The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina offers academic programs and research opportunities in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and nuclear engineering led by experienced faculty. USC-ME is a Tier 1 research department, ranked #31 nationally and #1 in the state by the National Research Council. The Mechanical Engineering Department at UofSC is among the front-runners in innovation and technology and boasts one of the largest mechanical engineering programs in South Carolina. With approximately 900 undergraduate students, 180 graduate students and 34 full-time faculty, 5 full-time instructors, and 11 staff members, the department provides world-class, diverse, interdisciplinary, and cutting-edge engineering education to our students. High-quality engineering education is a key activity conducted within the Mechanical Engineering Department at UofSC across a range of courses ranging from introductory general engineering skills to highly specialized cutting-edge concepts. It is critical that students are well-educated inthe fundamental concepts of general and mechanical engineering so that they can be developed into competent, successful engineers to make meaningful contributions to the engineering community.

Mechanical engineering students, Annsley Gray, Michele Lunga, Matt Moore, and Evan Watson under the direction of the course instructor, Dr. Joshua Gray, corporate sponsor, Dr. Subramani Sockalingam, and faculty advisor, Dr. Odell Glenn, created a project entitled "Novel Demonstration Kits for Fundamental Mechanical Engineering Concepts" aimed to create a learning environment that would prove successful for studentsattempting to pass two historically rigid classes in the mechanical engineering department to further their degree achievement. The senior design team developed in-class demonstration kits incorporating novel approaches on the following key concepts related to EMCH 200, Statics and EMCH 260, Solid Mechanics: Force and moment equilibrium, Moment of inertia, Friction, Stress-strain, Mohr’s circle, Beam bending, Torsion, and Material failure. The team engaged in weekly meetings with the project sponsor and faculty mentor, market research, as well as interaction with students in these courses. Product Specifications were established through discussion and student testimonials during EMCH 200 classes and Supplemental instruction sessions. Ensuring that these needs are met will guarantee the project sponsor and their goal of consumer satisfaction.

The three design concepts were #1, "The Length Game Design". Students will use the torque along the length of a wrench (also known as the moment arm) to find the force exerted on the wrench. The mechanical engineering students constructed the wrench from pre-manufactured ratchets.  The topics covered in this game are torque, mechanical advantage, and moment. Three topics for which concepts have been considered difficult for students to initially grasp.

The 2nd design concept entitled "Seasaw Demonstration"  Moments and equilibrium design concepts were implemented here. Students used a 3D-printed design with premanufactured weights. In this design, students are given an unknown weight and a known length ratio for each side. They will then use the force balance equation to determine the weight needed on the other side to balance the seesaw.  

Design #3 was entitled "3D Vector Plot Diagram". Visualizing 3-D can be very difficult for students to grasp especially in freshman and sophomore-level courses. Here students use strings on a smaller-scaled 3-D cube to simulate the x, y, and z-axis. The goal is to get students to visualize 3-D components.

All 3 of these designs have been developed and are ready to be implemented in classrooms for trial testing.

Annsley Gray is a senior mechanical engineering student having internship experience in manufacturing settings with reliability engineering and will be working at Sylvamo

In 2008 the real estate crash took Daniel out and he lost everything. He turned to drink and had nothing. He lost the house the cars, the toys, the money, and worst of all...custody of his children. After he got sober he started back into the business. He jumped back into the mortgage business and had massive financial success. Searching for his purpose, he then became a Coach, where he trained Realtors on lead gen and sales. And yet even after he had achieved all his goals and had all of the money he wanted (he had the house, the cars, the toys, the family life) he was still unfulfilled. He felt empty. This is when God stepped in...he told Daniel that his purpose was much bigger than what we were doing and that if he had the courage to listen to his direct guidance, he would be massively emotionally fulfilled and finally be living his true calling. This is where Godspeed with Daniel and this powerful App that connects people and puts people in direct conversation with God, called The God Walk App, was born. Now he lives a life of true fulfillment, a life most men could only dream of, not only having the money, the body, and health, the love of his life but also waking up every day talking with God and living his true purpose making a massive impact on the World.

Dr. Rosemary Downer earned her doctorate degree in child psychology from The University of Maryland College Park in 1997. She served at The U.S. Department of Agriculture as a social science researcher for 20 years and as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University for 24 years. She is now retired from both positions and is currently a private consultant doing research and evaluation and also doing what she dreamed of doing for years, and that is to write nonfiction books to edify the body of Christ.

