Print Header

Student News

Palmetto/Moore Research Team Gains Practical Experience


Eleven undergraduate students are gaining practical experience in economic development through their work with the Palmetto Institute, a nonprofit research organization dedicated to improving the average incomes of South Carolinians.

A collaboration begun two years ago between the Palmetto Institute and the Moore School provides opportunities for juniors and seniors to work on research related to various projects of the Institute, for example, a look at the potential for a biofuels industry in South Carolina. The Institute is chaired by the Moore School’s benefactress and Lake City native, Darla Moore.

Members of the Palmetto/Moore Research Team include:

PM07_Fox Lucas Fox is a junior who is majoring in business with minors in Spanish and Japanese. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Fox also serves as a University Ambassador for the USC Visitor Center. His career goal is to work in emerging markets in Latin America or China.
PM07_Palka

Vanessa Palka is a senior majoring in international business and finance with a minor in French. A native of Greer, South Carolina, she plans to pursue a law degree post-graduation. She is also a University Ambassador, serves on the Carolina Student Judicial Council, and is treasurer of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
  PM07_Williams Daniel Williams is a senior majoring in international business and marketing. A native of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Williams runs track for the USC track and field team, competing in long-distance events such as the mile, 3000m, 5000m, and steeplechase.
  PM07_Scheidt

Tara Scheidt is a junior majoring in international business and economics. Born in Pearl River, Louisiana, her family moved to North Carolina when she was nine. In her spare time she engages in artistic endeavors ranging from pottery to interior decorating.
  PM07_Jokl

Tomas Jokl is a senior majoring in finance and economics. A native of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, Jokl’s family moved to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, when his father accepted an offer to conduct research in endocrinology at MUSC. He is an intern with the South Carolina Retirement Systems Investment Commission and would like to become a portfolio or hedge fund manager and eventually start his own company.
  PM07_O'Connor

Jared O’Connor is a senior majoring in finance and management with a minor in economics. His plans are to work in investment banking before returning to school to work on an International MBA. A native of Great Falls, Montana, O’Connor is a student of Aikido and is currently working on obtaining his brown belt.
  PM07_Quattlebaum

Adam Quattlebaum is a senior majoring in accounting and finance, with a directed study in economics. A native of Saluda, South Carolina, he plans to attend USC’s Master of Accountancy program after completing his undergraduate degree, and to later become a certified public accountant. He is active in Beta Alpha Psi at USC and the Carolina Finance Club. He works for Red Bull North America as Campus Brand Manager and volunteers at Epworth Children’s Home.
  PM07_Stewart

Kali Stewart is a junior majoring in international business and finance with minors in Russian and Spanish. A native of Franklin, Tennessee, she plans to pursue a career in corporate investment. She serves as vice-president of Delta Delta Delta at USC, and is a member of the Honors College, the Carolina Finance Club, USC’s Sorority Council, and Carolina’s Executive Board for Dance Marathon 2008.
  PM07_Davakos

Telly Davakos is a junior majoring in international business and finance with a minor in Spanish. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, he also serves as a page to the Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives and has held the role of Chief Page since November. He is a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the Honors Council. Davakos volunteers with Water Missions International, a nonprofit organization that provides sustainable water sources to Third World countries.
  PM07_Hamilton Megan Hamilton is a senior accounting major with a minor in psychology. A native of Alvin, South Carolina, she plans to enter the USC Master of Accountancy program and pursue her CPA license after completing her undergraduate degree. At USC she serves with Beta Alpha Psi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and SHARE (Sexual Health and Rape Education) Peer Leaders.
  PM07_Hedgecoe Last but not least, Elizabeth Anne Hedgecoe will serve as Research Team Student Leader. Hedgecoe is a senior majoring in international business and marketing with a minor in Russian. A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, she enjoys traveling and has been to Russia, Thailand, England, and Costa Rica.

Gail Crouch
August 2007