March 28, 2022

SEC Announces Dr. Jeffery Twiss Wins 2022 Faculty Achievement Award for University of South Carolina

By: SEC Staff
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Dr. Jeffery Twiss, Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named winner of the 2022 SEC Faculty Achievement Award for the University of South Carolina, the SEC announced on Monday.

Holder of the SmartState Endowed Chair in Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Dr. Twiss is internationally regarded as a leader in the field of molecular neurobiology where his research helped to develop a new field of study for mRNA transport and localized translation in axons. He uncovered previously unrecognized mechanisms that promote nerve regeneration and has leveraged those discoveries to develop new therapeutic targets for increasing recovery after traumatic injury of nerves, brain, and spinal cord. Dr. Twiss has received more than $24 million in extramural grant funds with continuous support since 1994. He also developed the SmartState Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, which aims to identify  novel strategies to treat disease and encourage neural repair.

“The University of South Carolina and our students have benefited from Dr. Twiss’s success in building research programs and intertwining research, clinical experience and education,” said Dr. Stephen Cutler, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of South Carolina. “His ability to bring intellectuals together is instrumental for expanding neuroscience research at both university and state levels, and he is a model for achieving sustained, impactful research excellence while teaching and mentoring students as they identify and pursue their passions.”

To receive an SEC achievement award, the faculty member must have achieved the rank of full professor; have a record of extraordinary teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level; and have a record of research that is recognized nationally and/or internationally. University winners will receive a $5,000 honorarium from the SEC and will become their campus nominee for the SEC Professor of the Year Award, which will be announced later this month.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Jeffery Twiss.