Today, Dr. Rosemary Downer writes nonfiction Christian books both to challenge and inspire the body of Christ. She is a published author of The High Call of Forgiveness, It's A Mandate, The Self-Scarred Church, The COVID-19 Test: Church or God? Religion or Relationship? and several parenting handbooks. Additionally, she is the author of a comprehensive ministry development course--Find and Occupy Your Place and the Continuum of Care Youth Ministry Development Handbook. Dr. Rosemarie Downer is also the founder and former president of 15 years of BRYDGES (Building Responsible Youth by Delivering Genuine Enrichment Services)

Dr. Rosemarie Downer is a dedicated follower of Christ who aspires to having the closest relationship with Christ possible. Her service in the body of Christ primarily involves teaching and preaching. She also spent well over 30 years serving in youth ministries. Other focus areas in her ministry include women and single adults. As well, she often ministers on issues that address emotional healing and well-being. She counts every opportunity to minister an ultimate privilege from God the Father and does not take it lightly.

​The pivotal scripture verse for her ministry is 3 John 2 – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Her most favorite Bible verse is Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Her favorite Bible character is Moses because he had the relationship with Abba Father that she so very deeply desires. Moses was able to talk to God the Father face-to-face and without riddle because of the close relationship he had with Him. That is her desire!  One can contact Dr. Rosemarie Downer through her website at https://www.booksbyrosemarie.com and purchase her books through Amazon.

LaShae Foster was born in Yeadon, Pennsylvania and is now a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va.  LaShae Foster works as a casualty supervisor for an insurance company. In addition, from her employee, she holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and has become a leader within this space to ensure fair and inclusive treatment of employees and those whose interact with her. 

Lashae Foster is also the author of "Young King Soar" - a book on encouragement and affirmations while navigating in a world where worth is not always acknowledged.  Lashae's future aspirations include publishing other books geared towards young girls of color very similar theme to Young King, Soar 

Lashae Fosters hobbies include exercising, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. One can purchase her work through amazon.com and Lashae can be contacted directly through email  at [email protected]. 

Annice McCall was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and is currently working towards a second Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security with aspirations to work as a compliance analyst following graduation. Annice is currently  a manager of "Quality Interventions "at a Fortune 500 Health Insurance Company. Outside of work, Annice is currently working on improving her craft and technique in illustration and plans to collaborate with LaShae Foster on future projects.

Annice McCall is also planning to publish her own children’s books on Cyber Security as well as grief/loss processing. Annice McCall's hobbies include art, DIY home renovations, listening to audio books, going to the beach, and spending time with her dogs. Annice can be contacted [email protected].

Moshe Goldstein teaches sixty-two biology students at Ner Israel Rabbinical College. Moshe graduated Ner Israel Rabbinical College with a Bachelor’s in Talmudic Law. Currently, Goldstein is attending Towson University to attain a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. He has experience working for Technica Corporation on the AI research and development team, enhancing a network security machine learning engine that detects anomalous network packets. He has also spent time interning for an intellectual property law firm that focuses on patents and trademarks.

For his work in Computer Science, he received the Mid-Atlantic CIO Forum award and the Doris K. Lidtke Excellence in Service Award for outstanding excellence in Computer Science at Towson University. Moshe has served as a panelist for Towson University open houses discussing his journey into Cyber Security and Mathematics. 

His hobbies are playing piano, reading, helping others and staying curious. He is an EMT with membership in a local EMS organization. Moshe believes that the best time to start is when you are younger and wants to encourage more people to go after their dreams. 

Moshe decided to write this book because of his passion for helping others. He wants to support and encourage young people to create something for their own. In this vein, Moshe wants to change the way people perceive starting businesses and encourage more people to do so.

Often described as a creative and out-of-the box thinker, there is no problem that he is not willing to take head on. This passion drives him to relentlessly pursue not just the easy answer; but to find long lasting solutions to problems. Having a well-rounded experience of many different subjects allows Moshe to understand the daily struggles of all people and come up with solutions to problems that are laser focused. Overall, Moshe loves to see people succeed. 

In STARTERMINDSET, Moshe Goldstein interview 14 young (16-25 year old) professionals, each coming from unique and diverse backgrounds; who tell their stories and share their motivations to succeed. These stories range across all industries showing that, with the right mindset and motivation, prosperity is within reach.  In his book, you will discover where to go with your concept and the steps needed to create a lifelong career. Goldstein explores the idea that while young and inexperienced, these individuals have had a tremendous amount of success. Their experiences show the power of everyday people to encourage significant and lasting change in society. In the world today, opportunities are abundant for those who have the initiative and take that first step---STARTERMINDSET proves just that.  You can order a copy of the book on Moshe Goldstein's website at  www.statermindset.com

Jamal Jivanjee is a best-selling author, podcaster, and full-time life coach. As an author with over 25 years of experience working with people in various stages of personal struggle and challenges, after traveling to many cultures around the globe, and now as a full-time life coach, Jamal has discovered the common roots of human suffering along with the sustainable solutions required to help people become liberated and empowered. Jamal is passionate about serving individuals, couples and groups on the path toward enlightenment, wholeness and liberation.  Though helping to identity and clear energetic systems of belief that create fear, disharmony and disease, Jamal seeks to restore awareness of the ever present and unitive divine flow of abundance, good will and love that exist for us all physically, mentally and spiritually.

