As another semester ends, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute says goodbye to four interns. These students helped curate content, plan events and spread the message of the Institute. The Fall 2024 intern class shares their highlights and future plans.
Kyler Blose, Events Lead
Kyler with the Tiger Cub at RECESS
1. What was your favorite memory/experience with RHBSSI?
My favorite experience was RECESS. I’d never done anything like that before, and I knew this was different because it catered to people helping push me toward my new career, and I wanted it to be impactful. It ended up being such a fun night, and I was able to network and oversee the event while actively participating in the experience demos that were presented. My favorite memory is the clean-up after our holiday party; this team makes it so easy to laugh and have fun that the work doesn’t feel like work. Listening to Christmas music, hanging out with the team, and enjoying my last few days as a Clemson student made the whole experience special.
2. What advice would you give to future interns?
The biggest thing is to keep an open mind and never doubt your abilities. Accepting new challenges was the only way I could grow, and I gained so many important skills that I have since carried with me into the next chapter of my life. Ask as many questions as possible and never be afraid to ask others for opinions or ideas; collaboration is really important, and knowing how to work with others on business-style projects is a skill that will make life much easier when you enter your specific career field.
3. How has RHBSSI helped you with your future career goals?
Before joining RHBSSI, I was a Recreation Intern at the City of Easley Parks and Recreation Department, where I helped with large-scale events, community program initiatives, and the basics of recreation management. Coming to RHBSSI helped me expand on the skills and knowledge I gained during my time with the Easley Rec team; I could apply what I learned previously to a new assignment, be extremely hands-on with my events and act as one of the main voices. During my time with RHBSSI, I could also practice my vendor coordination skills, hone my professional language and establish career goals for myself.
4. What are your future plans? (graduation, jobs, goals, etc.)
After my December graduation, I will join the City of Clemson Parks and Recreation Department as their new Community Programs Coordinator. I will be making my four-year stay in Clemson a little more permanent, staying close to the different University departments, and exploring life as a Clemson resident. I am so excited for this next chapter of my life, but I will miss being an intern with RHBSSI; this has been such a wonderful experience, and I could not recommend it enough!
Taylor Erdman, Communications Lead
Taylor (left) managing registration at RECESS
1. What was your favorite memory/experience with RHBSSI?
My favorite memory would have to be helping to organize and promote RECESS, our inaugural sports science symposium! It was inspiring to see so many talented individuals come together to share their passion for sports science. Not only was the event fun and educational, but it also brought our team of interns closer together.
2. What advice would you give to future interns?
Be proactive! Take the initiative to suggest ideas, whether for social media, events or other projects. The Institute is a place where creativity and innovation are valued, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
3. How has RHBSSI helped you with your future career goals?
Working for RHBSSI has given me hands-on experience in managing a social media account, a skill that’s invaluable within the sports communication industry. My involvement with the Institute has also deepened my understanding of the intersection between sports, science and communication, which I hope to leverage in future roles.
4. What are your future plans? (graduation, jobs, goals, etc.)
Next semester, I’ll be interning full-time for the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame as their Digital Content Creator/Marketing Intern. I’ll be graduating in May, hoping to pursue a career in sports media or public relations.
Grace O’Donnell, Writer/Editor
Grace in CUFSAE’s Tiger 24 Formula One car at RECESS
1. What was your favorite memory/experience with RHBSSI?
This is probably going to be everyone’s answer, but RECESS for sure. I loved meeting so many new people with shared interests, and had a genuinely fun time doing set up and tear down with the team. The event was a huge success too and I am so proud to be part of the inaugural one!
2. What advice would you give to future interns?
Future interns – become friends with your teammates! It’s so much easier to get things done when you’re all on the same page, and when you truly look forward to meetings because you know you’re going to have fun it makes a world of difference.
3. How has RHBSSI helped you with your future career goals?
RHBSSI has been my favorite internship EVER! John and Kayla are the best bosses and showed me how parts of the professional world work. RHBSSI has helped improve my interview skills and translating those rough interview transcripts into impactful stories, and helped me realize that my truest passion lay in sports journalism.
