South Carolina CoEE

What is the COEE Program? Legislation & Guidelines CoEE Review Board Program Flowchart

Benefits of Investment Testimonials Partners Contact

Current Centers Current Chairs

Economic Impact Start-up Companies Technology Transfer

Current Chairs

Some of the nation’s top researchers have been recruited to South Carolina through the Centers of Economic Excellence Program. This group of world-class scientists is working on discoveries that will save lives, improve products, and increase safety.

Available CoEE chair positions

		Dr. Robert Adams CoEE Endowed Chair in Stroke at MUSC Dr. Adams' research is in the field of clinical neurology, with a focus on preventing strokes and on developing new ways to deliver stroke care to patients. Working with the American Stroke Association, Adams is spearheading a program to help hospitals obtain designation as a certified Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare (JCAHO) Stroke Center. The certification is designed to better prepare hospitals to provide comprehensive stroke treatment. Adams is currently assisting a number of sites in the Lowcountry that want to improve their acute stroke care. He has established the REACH MUSC program, which connects MUSC neuroscience specialists with partner sites via the Internet to provide round-the-clock stroke care. In his mission to web-enable hospitals, Adams helped develop the company REACH Call, Inc. REACH Call provides system equipment, software and decision support for urgent specialist consultations via the Internet. Reach Call also aids remote sites in emergency evaluation and treatment of acute stroke. Dr. Adams is affiliated with the CoEE in Stroke at MUSC (USC is a partner institution).

		Dr. Gary Aston-Jones William H. Murray CoEE Endowed Chair in Neuropathology at MUSC Brain mechanisms of motivation and cognitive processes are at the center of Dr. Aston-Jones’ work, with particular emphasis on attentional deficits in certain mental disorders. Problems with brain attentional functions are believed to be behind conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and autism. In fact, Dr. Aston-Jones’ research helped lead to a new drug treatment for ADD. His other work has applications for better determining the specific processes involved in learning, dementia, addiction, and depression. Dr. Aston-Jones’ work has the potential to improve the lives of countless individuals and could help grow South Carolina’s presence in the life sciences industry. Dr. Aston-Jones is affiliated with the CoEE in Neuroscience at MUSC.

		Dr. Brian Benicewicz USC Nanocenter Chair of Material Science and Engineering Dr. Benicewicz’s research has primarily been in the areas of high-temperature fuel cell membranes, polymer synthesis, conducting polymers, and liquid crystalline polymers and thermosets. Now he is helping South Carolina play a leading role in the future of nanoscience and plastics. Nanoscience can be used to help the state’s plastics industry develop new products and improve existing ones. The Palmetto State is one of the nation’s top producers of plastics, specifically polymers that are used to manufacture packaging products for items such as juices, water, soft drinks, household cleaners, and cosmetics. Dr. Benicewicz’s research funding includes grants from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and various private industry entities. Dr. Benicewicz is affiliated with the CoEE in Polymer Nanocomposites at USC.

		Dr. Marc Chimowitz Countess Alicia Paolozzi CoEE Endowed Chair at MUSC Dr. Chimowitz researches treatments to prevent stroke caused by narrowing of brain arteries. This field of research is especially relevant in South Carolina, which has the nation’s second-highest mortality rate from stroke. Dr. Chimowitz has received funding from the National Institutes of Health for a $28.5 million clinical trial, which he will lead from MUSC. This is one of the largest extramural research grants in state history. The trial involves patients at more than 50 sites across the country and will study the value of using stents to prevent strokes in patients whose brain arteries have hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerotic stenosis). Dr. Chimowitz is affiliated with the CoEE in Stroke at MUSC.

		Dr. Todd H. Hubing Michelin Endowed Chair in Vehicle Electronic Systems Integration at Clemson University Today’s automobiles, trucks, trains, and planes depend on electronic systems to control virtually every aspect of vehicle operation. At CU-ICAR’s Carrol A. Campbell Jr. Graduate Engineering Center, Dr. Hubing’s research focuses on methods for integrating these systems to significantly improve vehicular safety, performance, and reliability. His research team also is developing more efficient methods for distributing electric power in automobiles to allow hybrid and electric-powered cars of the future to be lighter, more powerful, and more energy efficient. Dr. Hubing is affiliated with the CoEE in Electronic Systems Integration at Clemson.

