Computer & Information Science (MCIS)

A record number of freshmen began their college careers at the University of South Carolina Aiken for the 2026-27 academic year, marking another year of significant enrollment growth for the university. Approximately 700 freshmen are enrolled for the fall semester, an 18 percent increase from last year’s freshman class.  In addition to its freshman enrollment, the university reported 442 registered transfer students.   “This record-breaking class is a strong signal that families across South Carolina and beyond understand USCA delivers a high value, personal college experience that prepares students for real careers,” said Nathan Rice, vice chancellor of enrollment management.   Rice added that this year's growth is the result of a campus-wide effort, with admissions, financial aid, and marketing each playing an important role. “The team’s consistency and follow-through helped turn the great work happening on this campus into applications and enrollments.”  The university officially welcomed the Class of 2030 during its annual Freshman Convocation on Aug. 17. Students gathered in the Quad before taking the traditional walk across the bridge to the Convocation Center, where faculty and staff formally welcomed them to the USCA community.  This year’s convocation theme centered around “Home,” encouraging students to think about how they will build their own sense of belonging and community during their time at USCA.  The theme resonated closely with Dr. Brianne Coulombe, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, who served as one of the event’s guest speakers.  Coulombe shared words of encouragement with the new Pacers, comparing their academic plans to a blueprint for their college experience.  “Sitting here today, you have the blueprint for building a home at USCA that is functional and uniquely yours,” she said. “If you forget, just look back at the major map you got from advising and you’ll see all your general education requirements, your cognate, and specific classes you need for your major. But that’s all it is. A blueprint. Your job now is to make that blueprint into a home.”  For Laura Nolasco-Gonzalez, joining the Pacer community means beginning her college journey close to home while pursuing a degree in Nursing.  Nolasco-Gonzalez, who joins USCA from Johnston, SC, said the university’s location and nursing program were among the top reasons she chose to come to Aiken.   “I chose USCA because it is close to home, it has a great nursing program, and USCA's pride in helping students develop as they adapt to a new environment,” she said.  Nolasco-Gonzalez says she’s thankful to several campus organizations for helping guide her decision to choose USCA, including the Delight ministry, Hispanic Student Association and Project Pacer.   Project Pacer is an extended orientation experience designed to help incoming students build connections, develop a sense of belonging, and feel more comfortable as they transition into college.  “The most exciting part about the start of the school year for me is being able to attend school knowing so many faces. I attended Project Pacer, Leadership Retreat, and I got the opportunity to shadow a pacesetter. These events gave me a head start in this new journey to meet new people and begin to make USCA feel like my new home.”  Rice emphasized that the Class of 2030 shows USCA’s momentum is continuing to build.  “Students are choosing us because they want personal attention and a clear path to career success. A larger class means more energy on campus and more students who will go on to represent USCA well after they graduate.”  The Class of 2030 also reflects a range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences, with students arriving from across the country and around the world.  Among the highlights of this year’s freshman class:  17 states are represented among the freshman class.  15 nationalities are represented.  89% of students are from South Carolina.  32 students speak at least two languages.  The top three majors are Nursing, Mechanical Engineering and Biology.  33 students entered USCA undecided on their major.  Madison is the most popular first name among female students, with nine students sharing the name.  William is the most popular first name among male students, with six students sharing the name. 

Boston may seem like a long way from Aiken but not for Hayden Driver and Joseph Suazo, both USCA '28.    The two biology majors spent the summer interning at Harvard Medical School, where they conducted research with a USCA alumna in the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Brigham and Women's Hospital.   This teaching hospital, with almost 800 beds, located in the heart of Harvard’s state-of-the-art medical complex, focuses on whole-of-patient and family care. The Brigham and Women’s team incorporates cutting-edge research and technology into patient protocols and treatment. The efforts of their medical professionals have led to medical breakthroughs in a variety of medical disciplines.    Perhaps, the research these USCA biology students conducted at Harvard may inform new medical approaches.  Hands-on at Harvard Medical School   Throughout the summer, Driver and Suazo worked with Harvard students, faculty and researchers. They completed a variety of tasks each day, including preparing bacterial samples and growth media, incubating bacterial cultures, checking bacterial concentrations, performing affinity chromatography, helping prepare materials and supporting a variety of biomedical research projects.   “They did an amazing job, adapting to a new lab environment and picking up novel scientific techniques, and their enthusiasm for science made it so fun having them in the lab,” said Dr. Connie Arthur, USCA ‘06 and assistant professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School   “They are exactly the type of high caliber of students I would expect from USCA’s excellent scientific training program, which of course is near and dear to my heart since that’s also where I first found my own love of basic science research.”   