4. What are your future plans? (graduation, jobs, goals, etc.)
After I graduate this December, I plan to stay in Clemson for the spring semester and start the job hunt while continuing to work part time at Rick Erwin’s. I love the Clemson community so much, and I’ll never really be ready to say goodbye. I’m looking for any jobs in the world of football, specifically writing focused, but I’ll take anything that keeps me involved with the sport that I love so much.
Katie Gerbasich, Events and Writing Assistant
Katie at the Institute’s holiday party
1. What was your favorite memory/experience with RHBSSI?
I really enjoyed the holiday Christmas party. It is was such a nice way to end the semester. I got to spend the event hanging out with my fellow interns for the last time. The decorations were so cool from Brooksland to the cookie decorating, it was adorable. Then we got to watch the sunset over Watt with hot chocolate. Even, tearing down after the event was fun because of the people there.
2. What advice would you give to future interns?
Go to as many events as possible! The RHBSSI sponsors a lot of guest speakers and even if the speaker doesn’t align with your goals there is still information to be gained. Everyone has a unique story and insights. They want to help you. Going to these events are also a great way to build connections.
3. How has RHBSSI helped you with your future career goals?
RHBSSI has definitely helped me build my professional communication skills. I’ve been able to build a greater network for future endevors. It has also helped me realize all that is entailed within Sports Science. There are so many disciplines or fields one could go into. This has been so exciting to learn about and something I’m interested in pursuing.
4. What are your future plans? (graduation, jobs, goals, etc.)
Next semester I will be a Clemson Baseball Analytics Intern. I heard about this position through RHBSSI and I am so excited to learn more about the side of sports. Analytics has always been a passion of mine. I hope to eventually have a career in sports analytics or communications.
Natalie Bell, Graphic Designer
Natalie and the Tiger Cub at RECESS
1. What was your favorite memory/experience with RHBSSI?
My favorite memory was RECESS! The team and I worked so hard for months on logistics and graphics, so it was very rewarding to see the event come together. It was a huge success and it was very rewarding to see attendees use collateral that I designed.
2. What advice would you give to future interns?
Set up a project management system early! Excel was a perfect way to keep track of all my internship assignments and due dates.
3. How has RHBSSI helped you with your future career goals?
RHBSSI has given me experience in a completely different area of marketing than I was used to. I have always worked on the business side of marketing, so it was a fun experience getting to work on marketing sports-related events and research!
4. What are your future plans? (graduation, jobs, goals, etc.)
I will graduate in May of 2025, and I hope to work at an agency as a graphic designer!
A Note from RHBSSI Leadership
The RHBSSI Fall 2024 Intern Team
We wish to thank our fall students for their hard work and dedication this semester! They put in some long hours for our RECESS Symposium and took the lead on a variety of projects.
Looking ahead, the Institute will welcome one returning and four new Clemson students to the intern team for Spring 2025:
Graphic Designer – Natalie Bell, Department of Graphic Communications (returning)
Events Lead – Keeleigh Bush, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Communications Lead – Evelyn Lane, Department of Marketing
Writer/Editor – Griffin Barfield, Department of Communication
*New* Technical Communications Specialist – Nicole Souza, Department of Bioengineering
In 2023, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute launched an internship program for students interested in sports communication and event management. Since then, the program has increased the number of interns each semester to help promote the mission of the Institute. Many of those interns have recently graduated and have shared how Clemson University and RHBSSI have helped their postgraduate careers.
Fall 2023
Kayla FitzWilliam, Communications Intern
Where are you now? I am currently in the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program at the University of South Florida getting my M.B.A and M.S. in Sport and Entertainment. I have a fellowship with USF Bulls Club (which is the donor arm of USF athletics, similar to IPTAY) and am a graduate assistant with the College of Business.
What has been your proudest project or accomplishment since graduation? I just graduated in May, but so far, I would say making it into this grad program is something I’m very proud of. The VSEM program is ranked the 3rd best sports postgraduate program in the world. Even in the short time I’ve been in this program, I have had the opportunity to meet and network with some of the top leaders in the sports industry and gain experience in a multitude of areas.