		Dr. Simon Hudson Endowed Chair in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management at USC Tourism is one of the largest industries in South Carolina—and the world. Dr. Hudson’s research focuses on tourism as a driver of economic development, with the goals of (1) creating a one-stop resource of advanced information and intelligence for tourism industry stakeholders and (2) improving South Carolina’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. Dr. Hudson is an internationally recognized tourism expert who has written books on golf tourism, the international ski industry, sports and adventure tourism, and tourism marketing. Dr. Hudson is affiliated with the CoEE in Tourism and Economic Development at USC.

		Dr. Thomas R. Kurfess BMW Chair in Manufacturing at Clemson University Dr. Kurfess focuses his research on precision systems, controls, automation, and robotics. The results of his work are currently being used in a variety of manufacturing environments, helping U.S. companies compete in the global market. In addition to automotive-related research, Kurfess is also preparing the next generation of engineers to work in the complex systems and global environment of today’s automotive industry. Dr. Kurfess is affiliated with the CoEE in Automotive Manufacturing at Clemson.

		Dr. John J. Lemasters CoEE Endowed Chair in Advanced Technologies at MUSC Dr. Lemasters is a pioneer of techniques that allow scientists to see what happens inside an individual cell during reoxygenation—the restoration of oxygen to an organ following oxygen deprivation, which sometimes occurs following a heart attack or stroke. The process of redistributing oxygen to an organ can be stressful on tissue, leading to possible trauma and even cell death. Dr. Lemasters specializes in a kind of microscopy that allows scientists to view slices of an individual cell, much like CAT or MRI scans complement the more traditional X-ray by allowing doctors to view the body in layers. Other applications for Dr. Lemasters’ work include understanding the mechanisms through which the liver is injured by chronic alcohol use and donated organs are damaged while being held for transplant surgery. Dr. Lemasters is affiliated with the CoEE in Cancer Drug Discovery at MUSC (USC is a partner institution).

		Dr. Martin Morad BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Health at USC Dr. Morad is an internationally recognized scientist in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and calcium signaling, specifically in the area of calcium-binding proteins. The cardiac muscle is a complex system composed of 40,000 proteins. These proteins “tell” the heart how to contract and how fast; they also control how heart muscle grows and regenerates. Calcium acts as a signaling mechanism in the function of these proteins. Dr. Morad seeks to discover what causes these calcium signaling mechanisms to stop working properly, which can result in congestive heart failure. Understanding this process could lead to new therapeutic approaches to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions. His work could lead to the world’s first tissue-derived human heart pacemaker. A biological pacemaker derived from genetically engineered cells has great commercial viability as a replacement for current pacemaker technology made from artificial materials. Dr. Morad is affiliated with the CoEE in Regenerative Medicine at MUSC (Clemson and USC are partner institutions). Morad holds faculty appointments at all three institutions.

		Dr. Paul Morgan CoEE Endowed Chair in Brain Imaging at MUSC Dr. Morgan is an established innovator in the applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), especially related to the quantification of microscopic diffusion of water in tissues as a sensitive measure of subtle brain damage. At MUSC he leads a team of scientists dedicated to translational medical research—applying advanced MRI techniques to better understand both the development of various neurological diseases and the effect of new treatments. Areas of focus include neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, with a particular interest in sensitive measures of patients with psychological problems, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. Morgan has also spent considerable time using MRI to assess stroke patients and children with brain tumors. His appointment as director of the Center for Advanced Imaging Research, which recently received a state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner from Siemens Medical, will create many opportunities for facilitating translational medical research involving MRI. Findings could potentially lead to commercial developments in a number of industries, including medical device manufacturing and image analysis software technology. Dr. Morgan is affiliated with the CoEE in Brain Imaging at USC (MUSC is a partner institution). Morgan holds faculty appointments at both MUSC and USC.

		Dr. Jay Moskowitz CoEE Endowed Chair in Clinical and Translational Research at USC Dr. Moskowitz is working to bring together healthcare systems, providers, and researchers to enhance patient care through clinical trials and interchange of electronic patient records. By increasing medical information sharing in the state, first responders and medical teams will have instant access to an individual’s medical history. This easier access could raise the level of care as well as the efficiency and profitability of South Carolina’s health care providers and help attract companies within the medical information sector to the state. Dr. Moskowitz is recognized as a leader in biomedical research and research policy administration with more than 35 years of experience in federal government, academic medicine, and research. Dr. Moskowitz is affiliated with the CoEE in Healthcare Quality at USC (Clemson and MUSC are partner institutions). Moskowitz holds faculty appointments at all three institutions.

