on the inside

uscTIMEsStories, snippets & scenes from the University of South Carolina.

Aiken / BeAufort / ColumBiA / lAnCAster / sAlkehAtChie / sumter / union / upstAte 5/30/2013

One of the toughest classes for chemistry majors is physical chemistry, and the lab

for what’s termed “p chem” is challenging enough to inspire a certain level of fear

for some students.

But Michael “Micky” Myrick, a chemistry and biochemistry professor in the Col-

lege of Arts and Sciences, has a very different viewpoint.

“When I took the class many years ago, I thought it was the best undergradu-

ate class I ever had,” he said. “I felt I had learned so much in it. It’s still something

that informs how I think about things. It’s a class that teaches an undergraduate how to do an experiment

and how to interpret an experiment — and then how to write about it for other people.”

Learning how to communicate scientific findings was one of the primary goals of the physical chem-

istry lab since Myrick began reorganizing its curriculum in 1999.

“The simple act of writing — organizing your thoughts on paper and making good arguments — it’s

something that we touch on in other courses, but p chem is where we do it best,” Myrick said. “It really is

something of a finishing school for chemistry students.” —Steven Powell

“It really is something

of a finishing school for

chemistry students.”

Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award

‘PHYSICAL’EDUCATION

michael J. mungo Distinguished professor of the Year

“I ask my students at the start of every semester why they’re taking oceanography and to tell me one cool fact about themselves. Then, during the rest of the semester, I’ll try to refer to those little tidbits of information during lectures. It helps students get to know one another better and helps lighten up the lecture.”

— claudia Benitez-Nelson, professor, school of Earth, Ocean & Environment, college of Arts and sciences

John Gardner Inspirational Faculty Member AwardCasey Goldston Giraudy, health promotion, education

and behavior academic programs coordinator,

Arnold School of Public Health

“I made a ton of mistakes as a college student, and I want

my students to be much more aware and intentional

about the choices they make.  If I can keep students from

digging some of the ‘academic’ holes, then they won’t

have to find ways to get out of them.”

Educational Foundation Research Award, Humanities and social sciencesBrent Simpson, professor and graduate program director,

sociology, College of Arts and Sciences

“There isn’t a better sociology department to do experi-

mental social psychology than the one here at South

Carolina. The research laboratory is arguably the best in

the world. And my colleagues — faculty and graduate

students — are phenomenal.”

Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Faculty Advisor (staff award)

Patricia Armstrong didn’t plan to become a col-

lege adviser. In fact, she taught middle school

in Rock Hill for three years. During her first two

years at Carolina, Armstrong floated between

different departments on campus, learning as

much as she could.

Now, she’s a one-stop place for all academic

programs in the Department of Criminology

and Criminal Justice in the College of Arts and

Sciences. She helps students with advisement,

senior checks, major changes and scholarships.

“I love my job. I love advising students,” she

says. “I enjoy the relationship I have with them

and making sure they know they can come to

me for anything.”

Her job is about helping and serving her

students. She advises at least 300 students

each semester.

“I feel that I am called to be of service to

these students,” she says. “I don’t want them to

think that they don’t have anywhere to go. Professors don’t always have time but I am here for them.”

When Armstrong advises her students she follows a simple philosophy — treat others how you

would like to be treated. Her students have her complete attention, she says.

“I just don’t want them to be a number,” she says. “Students have a lot going on beyond academ-

ics. There are a lot of things that affect academics and so when they sit down in this chair, I want to be

able to help in some form.” —Liz McCarthy

University of soUth carolina2

“When they sit down in

this chair, I want to be

able to help...”

Nothing motivates Danny Jenkins more than seeing his music students suc-ceed in their careers as conductors, composers, performers or educators. so every day he enters his

classroom to teach music theory, he brings his “A-game” with him.

“Music students are incredibly busy. In addi-tion to traditional classes, they have perfor-mances, rehearsals, private lessons, and spend many hours in the practice room,” he says. “With the demands on their time outside the classroom, you have to make the most of the time in the classroom.”

