USC Upstate Research Symposium

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Research Symposium

Virtual Symposium will be held April 9, 2021.

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Scope and purpose of the event

  • Provide a forum where both faculty and students from colleges and universities across the region can interact to discuss and share information regarding their research, scholarly and/or creative endeavors. 
  • Provide a forum where students can experience a professional conference. To present at the symposium an online application and a two to three page short paper must be submitted for review by the Symposium Program Committee (see call for participation). Papers accepted for presentation at the event are published in a conference proceedings book that is provided to participants and presenters at the event (see past programs and proceedings link below).
  • Provide a forum where high school students can interact with college-level faculty and students, and learn about the types of research and scholarship being pursued across the region.
  • Provide a forum where business and community leaders throughout the Upstate can interact with faculty and students, and learn about the types of research and scholarship being pursued across the region. 
  • Provide interactive workshops that educate Upstate students, faculty, and community representatives about important aspects of research and scholarship.
  • For more information about the event, contact Dr. Melissa Pilgrim, symposium chair.
Call for Participation

Call for Participation

The call for participation in the 17th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium is now open. The event will be a virtual symposium due to the COVID pandemic and is scheduled for April 9th, 2021. As indicated below, submissions to present at the event are due February 26th, 2021.

To present oral or poster presentations, faculty and students must submit a short research, scholarly or creative paper (2-3 pages) to the 17th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium. Submissions that do not follow the formatting guidelines closely will not be reviewed. The formatting guidelines include general instructions and end with a template to use when building your paper. The deadline to submit papers is February 26, 2021. Late submissions will not be reviewed. Research, scholarly and creative papers from all disciplines are welcomed and can report on completed projects or work in progress. Papers that speak only to forthcoming or intended work are not permitted.

Papers will be reviewed by the Symposium Program Committee. Papers that successfully make it through the review process will be accepted as oral presentations or poster presentations. Contributing authors can indicate their preference for oral or poster presentations, but may be asked by the Program Committee to change their preference so that presentations can be better grouped into specialized sessions. Student authors are eligible to be part of the Best Student Paper Award Competition - students have the opportunity to express their interest in competing on their application form. Judges use a standardized rubric to evaluate presentations. These may be found in the Rubrics and Guidelines section below. To submit a paper, you must complete the online application below and attach your 2-3 page paper submission.

Rubrics and Guidelines

All items are in PDF PDF Icon.png format.

Oral Presentation Rubric
Poster Presentation Rubric
Formatting Guidelines for Paper 

Symposium Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nicola Fox

2021 Keynote Address:

Journey to the Sun

Dr. Nicola Fox
Nicola Fox.jpg

The Woman

Dr. Nicola Fox is the Heliophysics Division Director in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Until August 2018, Fox worked at the Applied Physics Lab at the Johns Hopkins University where she was the chief scientist for Heliophysics and the project scientist for NASA’s Parker Solar Probe. Fox served as the deputy project scientist for the Van Allen Probes, and the operations scientist for the International Solar Terrestrial Physics program. Fox received her BS in Physics and PhD in Space and Atmospheric Physics from the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London. She received an MS in Telematics and Satellite Communications from the University of Surrey.

The Message

NASA Heliophysics research studies a vast system stretching from the Sun to Earth to far beyond the edge of the planets.  Studying this system – much of it driven by the Sun’s constant outpouring of solar wind -- not only helps us understand fundamental information about how the universe works, but also helps protect our technology and astronauts in space. NASA seeks knowledge of near-Earth space, because -- when extreme -- space weather can interfere with our communications, satellites and power grids. The study of the Sun and space can also teach us more about how stars contribute to the habitability of planets throughout the universe.

Mapping out this interconnected system requires a holistic study of the Sun’s influence on space, Earth and other planets.  NASA has a fleet of spacecraft strategically placed throughout our heliosphere -- from Parker Solar Probe at the Sun observing the very start of the solar wind, to satellites around Earth, to the farthest human-made object, Voyager, which is sending back observations on interstellar space. Each mission is positioned at a critical, well-thought out vantage point to observe and understand the flow of energy and particles throughout the solar system -- all helping us untangle the effects of the star we live with.

