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South Carolina’s Lowcountry: Where Life + Science Thrive

SCbio, in partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce, continues to showcase South Carolina’s rapidly expanding industry, define its sectors and attract companies and individuals alike to “Build the life—and the science—that propels the future.”

Its latest video features Jesse Goodwin, chief innovation officer at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), who shares how South Carolina is the place for companies shaping the future of the life sciences and provides the ideal mix of professional opportunity, personal fulfillment and quality of life.

Located in downtown Charleston at the heart of MUSC’s campus, Blue Sky Labs is a key part of MUSC’s growing innovation ecosystem across South Carolina. With over 6,300 square feet and 20+ lab spaces, Blue Sky Labs offers tenants access to all the necessary tools for life science and medical research. Additionally, our landing space offers access to office suites, versatile meeting spaces ranging from small to large conference rooms, communal worktables and vibrant networking opportunities.

The full campaign, “Life + Science,” underscores how South Carolina’s ambitious, world-class life sciences ecosystem offers a welcoming community for companies, scientific researchers, and other organizations looking to blaze a new trail in the life sciences.

In 2024, the S.C. Department of Commerce released its strategic framework for economic growth, the guide for the state’s economic development efforts to increase its competitiveness for new business and capital investments. Through data-driven research, S.C. Commerce identified the life sciences as one of three long-term areas of focus to enhance economic prosperity.

About SCbio

SCbio is the definitive, unifying leader in South Carolina’s life sciences sector, fostering authentic collaboration and innovation across academia, startups, government and established enterprises. As a member-driven economic development organization, SCbio represents more than 1,000 organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals. Our members are unified by a mission to positively impact humanity through science across the ecosystem of advanced and specialty manufacturing; digital health and the data frontier; and cutting-edge health specializations. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, or to become a member, visit SCbio.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.