Jenkins, an assistant professor of music theory in the school of Music, strives to pro-vide a curriculum that balances a traditional approach, focusing on Western art music of the 18th and 19th centuries, and mixing it with other musical styles, such as jazz, Broadway, folk and other popular music.

“The world changes so rapidly, it is dif-ficult to know what knowledge and skills our students will need in five years,” he says. “I think it is important to instruct them in general principles that emerge across place and time so they will have the creativity and flexibility to adapt in the future.”

— Frenche Brewer

Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Faculty Advisor (Tenure-track faculty)

John Kupfer, professor, geography, college of Arts and sciences

“One of my favorite quotes, and one that I often use while advis-ing, comes from seneca: ‘Luck is what happens

when preparation meets opportunity.’ I like to remind my students that there is a degree of luck in what opportunities arise after they graduate from usc. However, they have the ability to be prepared when opportunity knocks by making the most of their time at usc. By serving as an effective adviser and by engaging my advisees in research projects and intern-ships, I try to prepare them for those opportuni-ties that do eventually come along and open their eyes to opportunities that they may not even know exist.”

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Educational Foundation Research Award, Health sciences Steven Blair, professor, exercise science, epidemiology and

biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health

“About 20 years ago we investigated the influence of

obesity and aerobic fitness on risk of dying or developing

a chronic disease. I was surprised that obese individuals

who are fit have about one-half the risk of dying in the next

decade compared to normal weight people who are unfit.”

Educational Foundation Research Award, science, Mathematics and EngineeringJohn Weidner, professor, chemical engineering,

College of Engineering and Computing

“University research is exciting because I can work with

students and together we can break new ground. Unlike

industrial research where the focus is on solving a specific

problem, here we are free to follow the most interesting

path regardless of where it takes us.”

Educational Foundation Research Award, Professional schools William Brown, professor, educational studies,

College of Education

“Throughout my career, I have focused on preschool ser-

vices for young children, especially those in poverty or at

risk for difficulties related to school readiness. I am proud

that this has led to research, evaluation projects and con-

sultations with state and local agencies.”

Educational Foundation Outstanding service AwardScott Goode, professor and facilities manager, chemistry

and biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

“I am honored to win this award for four decades of service

that includes coordinating university needs with science

facility designers and project managers, managing the

Palms Graduate Science Research Center, awards for teach-

ing and advising, and nationally recognized research.”

Russell Research Award for Humanities and social sciencesLawrence Rhu, English, College of Arts and Sciences

“Poetry makes us wonder what it means, and responses

to that question sound like philosophy. My research allows

me to write about both these pursuits and how they often

turn into one another in the works of Shakespeare, Milton,

Emerson and Cavell. They are all poetic philosophers and

philosophical poets — my favorite kind of both.” 

Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award

THE ‘KEYS’ TO SUCCESS

A CALLING FOR SERVICE

Usc times 5/30/2013 3

Bettie Obi Johnson, assistant professor of chemistry and winner of this year’s John J. Duffy Excellence in Teaching Award, usc Lancaster

chemistry is a difficult subject. What’s your secret for teaching it?I try to distill the complex information in chemistry down to simple concepts, and then

apply them to solving problems. In chemistry, “practice makes perfect,” so students are

encouraged to participate in class, work homework problems on their own and get help if

they are struggling. I often meet with students outside of class to provide additional help.

Why is outreach to high school students so important to you?Sharing my experiences and information about the opportunities in science-related fields

helps high school students, who are unsure of their career paths, to make more informed

decisions. Visiting high schools also provides opportunities to discuss how USCL can help

them achieve their goals. I really enjoy the excitement and enthusiasm in high school stu-

dents.

Did you have a professor who inspired you? Even though I have had many professors, teachers and colleagues who have inspired me

over the years, the most memorable was my high school chemistry teacher, Susana Suarez.

She encouraged me to take advance placement chemistry, provided hours of help outside

of class and even opened the doors of her home to help students prepare for the Chemis-

try Olympiad. I excelled in chemistry because of her unwavering dedication.

