Clemson Bioengineering

Three Bioengineers awarded 2020 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

Maggie Elpers

Maggie Elpers

I am honored to have been chosen to receive the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and represent Clemson Bioengineering in this way. Most importantly, I’m so grateful for the mentorship I have received from Dr. Dean and Dr. Alexander-Bryant, who have supported me in my research interests including developing a device to inactivate HIV in breastmilk and developing a peptide-hydrogel drug delivery system for treating glioblastoma multiforme. They have helped me gain numerous skills to become a confident researcher, and I am excited to continue developing my skills while pursuing my PhD at Cornell University in the fall. Although I do really enjoy research, I also spend plenty of time doing other things! Outside of lab I enjoy hiking, traveling to new places, and finding new coffee shops and breweries.

The most impactful part of this experience and my whole undergraduate experience has been the people I’ve met and shared this with along the way.


Britney Hudson

Britney Hudson

I’m very honored to have been offered an award for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This fellowship allows me to have the fortunate opportunity to continue my graduate research and commit more time to its advancement. My current research goals involve exploring the role of chemical and mechanical stimuli in bladder dysfunction.

I’m also happy and grateful to have a strong support system. not only from my family, but also from my lab, my mentor Dr.Nagatomi, and the whole BIOE department. While the lab is my home and where I spend a lot of my time, during my downtime, I express myself creatively through painting and drawing.


Megan Pitz

Megan Pitz

I am honored to have been chosen to receive the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. I would like to thank my friends, family, mentors, and labmates for supporting me in my endeavors and helping me reach this achievement. I feel very fortunate to work in the Nanobiotechnology Lab with Dr.Alexander-Bryant as my advisor, where I am working on developing a peptide-based delivery system for chemotherapy and gene therapy for treatment for glioblastoma multiforme. In the future, I hope to pursue a career involving a combination of research, scientific communication, and public policy.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy anything outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and backpacking! My favorite place to be is on top of a mountain. After taking a few years off from theatre and ballet, I also hope to find my way back to the stage during my time in Clemson! When I’m not in the mountains or dancing around the house, you can find me reading or crocheting with my two cats.