Cameron McCarthy, Ph.D., FAHA
Principal Investigator
Throughout my career, attenuation of cardiovascular diseases has been a consistent theme. Initially, this purpose was fulfilled through degrees in physical education and exercise science; however, since 2011 I have pursued my career in the biomedical sciences, with particular emphasis on integrative cardiovascular physiology and vascular biology. The Vascular and Integrative Physiology (VIP) Lab at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine is a continuation of these themes and through our research we strive to combat the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In my personal time I enjoy exploring parks with my family (Camilla, Emma, and Noah), trail running, and following the English Premier League and West Ham United Football Club.
Recent Highlights
Featured by the North American Vascular Biology Organization (NAVBO) as “Lab of the Month” in September 2023
American Physiological Society (APS) Shih-Chun Wang Young Investigator Award, 2023
American Journal of Hypertension John Laragh Research Award, 2021
APS Cardiovascular Section Clinical Science Young Investigator Award Sponsored by Portland Press, 2021
Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) Council on Hypertension, 2020
Grant Funding
Current
National Institutes of Health (NIH) High Priority, Short Term Project Award (R56HL169223). Cerebrovascular O-GlcNAcylation worsens diabetes-associated neurovascular injury and recovery post-stroke.
NIH SCORE Improving awareness of women with hypertension: ROAR (Rural, Obese, At Risk) (U54HL169191). Pilot Grant: The Janus face of O-GlcNAcylation in female aortic compliance and stiffening.
Completed
NIH Pathway to Independence Award (R00HL151889). Autophagy regulates β-hydroxybutyrate synthesis to prevent hypertension-associated premature vascular aging.
University of South Carolina Office of Research ASPIRE Award (180950-23-64136). Autophagy-dependent lipids in vascular physiology.
NIH COBRE Center for Targeted Therapeutics (P20GM109091). Pilot Project: O-GlcNAcylation exacerbates aortic stiffness in aging.
NIH COBRE Center for Dietary Supplements and Inflammation (P20GM103641). Pilot Project: Ketone monoester supplementation is a novel anti-hypertensive therapy.
Meet Our Team
Lab Manager
Tiereney has a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. During her time at Clemson, she worked in the Bewick Lab that focused on ecological evolution. She also served as an undergraduate teach assistant for the Human Physiology lab and Functional Human Anatomy Lab. With a strong interest in human physiology, Tiereney plans to further her education in a related field. She has experience in field work, fish work, and human physiology. Outside of the lab Tiereney enjoys cooking and playing card games with her husband and family.
Tiereney Gibbs
Research Assistant
Molly has a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of South Carolina Honor's College. Her undergraduate research in the Twiss lab focused on molecular pathways of peripheral nerve regeneration and she will continue to pursue this topic in Santiago, Chile with a Fulbright grant starting in the spring of 2026. Molly plans to pursue a PhD in biomedical research upon her return to the United States. She has experience in cell culture, mouse work, and biochemistry and molecular biology techniques in the context of peripheral nerve injury and is excited to apply her knowledge to the field of vascular physiology! Outside of the lab, Molly enjoys reading fantasy books, traveling, swimming, and watching bad movies/shows with her friends.
Molly Conway
Medical Student
Sean is an undergraduate student pursuing the accelerated undergraduate to M.D program offered by the South Carolina Honors College here at the University of South Carolina. Sean joined the McCarthy lab in September 2023 and began working with Dr. Ricardo de Paula to establish a vasculature prep protocol that will allow for the isolation and mounting of animal retinas during our vasculature studies. He will be attending the university’s School of Medicine here in Columbia and is interested in specializing in ophthalmology after completion of his medical degree. In his free time, Sean enjoys hiking, watching Formula 1, and hanging out with friends.
Sean Nampoothiry
Undergraduate
Delaney Johnson is a current junior at the University of South Carolina Honors College studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Forensics. Outside of her studies, Delaney is involved in the USC Marching Band where she plays the saxophone, and she is a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity. She also currently works at the University as a Peer Tutor for Organic Chemistry and Calculus courses. Following her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to stay at USC to complete her M.E. in Biomedical Engineering, and then has plans to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Forensic Science.
Delaney Johnson
Undergraduate Student
Olivia Hoyhtya is a senior biomedical engineering student at the University of South Carolina Honors College. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school, with an interest in cardiovascular health. She worked at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in the Quillen Lab during the summer of 2025, applying integrated omic analyses to study age-related disorders and their molecular and physiological basis. She is president of Tau Beta Pi, the university’s engineering honor society, and outside of school, she leads a youth group at a local high school.
Olivia Hoyhtya
Undergraduate
Liz Herod is a current junior at the University of South Carolina Honors College studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. Outside of her studies, Liz is involved in the college radio station WUSC as the music librarian, radio dj, and a music team leader. In her free time, Liz loves hiking, playing video games, collecting pokemon cards, and crocheting. Following her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to work as a clinical engineer with plans to move into research and development of medical devices.
Rachel Herod
Undergraduate
Kaylee Molitor is a junior at the University of South Carolina Honors College, studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. Outside the classroom, Kaylee is an ambassador and recruiter for the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, giving engaging campus tours and interviewing prospective ambassadors to strengthen the team atmosphere. She is also a brother of Theta Tau, the Co-Ed Professional Engineering Fraternity, where she has contributed to community outreach and new member recruitment. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in cardiovascular health and medical device R & D. In her free time, she loves to travel, hang out with friends, and run half marathons!
Kaylee Molitor
Alumni
| Name | Program | Current Position |
|---|---|---|
| Carolyn Willmore | 2024-2025 Lab Manager | PhD Student, University of South Carolina - Columbia |
| Miranda Hyatt | 2023-2025 Master Student | |
| Ricardo Bernardino de Paula | 2023-2025 Post Doctoral Fellow | |
| Lawren Tucker | 2023-2024 Lab Manager | |
| Tiago da Costa | 2022-2024 Post Doctoral Fellow | Assistant Professor, University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Fênix Araujo | 2022-2023 Visiting Doctoral Student | Ph.D. candidate, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation – Bahia, Brazil |
| Jake Brezner | 2022-2023 Undergraduate | Undergraduate, University of South Carolina - Columbia |
| Scott Corley | 2022-2023 Medical Student | Medical Student, University of South Carolina - Columbia |
| Olivia Gary | 2023-2023 Medical Student | Medical Student, University of South Carolina - Columbia |
| Erica Trauner | 2022-2023 Undergraudate | Lab Manager, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy |
| Andrew Nielson | 2022-2023 Medical Student | Medical Student, University of South Carolina - Columbia |
| Seth Hester | 2022-2023 Master Student | Research Specialist, Medical University of South Carolina |
| Emily Wilson | 2022-2023 Lab Manager | Medical Student, Medical University of South Carolina |
Current Open Positions