Q&A

SyStemwide

Dr. James stallworth is a true pioneer at usc. He’s been a faculty member since 1979, when the school of Medicine was in its infancy.

He’s served on countless committees and filled a variety of administrative roles. He’s also launched a series of pediatric clinics, including one for children coping with AIDs and obesity, and even assisted with design elements of the Palmetto Health children’s Hospital.

But it’s his love for teaching that keeps him going, a passion he developed at an early age.

“It’s actually kind of a selfish thing, but I’ve always enjoyed helping people do well. I still do,” he said.

For stallworth, helping his students do well involves holding them to high standards and pushing them to question preconceived notions about practicing medicine. When the difference between life and death hinges on a single deci-sion, there’s little room for flippancy.

“If you’re a student of mine I will challenge and confront you,” he said. “But I’m confront-ing for you, not against you. It’s easier to enable rather than confront. And of course I want to be liked, but not at the expense of teaching the learner and expecting of them what the profes-sion demands and deserves.”

—Jeff stensland

“If you’re a student of

mine I will challenge

and confront you”

usc AikenExcellence in Teaching Award Karen B. Edgington, instructor, business

Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award

Willie F. Strong, lecturer, music

Excellence in Advisement Award

Mary C. Millies, student services program

coordinator

scholarly Activity Award

Rao Li, professor, mathematical sciences

community service Award

Lynne A. Rhodes, professor, English

university service Award

Edward J. Callen, professor and department

chair, psychology

usc salkehatchie

Distinguished Teaching Award

Joe Siren, instructor, political science, history

and speech

Governor’s Professor of the Year finalist Wei-Kai Lai, assistant professor, mathmatics

usc BeaufortAdjunct Professor of the Year Lauren Lang, adjunct professor, English

Professor of the Year Carl Eby, professor, English

Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year

Jody Vermilyea, tutoring services coordinator

and adjunct professor of physical education

Vincent P. Mesaric Award Rena Kratky, instructor, Spanish

usc sumterHugh T. stoddard sr. award Robert Austin Jenkins, instructor, biology

Teacher of the Year D. Ray McManus, assistant professor, English

usc unionTeacher of the Year Randy Ivey, instructor, English

usc Lancaster Distinguished Teacher of the Year and Math, science, Nursing and Public Health Division Teacher of the Year Sarah Sellhorst, assistant professor,

exercise science

Business, Behavioral sciences, criminal Justice and Education Division Teacher of the Year Nicholas A. Guittar, assistant professor,

sociology

Humanities Division Teacher of the Year Darris Hassell, instructor, Spanish

student Government Association servant Heart Award Amanda English, University 101 instructor

and director of records and registration

usc upstateExcellence in Teaching and Advising Awards Andrea Davis, assistant professor, communication studies

Sarah Branan, instructor, nursing

Annual Award for scholarly and/or creative Pursuits

Tina Herzberg, director of graduation education

programs, education

SYSTEm AwARdS

mungo undergraduate teaching Award

“I initially became a professor because of a desire to teach undergraduates about the Middle East; I myself experi-enced a personal transformation during a college year abroad in cairo, Egypt. New knowledge, based on this ex-perience, prompted me to commit to engaging in citizen-ship in my community; I want to help students develop their own new knowledge of the world by teaching them

about other places and by imparting new conceptual ways to look at ordinary social issues.”

— Amy Mills, associate professor of geography

Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

University of soUth carolina4

Vol. 24, No.10 | May 30, 2013USC Times is published 20 times a year for the faculty and staff of

the University of South Carolina by the Division of Communications.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in

educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified

persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin,

age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation or veteran status.

uscTIMEs

Managing editor: liz McCarthy

Designer: linda Dodge

Contributors: Peggy Binette,

Craig Brandhorst, Frenché

Brewer, Glenn Hare, Thom

Harman, Chris Horn,

Page Ivey, Steven Powell,

Megan Sexton, Jeff

Stensland and Marshall

Swanson

Photographers: Kim Truett

To reach us: 803-777-2848

or lizmccarthy@sc.edu

Campus correspondents: Patti McGrath, aiken

Candace Brasseur,

Beaufort

Shana Dry, lancaster

Jane Brewer, Salkehatchie

Misty Hatfield, Sumter

Tammy Whaley, Upstate

annie Smith, Union

Outstanding undergraduate Research Mentor AwardCamelia Knapp, professor, earth and ocean sciences,

College of Arts and Sciences

“In science in general, and in earth science in particular,

undergraduate research provides a gateway to future

opportunity. Students involved in undergraduate research

consistently find either employment opportunities or are

accepted by top graduate programs in the nation.”