How did Clemson help you in your career now? Many of the classes I took at Clemson have made the transition to graduate-level classes much easier. Having to take classes outside of my major as a business student at Clemson prepared me for the variety of classes I now take in grad school. Outside of the classroom, the opportunities and organizations I got involved with at Clemson not only helped me grow as a professional but as an effective communicator and teammate as well.
What skills or experience gained from your internship with RHBSSI do you find most valuable now? In my internship with RHBSSI, I gained valuable experience in communication, content creation, and audience engagement. Having the opportunity to explore different areas, including event planning, social media, and communications, gave me experience that I have been able to utilize in my current roles as a graduate assistant and fellow. Interviewing students and staff around campus and writing blog posts highlighting their achievements really strengthened my verbal and written communication skills, which has translated to the work I do leading students in my GA position and in speaking with donors in my fellowship with USF Athletics.
What are your future career goals/plans? Following my graduation from the VSEM program, I hope to work for either a sports team or company doing sports marketing and partnerships. Right now, I’m still trying to figure out whether I want to be on the team side or brand side but either way, I know I want to be involved in the sports and events industry.
Are there any opportunities in your field that you know of that we should share with current Clemson students? Applications for the VSEM program are now open for next year and I encourage anyone that is interested to apply and reach out to me with any questions.
Spring 2024
Lauren Crumley, Events Intern
Where are you now? I am a postgraduate intern at the NCAA in championship operations, located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What has been your proudest project or accomplishment since graduation? My proudest accomplishment since graduation has been my personal and professional growth!
How did Clemson help you in your career now? Clemson helped me tremendously with my career now. During my time at Clemson I was able to learn about what was important to me, to develop my interests, and to grow my skills in areas such as communication and leadership. All of these have impacted me greatly in my career so far. I was also a student-athlete at Clemson, something I am very grateful for and learned a lot from. Being able to be a small part of granting that same life-changing experience to future student-athletes is something I’m very passionate about.
What skills or experience gained from your internship with RHBSSI do you find most valuable now? My role at the NCAA is very events focused. My time as an events intern at RHBSSI helped teached me the ins and outs of what goes into event planning and operations, which is something I definitely take with me into my daily work now.
What are your future career goals/plans? After my internship at the NCAA is completed, I hope to continuing working in events role in sports, ideally for a conference office or a national level organization of some kind.
Are there any opportunities in your field that you know of that we should share with current Clemson students? I could not recommend the NCAA Postgraduate Internship enough! The structure of the program is so intentional and really helps you grow as a young professional. Outside of your growth in your position, you are given so many opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development with over 30 other like minded young professionals.
Justin Robertson, Communications Intern
Where are you now? I am a sports reporter for The Winchester Star in Winchester, Virginia.
What has been your proudest project or accomplishment since graduation? Since taking my new job, I have had to cover high school sports on a daily basis. While I had some freelance experience covering them during my time at Clemson University, I had never worked full-time on covering high school sports. Over the last three months, I have learned so much about the journalism field and how to tell stories that make an impact on the community.
How did Clemson help you in your career now? It’s tough to put into words just how much my time at Clemson has helped me in my career. Along with my experience in the classroom, my time at Clemson’s student newspaper, The Tiger, played an instrumental role in my development as a person, leader and reporter. Between the countless hours and late nights in The Tiger’s office and the 100-plus Clemson sports games and events I covered, working as a student journalist opened up the opportunities I have today. Becoming the sports editor and the associate editor of the newspaper also helped me become a better leader and develop a better work ethic. Working as an intern for the RHBSSI during my final semester was also a great experience to close out my time at Clemson. Not only did I gain valuable experience, but I learned more about the academic side of the school and the valuable research that the Institute’s fellows and staff do on a daily basis.
What skills or experience gained from your internship with RHBSSI do you find most valuable now? Running the Institute’s blog and social media platforms gave me valuable experience that I use every day. From interviewing faculty members to creating graphics and flyers, the marketing side of the internship taught me how to promote an event and work with other departments. Creating a brand and developing it for the Institute was also a skill that I find valuable today.
