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Daybook/Story Ideas
ATTENTION ...... Metro, Health, Environmental, Broadcast Editors: University to collaborate with Harvard on microbe research The University of South Carolina’s Environmental Genomics Core Facility (EnGenCore) is collaborating with Harvard University to evaluate the merits of using a rapid method of DNA sequencing for environmental microbiological research. The process, known as 454 pyrosequencing technology, could be a major step for researchers in cataloguing the vast genomic diversity of microbial life, a quest of monumental significance because microbes influence every aspect of the planet’s natural history -- from rock formation to remediation of contamination caused by humans. Dr. Joe Jones, director of the EnGenCore Facility, is available by appointment to discuss the collaboration and the university’s role in the research. The facility is located in the Arnold School’s Public Health Research Center on Assembly Street.
For information and to arrange coverage, call Karen Petit at 803-777-5400.
ATTENTION ...... Metro, Environmental and Broadcast Editors: Civil-engineering research on levees relevant to Midwest floods Cities along the Mississippi River are bracing for the worst as flood waters threaten to destroy levees. On Tuesday, authorities closed a major bridge between Iowa and Illinois as levees were being topped with sandbags to hold back the rising waters. Dr. Hanif Chaudhry, a professor of civil engineering at the University of South Carolina, has a grant of more than $2 million from the National Science Foundation to study levee breaches and dam failure. The research stems from studies that Chaudhry has conducted after the levee breeches that flooded New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
To arrange interviews, call Karen Petit at 803-777-5400.
ATTENTION ...... Metro, Broadcast Editors: Photo exhibit shows homelessness through eyes of homeless A photography exhibit will show the plight of Columbia’s homeless through the eyes of the homeless beginning Thursday, June 20, at the Columbia Museum of the Art. The exhibit is a photo voice project by University of South Carolina psychology professor Dr. Brett Kloos and graduate students Greg Townley and David Asisamah. The project, “While I Breathe I Hope: Columbia Homeless Share Their Stories Through Words and Images,” features 35 photographs taken by 16 homeless individuals. Several of the photographers, along with the university researchers, will be at the opening event from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Thursday at the museum. The project is intended to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges of the homeless.
To arrange coverage, call Peggy Binette at 803-777-5400.
ATTENTION ...... Metro, Education and Broadcast Editors: Guide to help families prepare for college to be released A guide designed to help South Carolina families prepare their children for college will be introduced at 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, in the Statehouse lobby. Prepared by the Alliance for Research on Higher Education, the book is designed to demystify the college planning and application process and help parents and students understand how to seek out and apply for financial aid. Speakers will include Catherine Watt, editor of the guide and director of the alliance, which is located at the Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson University, and Dr. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University. Chapter authors, who represent 14 state agencies, also will be available to answer questions. Reporters will receive a free copy.
To arrange coverage, call Catherine Watt at 864-656-0847 or Margaret Lamb at 803-777-5400.
ATTENTION ...... Education, Business and Broadcast Editors: Brightest minority students to attend Wachovia Business Camp Thirty of the brightest minority high-school students from the Carolinas and Georgia will attend the Business at Moore Summer Camp June 21 – 27 as part of a scholars program funded by a $1 million gift from the Wachovia Foundation. The program, in its second year, allows rising high-school seniors to learn about business development and create a business plan for a new start-up enterprise and to experience college life. As a group, they are among the top 3 percent in their class, with an average GPA of 4.5 and SAT of 1250. This fall, 15 students who attended the camp last year will enter the university. The camp offers local media two reporting opportunities. A banquet for camp students and their families will take place 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, in Capstone House; Darla Moore will speak. Six students from last year’s camp who will enter the Moore School this fall also will attend. On Friday, June 27, camp students will present their business plans to faculty and Wachovia business executives between 10 – 11:30 a.m. and from 1: 45 – 4 p.m.
To coordinate coverage, call Peggy Binette at 803-777-5400.
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