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SCbio Foundation Awards $9,000 in Grants to Support South Carolina Life Sciences Internships

The SCbio Foundation awarded $9,000 in grants to three South Carolina college students to support their summer internships at life sciences companies within the Palmetto State.

Elizabeth (Libby) Rizzo, a senior majoring in business at the College of Charleston, will intern at the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, an organization that independently evaluates and manages the intellectual assets owned and generated by the Medical University of South Carolina. Its mission is to bring groundbreaking medical advancements from ideation to commercialization.

Aidan Tomsik, a rising senior in biomedical engineering from the University of South Carolina (Columbia), received an internship at Rhythmlink International, a company that designs, manufactures and distributes medical devices. The organization is recognized as a leader in its field for providing the essential physical connection between patients and diagnostic equipment for recording or eliciting neurophysiologic biopotentials.

Lernix Williams, a Ph.D. student in biomedical science at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (Columbia), has received an internship at Carolina Biologics, a biotech startup developing a natural peptide-based approach to treat heart failure. The emerging company provides solutions with fewer side effects, is a natural anti-inflammatory and shows potential to prevent heart failure.

“This year’s recipients reflect the diversity of opportunities across South Carolina’s life sciences sector,” said Translational Science Solutions Founder and SCbio Foundation Chair Kathryn Becker. “We are proud to support students gaining hands-on experience across varying roles and locations statewide.”

Foundation grants are awarded annually to qualifying South Carolina college students who have received an internship at a life sciences company within the Palmetto State. Funds are allocated for housing and transportation expenses during the internship period.

The SCbio Foundation was established to enhance the development and growth of South Carolina’s life sciences industry ecosystem by strengthening the state’s workforce, education, innovation, and research infrastructure. In line with SCbio’s mission, the foundation’s vision is to create the nation’s most industry-friendly and innovative life sciences ecosystem and business environment to fuel the knowledge economy in South Carolina. To support the foundation and learn more about its programs, visit https://scbiofoundation.org/.

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.