What are your future career goals/plans? I have only had my current job for three months, but I plan on continuing to work at The Winchester Star and growing as a writer, reporter and journalist.
Are there any opportunities in your field that you know of that we should share with current Clemson students? I will always promote joining The Tiger to any student. While joining the student newspaper may sound one-dimensional, The Tiger literally has something for everyone, regardless of their interests. Between writing, podcasting, photography, design, art, layout and a whole host of other opportunities, The Tiger has opportunities for every student on Clemson’s campus.
Current undergraduate Clemson students interested in becoming a part-time RHBSSI intern for Spring 2025 can apply here by November 29.
John DesJardins, Ph.D., on Oct. 18 at the Launchpad
The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) recently sponsored the Brook T. Smith Launchpad’s first annual Sports Entrepreneurship Symposium on October 18 in downtown Clemson. Interim Director, John Desjardins, participated by speaking on sports science and sports education at Clemson University.
Clemson offers more than 55 courses in sport, spanning colleges and disciplines – everything from the history of sports in the modern world in the Department of History and Geography, to kinesiology in the Department of Biological Sciences. Overall, more than 15 departments participate in sports education at Clemson, spanning 7 colleges.
“It was a pleasure to sponsor and participate in the Brook T. Smith Launchpad’s first-annual Sports Entrepreneurship Symposium. The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute exists at Clemson to work as a platform for the multidisciplinary study of sport. It is great to see so many Clemson alumni going on to work in the sports field – and then return to share their knowledge and experience with Clemson students!”
John DesJardins, Ph.D., interim director of the Institute
The Sports Entrepreneurship Symposium consisted of multiple panel discussions with professional speakers from numerous sports disciplines. Topics ranged from AI’s impact on data analysis to new business opportunities through NIL. Attendees were encouraged to explore opportunities in the sports entrepreneurial ecosystem and learn skills to accelerate their careers.
Click here to learn more about the Brook T. Smith Launchpad, Clemson’s entrepreneurial hub. Click here for a list of courses at Clemson that delve into sport.
Placed among mini golf holes and poster presentations, live demonstrations and activities representing the sports sciences will be on display at the Institute’s RECESS Symposium on October 24. Located in the Madren Center’s Grand Ballroom, the demonstrations will include:
Headgear Impact Performance: Greg Batt, Ph.D.
The Clemson Headgear Impact Performance (CHIP) Lab at Clemson tests the strength of sports helmet faceguards. According to Batt, these masks are made to protect players from many injuries but fail more often than one might think. Using a pneumatic canon, the impact on the helmet is recorded. Testing in the lab, done by students, hopes the data collected will one day make sports safer for everyone. The CHIP Lab will demo various equipment at RECESS like helmets, a head and neck form, a hammer and a computer that will be used to acquire acceleration response of the head. The team will be available to discuss more about the outcomes of their testing and answer questions.
Rowing Motion Capture: Anthony Marino and John DesJardins, Ph.D.
Collegiate rowing is the oldest intercollegiate sport in the United States, and has a prestigious historical tradition among American universities dating back to 1852 (Harvard Magazine). Unfortunately, the sport has long been considered a men’s-only sport it took over 100 years for women gain recognition. A collaboration between Clemson Bioengineering and the Clemson Women’s Rowing program has investigated questions specific to women’s rowing and enhanced the training, health and performance of our athletes. A 3D motion capture technology has been used at Clemson to test novel foot plates during rowing. At RECESS, participants will be able to interact with this system and learn more about the outcomes for rowers.
Virtual Reality Soccer: Felipe Tobar, Ph.D.
Tobar’s research initiative integrates virtual reality (VR) technology, electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, and artificial intelligence (AI) to understand the experiences of Olympic and Paralympic soccer athletes using VR simulators for training purposes. The long-term goals of this project are to develop more effective VR soccer training experiences that enable skill transfer to improve on-field player performance for competitive athletes, and develop more inclusive VR soccer experiences, both as training tools and for recreation, for persons with disabilities. Participants at RECESS will enter a simulation to experience real soccer gameplay by making quick decisions on the field and passing forward. Challenge yourself and enjoy a cutting-edge, sports-based VR technology that merges fun with athletic training.