		Dr. Jihad S. Obeid CoEE Endowed Chair in Biomedical Informatics at MUSC Dr. Obeid is a top expert in research databases and web-based clinical research systems, and he is known nationally for developing innovative software to manage complex datasets in clinical settings. He will work with information technology professionals throughout South Carolina to develop software and infrastructure that help researchers share data and collaborate across hospitals and universities. By making clinical trial information easier to collect and analyze, medical informatics systems enable researchers to conduct rigorous studies and more easily compare the effectiveness of different treatments for a given disease. This allows treatments to move from the lab to the patient faster and more efficiently. Dr. Obeid is affiliated with the CoEE in Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Safety at MUSC (Clemson and USC are partner institutions).

		Dr. Kenneth Reifsnider CoEE Endowed Chair in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells at USC Dr. Reifsnider’s research is in the field of mechanical engineering, with a focus on the way that materials “behave”—their durability, damage tolerance, and the way they perform over time. His particular interest is in fuel cell science and engineering—creating practical and marketable fuel cells and systems that can meet future energy needs and benefit society. Fuel cells are continually replenished with fuel and thus provide a continuous supply of electric power without running down like a battery. Solid oxide fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy. Applications for these fuel cells include large-scale power distribution for municipalities, rural areas, and industries, as well as heat and power for homes. They could also provide mobile power for computers, cell phones, and other electronics. Solid oxide fuel cells are highly efficient; operate with a number of fuels, including renewable fuels; and produce very low amounts of greenhouse gasses and pollution. Dr. Reifsnider is affiliated with the CoEE in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells at USC.

		Dr. Iain Sanderson CoEE Endowed Chair in Medical Informatics at MUSC Dr. Sanderson leads initiatives in medical informatics across the state’s four largest healthcare delivery systems and three research universities. The goal of his work is improving the quality of healthcare in South Carolina by creating secure databases for medical records that make it easier for multiple healthcare systems to share vital information that is relevant for clinical trials and research. These improvements would raise the level of care as well as the efficiency and profitability of South Carolina’s health care providers and could also help attract companies within the informatics field to the state. Dr. Sanderson is affiliated with the CoEE in Healthcare Quality at USC (MUSC and Clemson are partner institutions). Sanderson holds faculty appointments at both MUSC and USC.

		Dr. John J. Schaefer Lewis Blackman Endowed Chair for Patient Simulation and Research for Health Sciences South Carolina Dr. Schaefer is an international expert in healthcare simulation who is working to reduce patient injury and improve medical outcomes. In South Carolina, he is developing training, equipment, and software programs that will make South Carolina a leader in the medical simulation field. One important aspect of Schaefer’s work is his development of a collaborative network of medical simulation centers across South Carolina. These centers are widely used to train physicians, nurses, and students. They include machines that simulate heart attacks, births, emergency room traumas, and more. The simulation centers allow healthcare providers to practice their skills in a controlled, risk-free environment, rather than in an actual patient setting. The use of this innovative training method results in better healthcare outcomes and increased patient safety. Dr. Schaefer is affiliated with the CoEE in Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Safety at MUSC (Clemson and USC are partner institutions).

		Dr. Charles D. Smith Charles and Carol Cooper Chair in Pharmacy at MUSC Dr. Smith works to design new drugs to fight cancer by unlocking molecular mechanisms important for tumor growth. This research could also enable the development of new drugs to fight a variety of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, and diabetic retinopathy. Under Smith’s leadership, MUSC’s Center for Drug Discovery has investigated additional conditions including pain, liver injury, and stroke. Working in collaboration with other Center researchers, he has identified a new target in cancer cells. Smith’s research could be integral to the growth of South Carolina’s life sciences industry. From research largely funded by the National Institutes of Health, Smith holds nine patents in his field. Dr. Smith is affiliated with the CoEE in Cancer Drug Discovery at MUSC (USC is a partner institution).

		Dr. Rita Snyder CoEE Endowed Chair in Health Informatics Quality and Safety Evaluation at USC Dr. Snyder’s work emphasizes the use of health information technology to improve health care quality and safety. Snyder will focus on the integration and use of health information technology in South Carolina’s statewide network of medical simulation centers, which involve computerized mannequins that realistically simulate dozens of human functions. The goal of the centers is to provide a low-risk and high-quality educational environment for future clinicians to learn complex and high-risk health care procedures, such as medication administration and central line management. Snyder’s research addresses the impact of health information technology on clinical decision making in a simulated environment, and the impact of simulation learning on patient care quality and outcomes in real health care settings. Dr. Snyder is affiliated with the CoEE in Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Safety at MUSC (Clemson and USC are partner institutions).