Previous Symposium Proceedings

A highlight of our symposium is that the event is free to all, which helps make the event accessible to students, faculty and community members from near and far. Thus, the daylong event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors (see below). Such support is greatly appreciated and essential for the advancement of academic research in the Upstate. Students involved in faculty-mentored research enter the work-force with an enhanced skill set, including better problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills in their field of study. Since many students who are educated in the Upstate of South Carolina stay in the area, support of academic research has a direct and positive impact on the Upstate.

16th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

The 16th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium was held on September 26th, 2020 as a virtual event hosted by USC Upstate and our generous sponsors. The roughly 300 participants, presenters and co-authors represented 32 colleges and universities (i.e., Allen University, Claflin University, Converse College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Francis Marion University, Greenville Technical College, John Hopkins University, Lander University, Leibnitz University Hanover Germany, Limestone College, Medical University of South Carolina, North Greenville University, Miami University, Park University, Presbyterian College, Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, Stetson University, University of Michigan, University of Missouri, University of North Carolina Asheville, University of Notre Dame, University of South Carolina Beaufort, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina Sumter, University of South Carolina Upstate, Virginia Tech and Wofford College). In addition, several community members and partners participated in the event (e.g., Chapman Cultural Center, City of Greenwood, Dorman High School, Fellowship Camp and Conference Center, Kroft State Park, Lake Greenwood State Park, Lone Oak Elementary, Partners in Active Living, Prisma Health, Safe Homes Rape Crisis Center, SC Commission for the Blind, South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, Spartanburg Area Conservancy, Spartanburg Area of Commerce, Spartanburg Police Department, Tyger River Foundation, and United Way).

2020 Sponsors and the Symposium Program Committee

Keynote Address: From alligators to astronauts: what we’ve learned and how can we apply it to help human kind 

Closing Ceremony Seminar by Korine Wawrzynski

Closing Ceremony: Helping students become more T-shaped through undergraduate researh 

15th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 12, 2019

The 15th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium was held on the USC Upstate campus on April 12, 2019. Roughly 300 participants attended the event. Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 23 colleges and universities (i.e., Allen University, Claflin University, Clemson University, Converse College, Francis Marion University, Furman University, Gardner-Webb University, Greenville Technical College, James Madison University, Lander University, Limestone College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, University of Alabama, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina Upstate and Wofford College). In addition, several other organizations participated in the event (e.g., Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, Full Circle Counseling, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Spartanburg Area Conservancy, University of South Carolina Upstate's Metropolitan Studies Institute, and the Wildlife Conservation Society).

14th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 13, 2018

The 14th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium was held on the USC Upstate campus. Over 300 participants attended the event. Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 28 colleges and universities (i.e., Campbell University, Claflin University, Clemson University, Converse College, Francis Marion University, Furman University, Greenville Technical College, Hollins University, Lander University, Limestone College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Medical University of South Carolina, Newberry College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, State University of New York, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina Asheville, University of South Carolina Columbia, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina Upstate, Wake Forest University, and Wofford College). In addition, many local high school students, community organizations and community members participated in the event.

13th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 14, 2017

The 13th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium was held on the USC Upstate campus. Roughly 400 participants attended the event. Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 23 colleges and universities (i.e., Claflin University, Converse College, Florida Institute of Technology, Francis Marion University, Furman University, Gardner-Webb University, Greenville Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, Midlands Technical College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, USC Aiken, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, and Wofford College) and many local community members.  

12th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 8, 2016

The 12th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium was held on the USC Upstate campus. Over 300 participants attended the event. Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 23 colleges and universities (i.e., Ashville-Buncombe Technical College, Claflin University, Converse College, Gardner-Webb University, Georgia Southern University, Greenville Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, Stetson University, Trinity Washington University, University of California Berkeley, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, USC Columbia, USC Salkehatchie, USC Upstate, and Wofford College) and many local community members (e.g.,Cryovac, Ethos Combatives, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville Zoo, Kerley Construction, Patewood Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Audubon Society, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Spartanburg Regional Health System, Spartanburg Public Library, Taylor’s Fire Department, and Tryon Garden Club).  