Exoskeleton Demonstration: Jessica Avilés, Ph.D.
Exoskeletons are devices worn outside the body to assist with movement. They come in a wide variety for the upper and lower body, some powered by batteries and motors, some by hydraulics and some by springs. Avilés’ research aims to help people with spinal cord injuries find the best exoskeletons and training plans so they can participate in sports. Her goal is to turn exoskeleton racing into a Paralympic and collegiate adaptive sport.
Open Cap Makerless Motion Capture for Hamstrings: Reed Gurchiek, Ph.D.
Gurchiek’s makerless motion capture technology, Open Cap, measures an athlete’s hamstring pain. He has developed a wearable device that uses a passive elastic band to assist the hamstring muscles during running. This device is designed to rehabilitate hamstring strain injuries more effectively than is currently possible, addressing a growing and widespread problem as hamstring strains are currently the most prevalent time-loss injury in field-based sports. Currently being tested, the device should reduce hamstring muscle activity without altering running motion. Get familiar with this technology when you attend RECESS.
The Physics of Breakdancing: Amy Pope, Ph.D.
The conservation of angular momentum can be demonstrated using a rotating stool and weights. When a person sits on a frictionless rotating stool with arms extended while holding weights, they start spinning at a certain speed. As they pull the weights inward, their moment of inertia decreases and to conserve angular momentum, their rotational speed increases. This demonstrates how angular velocity adjusts to changes in the moment of inertia when no external torques act on the system, similar to how breakdancers, divers or skaters spin faster by pulling in their limbs. Give it a go at RECESS!
A Demonstration of Force Measurement using Force Plates and Accelerometer: Adam Schiferl, Clemson student
This demonstration presents an interactive approach to understanding introductory kinematics and mechanics by leveraging sports to make physics concepts more relatable. Participants will kick a soccer ball in a controlled way and get force readings. Analysis of this data will explain the force vs. time graph stage by stage illustrating how forces acting on an athlete vary during different phases of exercise.
“Tiger 24,” A Student-Designed Formula One Race Car: Clemson Formula SAE team
The Clemson University Formula SAE (CUFSAE) team is a student-run organization dedicated to designing, manufacturing and competing with a formula-style race car. They aim to provide students with the tools to learn relevant skills while exploring the possibilities of employment in the automotive industry. This year’s student-designed Formula One race car, the Tiger 24, which has been competing in student competitions across the nation, will be on display and the team will be available to answer questions.
To view all these amazing live demonstrations at RECESS, RSVP here.
Paul Buyer, professor of music and director of percussion at Clemson University, has always been influenced by sports and books on leadership, culture, excellence, teamwork, success and program building.
Paul Buyer, music professor and director of percussion at Clemson University
In 2012, his book Working Toward Excellence was published. The book identifies eight values for achieving excellence to assist others. Following the success of his first publication, Buyer is working on a second edition set to be published in 2025.
Buyer’s initial inspiration for his book started after a ‘pretty good but not excellent’ percussion ensemble performance. Leading up to the concert, students were described as apathetic. They were arriving late and not making progress. Afterward, one student confessed his lack of confidence and preparation to Buyer, who then went home and reflected on how this happened.
“It was an uneasy feeling that still sits with me today,” Buyer said. “But it also inspired me to think bigger, creatively, and turn things around. While I couldn’t control what already happened, I could control my response. Working Toward Excellence was that response to what was missing in our culture, actions, and performance.”
Following the initial publication, Working Toward Excellence was gifted to Clemson transfer students and students on academic probation. Buyer was invited to speak at Transfer Orientation, Success Matters Workshops, Bridge Convocations and the Clemson Coaches Council.