The USCA duo says they enjoyed working with “the best people in their fields” and are grateful for Arthur and the Harvard Medical School team who took the time to share insights about their research projects and new initiatives. Suazo also enjoyed the challenge of conducting research in Boston, which required flexibility and creative problem-solving.   USCA created a foundation for success   During their internship, Driver and Suazo applied those skills and other lab techniques they learned in their USCA advanced biology and research courses “all of the time,” according to Driver.     “It was really interesting to work in a lab where we have to improvise a lot because we’re doing new stuff,” Suazo said. “It was also nice to apply what we learned at USCA.”     Understanding the importance of laboratory techniques and safety is one lesson Suazo learned at USCA. During his internship, Suazo put this knowledge to work while at Harvard when he grew bacterial cultures, sterilized samples and extracted and purified proteins, specifically a key protein called Galectin-8.     Suazo, who is originally from Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, said he chose USCA after learning about its "amazing biology program."      He knew he wanted to be part of it, and so did Driver.     For Driver, a graduate of Midland Valley High School, majoring in molecular biology was a natural choice because he is "very passionate” about the subject, particularly the study of human biology.     Both students credit their USCA experiences, professors – like Dr. April DeLaurier – and course work for their success during what they say was an “amazing” internship.     “What we learned at USCA made everything much smoother,” Suazo said.     Don’t hesitate to take risks      Driver first learned about the possibility of a Harvard internship opportunity while in high school. Arthur spoke to students, including Driver, when she visited Midland Valley High School, her own alma mater.     When the time came for the Pacers to find an internship, Driver reached out to Arthur and shared the opportunity with Suazo.     "Don't be scared to ask," Driver advises students interested in pursuing an internship.     He said he was grateful he wasn't afraid to seek guidance and information, even when it felt intimidating. While many students may hesitate to ask for opportunities, he believes taking that first step can make all the difference.     Suazo encouraged students not to be afraid to pursue internship opportunities, emphasizing that simply asking and taking a chance can open unexpected doors.     USCA Career Services can help students take the first step toward an internship and ultimately career planning. The team in Career Services provides guidance, knowledge, experiences, skill and connections that will lead to successful, lifelong career management.    The Career Services staff invites students to empower themselves by taking charge of their internships and future careers. The staff is available to assist students through this process. They also assist Pacers in their searches for full-time employment. The staff organizes career panels, leadership programs and sponsor career fairs each semester. Individual career counseling appointments are available upon request.  

Students, alumni, faculty, staff and members of the community to kick off the new academic year for USCA’s Downtown Takeover from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 22 in The Alley on Newberry St.  In partnership with the Aiken Development Downtown Association (ADDA), the free, family-friendly celebration will once again transform downtown into a showcase of Pacer pride, featuring live entertainment by Velvet City Sound, activities, games, local food and beverages, and opportunities for the community to connect with the university.   “We are excited to welcome the USCA Downtown Takeover back to Downtown Aiken,”  EmmaLee Sams, executive director of ADDA said. “This event is a wonderful reflection of our strong partnership with the university and provides an opportunity to bring students, faculty, staff and community members together in the heart of our city.”   Now in its second year, Downtown Takeover builds on the momentum of last year's inaugural event, which celebrated the official launch of USCA's rebrand. The event welcomed hundreds of attendees from across the Central Savannah River Area.   “The Downtown Takeover brings energy and excitement to downtown while supporting our local businesses and strengthening the connection between USCA, Downtown Aiken, and the greater community,” Sams said.   This year's celebration will also honor several significant university milestones. Founded in 1961 as Aiken College, a two-year branch of the University of South Carolina, USCA will celebrate 65 years of providing transformative educational opportunities to the region. Since welcoming its first students, the university has grown into a nationally recognized comprehensive university serving thousands of students while remaining committed to academic excellence, community engagement and student success.   In addition to the university's 65th anniversary, Downtown Takeover will recognize two other anniversaries:   The 40th anniversary of the Cultural Series, which has brought nationally and internationally acclaimed performers, artists and speakers to the Aiken community since 1986.   The 50th anniversary of the Gregg-Graniteville Library, a cornerstone of academic life on campus that has supported generations of students, faculty and researchers since opening in 1976.   Kicks 99 will also be present with a guitar pull stop from 5-7 p.m. It’s one of the CSRA's most anticipated annual country music events. Hosted by KICKS 99, it brings together some of country music's biggest artists for a unique acoustic performance.  The event will be co-hosted by Paul Crook, director of the Etherredge Center, and Cliff Bennett, host of The Morning Mix and a 1995 USCA graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.  

