I’m making a mark on campus,” she said. “It’s a good feeling knowing people believe in you.” She also credits being an Admissions Ambassador with helping her overcome a fear of public speaking while giving campus tours. “That really helped me to obtain the skills I needed to be a leader on campus,” she said. Those skills would later become valuable beyond the classroom. Currently, Birt is a student coordinator for the PEAK Mentoring Program in the Office of the Dean of Students designed for freshman and transfer students to get acclimated to campus life. “Having that one-on-one interaction with a student leader on campus is beneficial for incoming students to make them feel comfortable,” she said. Birt is also the vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council on campus and is a proud member of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves in various roles. In addition to her leadership involvement, she has earned numerous honors and awards, including the 2025 Dr. Sandra Jordan Trailblazer Award, the USCA National Pan-Hellenic Council Service and Highest GPA Award, and the Velice R. Cummings Servant Leader Excellence Undergraduate Award. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Birt will deliver the invocation at USCA’s Commencement on May 6, where she will graduate with degrees in vocal performance and biology. Looking ahead, Birt is keeping her options open. She has recently auditioned for graduate programs in music while also exploring opportunities in scientific research, including laboratory work and potential Ph.D. programs. Ultimately, she hopes to step beyond her hometown and gain new experiences while always keeping the Central Savannah River Area close to her heart. A deep source of inspiration for Birt is her late grandmother, Vivian, for whom she is named. Although they never met, Birt says she feels a strong connection to her grandmother’s legacy. “I always hear how kind and loving she was,” she said. “I want to live up to that and carry that with me.”