		Dr. Richard Swaja CoEE Endowed Chair in Regenerative Medicine at MUSC Dr. Swaja’s work is focused on regenerative medicine—the application of tissue engineering principles to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues and organs. The goal of this work is to advance current medical practice by enabling in vivo (inside the body) regeneration of damaged tissues to return them to full functionality and in vitro production of tissue for transplantation when regeneration is not possible. Dr. Swaja is also working to build South Carolina’s bioengineering capabilities by developing statewide research, education, and economic development programs that bridge the physical and life sciences and increasing technology transfer between research institutions and industry. Dr. Swaja is affiliated with the CoEE in Regenerative Medicine at MUSC (Clemson and USC are partner institutions). Swaja holds faculty appointments at both MUSC and Clemson.

		Dr. Kenneth Tew The John C. West Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at MUSC Dr. Tew is an international leader in cancer drug discovery and development. His earlier research was pivotal in the design of treatments for hormone refractory prostate cancer. More recently his research has been instrumental in the late-stage clinical testing of three novel drugs; one shows promise in treating ovarian and lung cancer, and another has potential as a modifier of bone marrow mediated immune function. Tew is also working to understand how cancer cells develop resistance to different drugs. As part of that work, discoveries have suggested links between cancer and Alzheimer’s; the creation of a new knockout mouse (genetically engineered with one or more inoperable genes) may provide a useful model for studying these diseases. Dr. Tew is affiliated with the CoEE in Translational Cancer Therapeutics at MUSC (USC is a partner institution).

		Dr. Melanie Thomas Grace E. DeWolff Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology at MUSC Dr. Thomas is a leading expert on gastrointestinal cancers. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers include those of the stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and elsewhere in the GI tract. Research within this CoEE will include searching for new targets (proteins that play a role in the disease process and are the intended sites of drug activity) for GI cancer treatment and identifying new ways to screen for GI cancer. At MUSC, Thomas will develop a clinical trials program for liver cancer and will work with others to develop a robust research portfolio and clinical trials in other GI cancers within the CoEE. Currently, she is the principal investigator for 17 clinical trials, several of which are international. Dr. Thomas is affiliated with the CoEE in Gastrointestinal Diagnostics at MUSC.

		Dr. Paul Venhovens BMW Chair in Automotive Systems Integration at Clemson University Dr. Venhovens is a leader in the field of automotive systems integration; he brings both academic and industry perspectives to his role at Clemson's International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). Venhovens' research focuses on the testing of vehicle systems and their components to ensure efficient and safe operation. His research addresses the increasingly complex needs of the worldwide automotive industry as a growing number of sophisticated electronic and mechanical systems must be smoothly integrated to create the cars of today and tomorrow. Dr. Venhovens is affiliated with the CoEE in Automotive Systems Integration at Clemson.

		Dr. Richard A. Webb CoEE Endowed Chair in Nanoelectronics at USC At the University of South Carolina, Dr. Webb is researching new quantum devices for use in computer electronics and information technology. Webb’s scientific accomplishments include fabricating some of the world’s smallest electronic circuits, which could open the door to smaller, higher-performing electronic devices. Current products based on his discoveries include sensors to diagnose heart problems and monitor internal faults in metal structures. These electronic circuits also have military applications. Part of Webb’s work includes harnessing the spin of electrons—an important key to developing new low-power devices for future electronic applications. Webb’s work has high commercialization potential in a variety of industries and could help grow South Carolina’s presence in the advanced electronics field. Dr. Webb is affiliated with the CoEE in Nanostructures at USC.

		Dr. John Ziegert Timken Chair in Automotive Design and Development at Clemson University Dr. Ziegert is helping automotive companies be more competitive by improving the precision of their components and processes. Ziegert’s research is focused on designing instruments and machines for use in high-precision measurement and manufacturing. At the Clemson’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), Ziegert and his team are developing friction management and power transmission solutions to improve vehicle reliability and performance and reduce vehicle weight. Dr. Ziegert is affiliated with the CoEE in Automotive Design and Development at Clemson.

return to home page