With the summer season underway, some future Pacers are already looking forward to when they step on campus for the first day of school on Aug. 18.   USCA welcomed its first batch of freshman students during the first orientation session on May 20, and already the Class of 2030 is envisioning how their college experience will impact their futures.   For many, USCA stood out not only for its academic programs and affordability, but also for the sense of community, opportunity, and personal connection they discovered during the enrollment process.  Pursuing careers as varied as education, law and cybersecurity, these first-year students see USCA as a place where they can grow academically, professionally and personally.  Sunny Armstrong  For incoming freshman Sunny Armstrong from Summerville, South Carolina, choosing USCA was an unexpected but welcome discovery.  Armstrong plans to major in music education and hopes to one day share her love of music with future generations. A trombone player of seven years, she credits her high school band director with introducing her to USCA.  "He got me in touch with the band directors here, and after my audition, I received a really good scholarship,” Armstrong said.  After initially considering other universities, Armstrong found that USCA offered a more affordable pathway to achieving her goals. Combined with the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and additional support from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the financial aid package made her decision easier.  Beyond affordability, Armstrong was impressed by what she found during her campus visit.  "I don't know how this place isn't more well-known," she said. "There are a lot of benefits here. The campus is smaller, but I like that. It feels more interconnected."  Music runs deep in Armstrong's family. Though she didn't realize it until recently, she discovered that both her great-grandfather and grandmother were musicians. Her great-grandfather directed marching and jazz bands, while her grandmother played clarinet.  Now, Armstrong hopes to continue that family legacy while expanding her own musical horizons.  "I'm really interested in jazz and all of the soul behind it," she said. "Spreading jazz and teaching it is one of my main goals."  She also plans to immerse herself in campus life through arts-related organizations and student involvement opportunities.  "You're going to hear from me a lot in the next few years," Armstrong said with a smile. "I want to be as connected as possible and get to know people."  Emma Highfield   For Emma Highfield, USCA offered the ideal place to begin her journey toward pursuing a path in law.   Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Highfield recently relocated to Aiken and plans to major in political science. Her interest in government and public affairs developed through a love of history and a desire to better understand what shapes our society.   "I've always been really good at history," Highfield said. "I became interested in why certain things happen in the world, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to keep learning."  With aspirations of attending law school after graduation, Highfield was drawn to the opportunities available within USCA's political science program and the chance to engage beyond the classroom.  She is particularly excited about participating in political science-related organizations and student government.  "I'm looking forward to all the political science clubs and student government," she said. "I'm excited to do creative things and work on things related to my major."  As she begins her college career, Highfield said she is eager to establish a strong foundation and transition to university life as smoothly as possible.  "I was ready to have everything situated so I could start and feel confident during my first few days," she said.  Malachi Solomon  Incoming freshman Malachi Solomon of Hampton County, South Carolina, has long been fascinated by technology and problem-solving.  This fall, he plans to major in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, a field that aligns closely with both his interests and career aspirations.  "Technology has always been an interest of mine, even when I was younger," Solomon said.  His curiosity grew during the Covid-19 pandemic, when online learning exposed him to new technologies and digital tools.  "When we started doing online meetings and creating PowerPoints and documents, it got me thinking that I could actually do more with this," he said.  As he explored career options, cybersecurity emerged as a way to combine technical skills with community service.  "I realized I could actually help my community," Solomon said.  One of his long-term goals is to educate others, particularly younger generations, about online safety and responsible digital behavior.  "I want to teach them how to stay safe online, especially on social media," he said. "Don't post everything, especially important information."  USCA's growing cybersecurity and computer science programs, along with internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, played a major role in his decision to enroll.  "I feel like with the internships and many of the programs offered here, especially for computer science, this is the place for me," Solomon said. 