11th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 17, 2015

Our 11th symposium was hosted on USC Upstate's campus. Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 18 colleges and universities (i.e., Clemson University, College of Charleston, Converse College, Greenville Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, University of Iringa - Africa, The University of South Carolina, The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville,The University of South Carolina Upstate,  Virginia Tech, and Wofford College), the USC Upstate Scholars Academy, 4 middle/high schools (i.e.,Chapman High School, Landrum High School, Landrum Middle School, and D. R. Hill Middle School), RL Spencer Communications, Swofford Career Center, Spartanburg Area Conservancy, Spartanburg County Public Library, and the Spartanburg Regional Hospital System. The links below will take you to highlights of the event:

10th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 18, 2014

Our 10th symposium was hosted on USC Upstate’s campus and we had a record year, with over 300 participants attending the event. Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 19 colleges and universities (i.e., Coker College,  College of Charleston, Converse College, Furman University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Greenville Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, Medical University of South Carolina, North Greenville University, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Southwest Louisiana University, Southwest University of Science and Technology-China, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina Upstate, and Wofford College), the USC Upstate Scholars Academy, 4 high schools (i.e., Boiling Springs, Byrnes, Chester, and Dorman), the Daniel Morgan Technology Center, the Greenville Hospital System, the Spartanburg Area Conservancy, and the Spartanburg Public Library. The links below will take you to highlights of the event:

9th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 19, 2013 

Participants, presenters and co-authors represented 17 colleges and universities (i.e., Converse College, College of Charleston, Davidson College, Francis Marion University, Greenville Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Sherman College of Chiropractic, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina Upstate, University of Tulsa and Wofford College), the SC Department of Natural Resources, Spartanburg Day School and Dorman High School. The links below will take you to highlights of the event: 

8th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 20, 2012

7th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 15, 2011

6th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

March 26, 2010

5th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

March 27, 2009

4th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 11, 2008

  • Keynote Speakers:
    • Dr. John Stockwell
    • Mr. Ingo Angermeier
    • Dr. Rosemarie Booze
    • Dr. Michael Dorcas
  • Proceedings
  • Pictures

3rd Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

April 6, 2007

2nd Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

2006

1st Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium

2005

The Symposium Program Committee

Members of the Program and Organizing Committee for the Annual South Carolina Upstate Research Symposium work diligently to ensure a well-organized event of high-quality presentation sessions that are anchored by prominent keynote speakers. The committee members include:

Dr. Melissa Pilgrim, Symposium Chair
Professor of Biology 
Director of Research  
USC Upstate

Sher Chhetri
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
University of South Carolina Sumter

Dr. Jeff Cook
Professor of History 
North Greenville University

Dr. Lee Edwards
Faculty Fellow
Greenville Technical College

Dr. Ramόn Galinanes
Director of Undergraduate Research 
Wofford University

Dr. Latha Gearheart
Professor of Chemistry 
Physical Chemistry Department Chair 
Presbyterian College

Dr. Megan Haggard
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Francis Marion University

Dr. Randall Harris
Assistant Professor of Biology   
Claflin University

Dr. Kathryn Hix
Faculty Fellow
Greenville Technical College

Jennifer Hyder
Professor of Human Anatomy & Physiology
Spartanburg Methodist College

Christopher Kent
Director of Scholarly Activity
Sherman College of Chiropractic

Dr. Brandon Kinley
Department Chair, Science                                                  
Spartanburg Community College

Elaine Marshall
Director of Sponsored Awards 
USC Upstate

Dr. Tamara McGovern
Associate Professor of Biology 
Limestone College

Dr. Toni Sims-Muhammad
Associate Professor & Chair
Sociology and African and African American Studies
Allen University

Cherie Pressley, High School Participation Chair
Regional Workforce Adviser 
SC Department of Commerce                                                  
USC Upstate

Dr. David A. Slimmer
Dean, College of Science and Mathematics 
Professor of Physics 
Lander University

Dr. Bill Wright
Clinical Associate Professor, Physiology 
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

Map and Directions

The 16th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium will be held as a virtual Symposium on September 26th, 2020.

University of South Carolina Upstate (interactive map) Driving directions from Greenville SC.
800 University Way (driving directions) Driving directions from Greenville SC.
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Please contact the Program Committee Chair with any questions.