Jamal was raised in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in a religious home, his father a devout Muslim and his mother an equally staunch Catholic. is parents were bound by their intellectual curiosity and their shared passion for books, which they passed along to their son. Driven in part by his voracious appetite for meaning and significance, Jamal came to the faith in Christ as a young adult and heard the call to ministry. He served as the pastor of his local church for a number of years until his personal journey eventually led him away from institutional religion altogether.

Jamal started his work life as a corrections officer, then reemerged as the leader of his local church before ultimately transforming into a life-coach and writer. The path he traveled might seem random at first glance, but his explanation of exactly what he learned from each profession makes it clear that each step taken would not have occurred without the experience of the previous step.

While interacting with prisoners, Jamal discovered that he loved working with people who were in desperate need of help due to a life of hardship. From that point on, each subsequent move he took made perfect sense in the evolution of becoming who is he today.Jamal’s evolution is relevant to countless Americans’ paths today. Thousands quite their jobs en masse in The Great Resignation after coming to a collective epiphany that the pandemic forced them to discover. They weren’t happy. We all know that jobs or careers can leave us feeling unfulfilled, but should they leave us feeling downright miserable?

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement and feeling disrespected at work were the top reasons why Americans quit their jobs. The survey also found that those who quit and are now employed elsewhere are more likely than not to say their current job has better pay, more opportunities for advancement and more work-life balance and flexibility.Why does it take something enormous like a global pandemic for us to declare that we deserve better?Jamal likes to ask those who are looking for guidance -- what if you were told by your doctor that you had six months to live? How would your day today change? How much time and energy would you spend on drama and arguing with others? The point he makes is that we must not waste time waiting for the weekend or a vacation, much less retirement or even the promise of heaven itself. Living needs to begin today.

Jamal Jivanjee's many services can be found on his website at www.jamaljivanjee.com.

Dr. Alonzo Johnson graduated from Claflin University with a B.A. in Religious Studies and a minor in philosophy. He then went to receive a Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, Master of Philosophy, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Union Theological Seminary. Known as a self-starter, builder and visionary, and a consummate team player in the course of his career, academia, the church, and the business world, Dr. Alonzo Johnson has and continues to enjoy both the pleasure and the awesome responsibility of facing the challenges that come with establishing, nurturing and directing institutions that serve the public good. He credits his experiences in graduate and undergraduate academic institutions that helped shaped him in fully understanding each challenge that public and private institutions face as they seek to serve students and the demands of accrediting agencies.

Dr. Alonzo Johnson has served on the Board of Trustees of theInterdenominational Theological Center for nearly two decades. During much of this time, he has served on and chaired the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board; working up close with two cycles of  SACS & Association of Theological Schools 10-year Accreditation Reaffirmation preparation.  He is deemed as an experienced team builder, working within institutions and building partnerships with outside community-based entities.

Dr. Alonzo Johnson is an ordained elder in the Church of God in Christ and is both pastor and founder of The Universal Outreach Church in Irmo, South Carolina where he has successfully led the church in the growth of its membership, ministries, programs, and budget, culminating in August 2016 with the purchase of the multi-million-dollar campus in Irmo, SC.  The church is strongly community-focused in vision and ministry.

On the state level, Dr. Alonzo Johnson serves as the assistant bishop to the South Carolina Jurisdiction. Duties consist of the training of clergy and laity,  supervision of pastors, overseeing church plantingand administration for sixty-five congregations in South Carolina.

On the national level, Dr. Alonzo Johnson serves in the capacity of Executive Consultant & Commissioner, The Church of God in Christ – Memphis, TN where he has had the responsibility of developing unified systems for the delivery of training for clergy and laity throughout the world, serving 5-million members, 25,000 congregations, and 12,000 pastors. In this role he developed the curriculum for the training of clergy throughout the denomination; led in the establishment of the denomination’s school, All Saints Bible College, Memphis, TN; reorganized the denomination’s system of Bible Colleges, and developed the structure for the online delivery of ministry training programs.

