Posted on: August 5, 2026; Updated on: August 5, 2026By
Gregory Hardy, ghardy@sc.edu
Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology in the Arnold School of Public
Health and director of USC’s Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research,
has received the 2026 South Carolina Governor’s Young Scientist Award for Excellence
in Scientific Research
It honors her nationally recognized work to understand and prevent infectious diseases
that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations while improving public health
in South Carolina and around the world
The South Carolina Academy of Science, which sponsors the award with the governor’s
office, presented it to her at the Statehouse on Aug. 5
“Growing up in a rural, disadvantaged town, I know the challenges some Americans may
face,” Nolan says. “My work seeks not only to push the boundaries of our scientific
and medical understanding, but to always bring those discoveries back to those most
in need.” Her work focuses on communities that are often overlooked. Nearly 38 million Americans
live below the federal poverty line, which for a family of four means a household
income of about $33,000 per year or less.
“We want to make sure that this group is not forgotten and that cutting-edge medical
knowledge is within reach for all South Carolinians and all Americans,” Nolan says
An epidemiologist whose research spans Latin America and throughout the United States,
Nolan studies vector-borne infectious diseases, maternal and child health and the
environmental factors that drive disease transmission. She and her team have advanced
new approaches for monitoring ticks and mosquitoes, predicting outbreaks of mosquito-borne
diseases, improving disease screening through telemedicine and investigating emerging
public health threats ranging from West Nile virus to neglected parasitic infections.
Her work combines advanced data science with practical strategies to protect communities
before outbreaks occur
“I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible people. This recognition is
a testament to the dedication and hard work of the talented trainees, staff and colleagues
at USC,” Nolan says. “I hope this honor reflects the impact and value of infectious
disease research.”
Beyond her scientific achievements, Nolan has become one of the Arnold School’s most
trusted public voices on emerging infectious diseases. She translates complex scientific
findings into clear, practical information that helps families, community leaders
and policymakers make informed decisions
“Dr. Nolan has built an innovative research program that combines scientific excellence
with a deep commitment to improving public health,” says Daniela B. Friedman, the
Arnold School of Public Health’s associate dean for research and leadership development.
“Her work on infectious diseases has advanced our understanding of emerging health
threats while ensuring that the findings inform public health practice. We are delighted
to see her receive this honor.”
Wednesday’s ceremony also saw the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research
awarded to Susan Richardson, USC’s Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry
