Month: March 2026

Kelly Willemssens has been recognized with Clemson’s Global Classroom Teaching Award for her outstanding Education Abroad course in Costa Rica, BIOL 4490/4491 Field Ecology, which gives students the opportunity to experience science in a global context while conducting field-based learning.

Follow Willemssens and her students during their adventures in Costa Rica on Instagram —@EcoAbroadWithDrW — where she’ll share the science, the fieldwork, the behind-the-scenes chaos and the magic of learning ecology in the places that teach it best!

The Relentless Challenge grant will support Clemson University’s project, “Bridging STEM and Entrepreneurship: A Paired Course Model for Commercialization Readiness.” The initiative connects STEM and business students through a coordinated two-course sequence that takes ideas from scientific discovery through market validation, prototyping, and investor-ready pitches. By integrating experiential training, mentorship from industry and startup leaders, and direct connections to South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem, the program aims to help students translate research into high-impact, investable ventures and strengthen the state’s pipeline of commercialization-ready talent.

2026 Relentless Challenge Grant Awards Announcement