John Grady, associate professor, sport and entertainment

management, College of Hospitality, Retail and

Sport Management

“My role is both as a teacher and mentor. As a teacher,

I reinforce the value of learning through research. As a

mentor, I encourage students to be flexible in how they

approach their research topics while remaining committed

to finishing their projects on time.”

Joe Quattro, professor, biological sciences, College of Arts

and Sciences

“This award is to an individual, but, in my case, the members

of my lab — especially the graduate and undergraduate stu-

dents — have earned the lion’s share of the recognition.”

clinical Practice Teaching AwardAllan Brett, clinical internal medicine, School of Medicine

“The small size of our medical school faculty gives each us

a special opportunity to make a large impact on the lives

of our students and residents. It can be difficult for clini-

cally oriented faculty to divide their time between teaching,

research and patient care.  I’m very fortunate and grateful

that I’ve been able to put together a career that allows me

to do all those things, while serving as a clinical role model

for medical students and residents.”

Scott Sutton, associate clinical professor, pharmacy, South

Carolina College of Pharmacy

“I love to teach, to impact others and being a part of the

greatest university in the U.S. My profession and current

position allow me to use my God-given ability to impact

the lives of students and patients of South Carolina.”

Russell Research Award for science, Mathematics and EngineeringRalf Gothe, professor, physics and astronomy, College of

Arts and Sciences

“I work at a leading research university where students can

thrive and caring for them matters; I am part of the best

nuclear physics group I can dream of where undergraduate

and graduate students, post docs and faculty members all

support each other to succeed in our research goals; and

I get all the backing from the university I need to push our

research forward.”

carolina Trustee ProfessorshipKatherine R. Chaddock, professor, education leadership

and policies, College of Education

“My selection will certainly re-energize my motivation for

working with my truly accomplished students and con-

ducting exemplary research. And it will provide a boost to

my role as head of the Richard Greener Memorial Plan-

ning Committee that is working toward getting a campus

memorial to Greener, the university’s first black faculty

member in the 1870s.”

Maureen H. Carrigan, professor, psychology, USC Aiken

“My own passion for the field of clinical psychology is my

key to inspiring students. It’s difficult to excite students if

you are not excited yourself.”

S. Michael Angel, professor and Fred M. Weissman Palmet-

to Chair in Chemical Ecology, chemistry and biochemistry,

College of Arts and Sciences

“As a teacher and researcher I have been very lucky to

have top-notch students and supportive colleagues — they

make me look good.”

GETTING IT RIGHT 101

Ann Johnson’s research on the history of science and technology has paid off in 10 National science Foundation grants to-date and led to the publication

of her book, “Hitting the Brakes: Engineering Design and the Production of Knowledge,” but the associate professor of history and philoso-phy has hardly lost sight of the classroom.

“I know it sounds idealistic, but I think you have the greatest ability to change the world through undergrad teaching,” says Johnson. “These are the citizens who make the decisions about how to support universities and research in the future.”  

Johnson, who holds a joint appointment in the Department of Philosophy in the college of Arts and sciences, asks her students to con-sider the ethics and societal impact of advanc-es in the physical sciences, technology and engineering but to do so in the proper context.

“since students know so little about science in the past, I try to show them how people tried to solve the problems in front of them and how clever and insightful they were in understand-ing the natural and human worlds,” says John-son. “Past explanations might be considered wrong now, but they usually made sense. This is much better, to me, than chastising people in the past for ‘getting it wrong.’”—craig Brandhorst

Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award