In the secular world, he is the Owner of Agape Health Services, LLC – Irmo, SC which is a provider for Medicaid Adult Day Care and Home Health Services. In academia, Dr. Alonzo Johnson currently serves as Associate Professor of Theology, Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary (Allen University)—Columbia, SC whose Primary area of responsibility is in teaching core and upper-level courses in theology and ethics, participation in student advisement, doing scholarly research, and participation in public service events within and outside of the university community. He has served as a Professor of Religious Studies at The University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC. He was Responsible for the development and teaching of all courses on African Americans, Caribbean,Latin American, and African Religions. Taught graduate and undergraduate courses and taught in the Honors College, African American Studies Programs, the USC degree programsfor incarcerated men, as well as core curriculum classes. Dr. Alonzo Johnson also served as Assistant Professor at Benedict College – Columbia, SC where he taught core religion and philosophy courses for the core curriculum.

Dr. Alonzo Johnson is also the author of several

Pam Hill received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. She went on to receive her master's degree in International Development and Finance from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. Today she is an entrepreneur and CEO of a multi-million-dollar real-estate company, a business and money expert, a former Fortune-500 executive, and founder of My Smart Cousin.  Pam's main goal is to help Black and Brown folks, and especially women, understand their money, increase their accountability and build generational wealth.

 

Growing up, her mother told her on how she got her interested in math by telling her that people could cheat her out of her allowance otherwise. “Really?!” she said wide-eyed, hugging her cigar-box bank with its cache of pennies, quarters and dimes to my chest. “Really,” she said with finality, plucking a few nickels from the box to show the dastardly ease with which such crimes could be committed. From then on math became Pam's new best friend as she used fingers, toes and everything else to count her haul from flower seed sales in elementary school, candy in junior high and earnings from jobs and businesses. 

 

For most of us, talking about math is about as much fun as getting our last two teeth pulled.   First, most of the math one need to know to run a business and understand numbers is grade-school math— that’s right, good ol’ fashioned ‘rithmetic. Second, research shows that the anxiety many women and Black and Brown folks have about math is based on society (affectionately known as, The Man) constantly telling us that numbers are just not for us. But research also tells us that women investors and diverse team outperform White-men only teams.

So, take a deep breath, and stick with Pam, because you can do this — you can do the kind of math you need to level-up your entire life.

The biggest recurring theme Pam sees with folks in the six-figure income category is that while they know their way around business and money topics at a high-level (let the choir say, Amen!), we don’t know the ins and outs of our money.  That is, how much money are we keeping of the money that we’re making? Or, how much do we own, really own (read, no credit card or loans on it)? And the reasons are varied, but usually some combination of:

We’re scurred: that’s right, quaking-in-our-boots don’t-tell-nobody scurred to see what’s going on with our finances.

We don’t know where to start: that’s legit— see above section about The Man holding us down.

Our accountant/bookkeeper/financial advisor is handlin’ it: this is the worst of all reasons. Your accountant/bookkeeper/advisor’s job is to put your numbers in a report every week or month. Your job is to open said report (yes, I know, kinda obvious, but I know some of y’all out there don’t do even this much), analyze it, compare it against your financial goals (note, goals are not, ‘I want to be rich’) and build your wealth accordingly.

This is the driving force behind My Smart Cousin. As a money expert and former Chief Financial Officer of a $1 billion company, Pam's goal is to help you cozy-up to your finances, understand exactly what they’re telling you, and develop a business and wealth roadmap based on your numbers, with weekly check-ins, so that you can know your numbers like the boss that you already are in your business and life, and build real wealth.

To any outsider, D. Neil Elliott was highly educated, owned a profitable consulting firm, and had a successful career and an amazing wife and family. But things were not all they seemed to be … Neil was facing a lot of challenges. In a phrase, he was in a dark place. Quite by accident, he discovered a Higher Road. As he traveled that road, he found the key to transforming his life.

Over the course of the following year, Neil lifted himself to an inner state of love, peace, joy, and abundance. His perspectives on life changed entirely. His troubles and tribulations were his impetus to find the key that enabled him to revolutionize his life. He learned that the search for a better life does not entail positive thinking, saying affirmations, chanting mantras, or traveling to India to sit at the feet of a guru—or any other popularized method of “finding yourself.” …The key? To ascend in both spiritual perception and truth, you need to use the right process to break through your entrenched, human-ego barriers. For nearly three decades, Neil read hundreds of self-help and spiritual books and took self-development courses. All of them offered hope for change and improvement, but nothing fulfilled his needs or genuinely delivered on its promises.Neil’s desire—and his new mission in life—is to share the knowledge he gained and the process he used on his journey to self-awareness, together with the blueprint document he discovered that was instrumental in transforming his life. He wants to give you, regardless of your station in life, the tools and opportunity to empower yourself, transform your life, and draw peace, joy, love, and prosperity into your personal situation and environment. Neil believes that as more and more people follow this Higher Road to true spiritual perfection, a New Era of Love and Peace will dawn for everyone throughout the world.