Buyer’s first edition of Working Toward Excellence
“My first invitation to speak was for the Clemson University Coaches Council, a meeting with all the coaches from every sport to share ideas on leadership, culture, and success. Clemson’s athletic director at the time, Terry Don Phillips, had a daughter in the Clemson marching band and was a friend and supporter of the band program. When Dr. Phillips asked me to speak to the Coaches Council about my book, I eagerly accepted! I knew being on stage in front of all the coaches would be like entering the lion’s den. What could I, a music professor, possibly have to say about excellence that the coaches didn’t already know? Would I be able to connect with them? Would I be able to hold my own? Although I was experiencing imposter syndrome, there was a reason I was invited to speak. Not only had Dr. Phillips read my book, but he also wrote a testimonial for the back cover and believed his coaches would benefit from what I had to say. He believed in the book, and he believed in me. I wanted to prove him right and did everything in my power to prepare and add value to his coaches.”
-Paul Buyer, an excerpt from the second edition of Working Toward Excellence
Buyer’s work with Ball State University, University of Arizona and Clemson University marching bands over the last 30 years has also allowed him to travel to National Championship games, the College Football Playoffs and multiple bowl games around the country.
The new second edition will feature the latest research, fresh stories, and two new ‘non-negotiables’ for achieving uncommon success: simplicity and sacrifice, according to Buyer.
Buyer and Clemson Percussion ensemble
“I would say I am most looking forward to the second edition reaching a new audience, as well as those loyal readers who read the first edition and are excited about the new book,” said Buyer.
Working Toward Excellence will be on display at RECESS, the Institute’s inaugural sports science research symposium. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5-8 p.m. in the Madren Center’s Grand Ballroom. To RSVP to this event, click here.
The Clemson University Formula SAE (CUFSAE) team is a student-run organization dedicated to designing, manufacturing and competing with a formula-style race car. They aim to provide students with the tools to learn relevant skills while exploring the possibilities of employment in the automotive industry.
The Fall 2024 CUFSAE team
This past weekend, the CUFSAE team travelled to Pennsylvania to compete in the annual Pittsburgh Shootout. They took their newest formula-style race car, Tiger 24, to the competition and had a great experience.
The team placed an impressive 6th overall out of 23 competing internal combustion (IC) teams. On Friday night, they passed the technical inspection part of the competition and then competed in all three dynamic events – autocross, acceleration and skidpad – placing in the top 10 in each event.
They faced a few difficulties throughout the weekend, but were able to overcome them and perform great. To learn more about their experience in Pittsburgh and what they have coming up, check out their Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Tiger 24 competing in Pittsburg the weekend of Sept. 14
CUFSAE has a variety of sponsors that they credit with making their projects possible, giving them the opportunity to apply their education and learn within this unique international competition. As one of their sponsors, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) is thrilled to celebrate this success and wishes the team the best of luck with the rest of their season.
CUFSAE has agreed to showcase one of their Formula One cars at RECESS, RHBSSI’s inaugural sports science research symposium. The event will take place on Thursday, October 24 from 5-8 p.m. in the Madren Center’s Grand Ballroom. To RSVP to this innovative and fun event, click here.
After a successful summer semester, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute welcomes four new and one returning intern for fall. These students come with excellent qualifications, fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that they will bring to the Institute.
Grace O’Donnell
Grace O’Donnell, a senior Sports Communication major from Allentown, NJ, is the Institute’s writing and editing intern for the fall 2024 semester. In her role, she will interview faculty and students and write meaningful content about sports science research and creative endeavors happening at Clemson.
“I am so excited to work with the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute and help further their mission in any way possible,” O’Donnell said. “I am passionate about bringing real people’s stories to life and constantly finding unique, innovative ways to showcase their accomplishments.”
O’Donnell also serves as the sports editor of The Tiger, Clemson’s student newspaper. There, she oversees a staff of 25 reporters looking to put their personal touch on stories related to Clemson Athletics. Her experience in this role will enable her to dive deeper into each profile, paragraph and sentence for the semester ahead.
Katie Gerbasich
Katie Gerbasich, a sophomore Sports Communication major from Houston, TX, is the Institute’s events and writing assistant for the fall. Throughout the semester, she will help coordinate various events and contribute to the Sports Insight blog.
“I am thrilled to work together with these amazing people and help promote the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute,” Gerbasich said. “This is an opportunity for me to expand my network on campus while gaining valuable work experience. The Institute is already such an incredible community that I look forward to learning more about first-hand.”