USCA’s inaugural “Summer of Cyber” professional development series is now underway.   The free, three-month initiative delivers specialized cybersecurity training designed to strengthen the region’s workforce and critical infrastructure resilience. Participants are encouraged to register early as space for each class is limited.  The first course began after the grand opening of the Tom Young Center for Research and Innovation at 151 Newberry St., NW, in downtown Aiken. The building is designed to advance innovation, economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce collaboration, and community engagement in Aiken.   The center was constructed using $20 million in plutonium settlement funds provided through an agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and South Carolina related to materials stored at the Savannah River Site.   “It wasn't just me. It was a team effort. It was a tremendous team effort,” Young said. “I am grateful for the privilege and the opportunity that I have been given to serve with our delegation members and to lead our legislative delegation."  The event was also covered by local and state media outlets.   AEIX launches to engage public   USCA will occupy a portion of the first floor to showcase the Aiken Energy and Innovation Exchange (AEIX), a public engagement center where students, educators, industry leaders and community members can explore opportunities, attend events, participate in programs and connect with the university.   AEIX offers a professional and welcoming environment that supports learning, collaboration, and community engagement. The facility features modern meeting and conference rooms, flexible training and workshop spaces, technology-enabled presentation areas, visitor reception services, guided tour pathways, and event-hosting capabilities. Designed to be functional and adaptable, AEIX accommodates a wide range of activities and programs throughout the year.  “Through initiatives like Summer of Cyber, USCA continues to expand its role as a regional leader in innovation and applied learning,” said Tom Scott, USCA’s cyber workforce specialist.   The program will feature one course each month through August. Members of the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC), including Norwich University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will lead the courses.  This is just the beginning of programming and events for the community.   Building cyber resilience through education  The Summer of Cyber initiative brings nationally recognized training programs to Aiken, equipping technical professionals, decision-makers, and public-sector leaders with the tools needed to address modern cyber threats — particularly those targeting critical infrastructure, energy systems, and community services.  “Cybersecurity is essential to economic growth and national security,” Scott said.   “Through the Summer of Cyber series, USCA is connecting top-tier national expertise with local and regional professionals to build a stronger, more prepared workforce.”  Program Lineup  Security in Operational Technology and Distributed Energy Resources A six-hour, instructor-led course was held on June 5. Participants were introduced to cybersecurity challenges in operational technology (OT) and energy systems, including SCADA, IIoT, and smart grid technologies. Participants will examine vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and emerging solutions such as AI-driven threat detection and 5G integration.    Cybersecurity First Responder July 7-–10, 2026  This intensive, multi-day course prepares professionals to detect, analyze, contain, and recover from cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure. Through lectures and immersive lab exercises, participants will simulate real-world cyberattacks and apply structured incident response methodologies.   Cybersecurity in a Resource-Constrained Environment for Public and Rural Utilities August 4–-5, 2026  Designed for public and rural utilities and local government leaders, this course explores cybersecurity strategies in environments with limited resources. Participants will learn to assess digital risk, apply cybersecurity standards, and utilize open-source tools to protect essential services. ​​ 

Hundreds of graduates officially became alumni after the University of South Carolina Aiken held its annual spring commencement ceremony on May 6.  “To the Class of 2026, this is your moment, and it’s one you’ve truly earned. Some of you will step into new careers, taking everything you’ve learned into communities near and far,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA. “Each of you came to USCA with your own story, strengths, and goals. Along the way, you’ve grown through long nights, challenging classes, and the encouragement of faculty who believed in you.”  The ceremony featured several notable moments, including the commissioning of graduating seniors Elenora Gazzelli, Sairielys Hernandez-Cruz, Irvon T. Malcolm, Tyrell D. Robinson and Ali Samaha into the United States Army. According to Robert Murphy, director of military affairs and external studies at USCA, this is the largest commissioning of students in the school's history.   Another highlight included the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree to Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, president of the Aiken Partnership Board. Stewart is chair emerita of Stewart and Associates, a national management training and survey consulting firm celebrating 40 years. She holds undergraduate degrees in French, Spanish and education, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology and economics and a law degree, all from the University of Florida.  During her remarks, Stewart shared that she had been a competitive surfer for nearly 60 years and offered graduates three life lessons she learned from surfing. “First, know that the first wave you ride will probably not end up being the last wave. Second, most really good surfers become good surfers because they find better surfers to learn from. And third, success is not how many trophies you have won or how much you have.”  The university also recognized Ainhoa Colino as its May Outstanding Senior Student. Originally from Spain, Colino graduated with a 4.0 GPA and degrees in psychology and exercise and sports science. During her time at USCA, she presented at four research conferences, earned recognition as a Magellan Scholar, and became a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.  Beyond the classroom, Colino was a member of the cross-country team and an All-American race walker, served as a resident mentor in student housing, and worked as a global ambassador for the university’s International Program. She is also fluent in five languages.  Colino delivered remarks during the rehearsal session prior to commencement. “USCA has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them,” Colino said. “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.”  Other noteworthy moments included USCA LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) celebrating the graduation of its second cohort of students with intellectual disabilities. Among the graduates were best friends Julianna Gray and Ava Shahabhrami, who gained national attention after enrolling in the program together in fall 2024.  Gray said she plans to return to USCA LIFE’s Leadership & Civic Engagement program, an extension of the USCA LIFE initiative. Shahabhrami said she will work at the Lantern Hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, while also serving as a coordinator at Joy in the Journey Pediatric and Speech Therapy Services. In both roles, she will help prepare rooms and welcome clients.   Local media outlets also covered USCA’s commencement ceremony:  USCA celebrates May commencement - FOX54 News Now  USCA celebrates spring commencement with more than 400 graduates - WRDW News 12  ‘Give your best from the very beginning’: USCA’s newest grads are ready to take on the world  - Aiken Standard  USCA graduates celebrate 2026 commencement - Augusta Chronicle