Gerbasich previously worked as an intern for the Community Impact Newspaper where she wrote feature articles and experienced a professional newsroom. She hopes to draw on her sports photography experience to help the Institute curate content and increase engagement.
Kyler Blose
Kyler Blose is senior from Lexington, SC and is majoring in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Tourism and Event Management. She is the events lead intern for the fall semester and her main focus will be on facilitating the arrangements for the fall symposium (RECESS) and other events.
“I am extremely excited to be hands-on with this team,” Blose said. “The opportunity to build on the experience and skills that I’ve learned over the past three years is huge for me and I cannot wait to see all we accomplish this fall.
This is one of the best kinds of challenges for me, both personally and professionally, and it is a chance for me to put my skills to the test! I’m thrilled to learn more about the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute and how they serve the University and be able to showcase everyone’s hard work.”
This past summer, Blose worked with the City of Easley Parks and Recreation Department as part of her final required internship to gain experience in sports management, community recreation and event planning. She is excited to apply all she has learned to RHBSSI and put on some great events this semester.
Natalie Bell
Natalie Bell is a senior Graphic Communications major and Brand Communications minor from Greenville, SC. She is the Institute’s graphic design intern this semester and will create visual materials to promote Clemson sports science activities.
“I am most excited about dipping my toes into a different side of marketing and learning more about RHBSSI,” Bell said. “I worked for a small marketing agency this past spring, so I look forward to creating graphics and generating ideas for a different market than before.”
When Bell is not living and breathing the Adobe Creative Suite, she enjoys taking film photos, spending time with friends and family outdoors and reading in her free time.
Taylor Erdman
Taylor Erdman is a senior Sports Communication major with a Business Administration minor from Eastchester, NY. Returning from the summer, she will rejoin the Institute as their communications lead, creating content for social media and assisting with the Sports Insight blog.
“As the only returning intern, I am excited to be a role model for my fellow interns and assist them in any way that I can,” Erdman said. “Working for the Institute has been such a rewarding experience and I cannot wait to continue promoting all the amazing opportunities they have to offer. Specifically, I’m looking forward to educating the Clemson community on our fall symposium.”
Erdman plans to use all the skills and information she acquired over the summer in her work for the fall semester. She has also held various roles within the marketing and communication industry that will help her in her current role with the Institute.
Clemson students are heading to Paris, France this month for the Paralympic Games on August 28 as part of a study abroad course lead by two RHBSSI faculty fellows from Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM), Skye Arthur-Banning, Ph.D., and Jasmine Townsend, Ph.D.
Arthur-Banning and Townsend pose next to the Olympic/Paralympic Torch in Paris this summer.
Students will earn credit watching games played around the Arc de Triomphe or walking the Champs-Elysees in Paris while learning about sport and culture and seeing talented athletes from around the globe compete. The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris will see over 4,400 athletes compete in 23 different sports.
Clemson students have been attending the Paralympic Games since 2010. This year, they will attend a variety of sporting events, walk through the Olympic stadium and meet with athletes. They will hear from sport designers and organizers to learn how the games are put on, their importance to the people of Paris and how disability awareness is growing within France and around the world. Students will also take in the rich culture of Paris by visiting the world-famous Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower and eat some of the finest of French cuisine.
“One goal of the course is to expose students to the Paralympic Games as one of the largest international sporting events in the world,” said Arthur-Banning. “Through this experience, they will understand the planning and details, logistics and more that go into a large-scale sporting event.”
A second aim is to encourage students to think about and see the value of Parasport and appreciate all of the different sporting events, as well as the wide variety of people with disabilities that are able to experience sport. Arthur-Banning and Townsend hope that the students’ worldview will be broadened, and they will become advocates for people with disabilities and the programs that serve them.
This summer, one of the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute’s newest faculty fellows, Felipe Tobar, Ph.D., traveled Europe to continue his long-term project of studying the transmission or suppression of difficult heritage in European soccer grounds. His findings at Real Madrid (Spain) and FC St. Pauli (Germany) will be included in an upcoming research documentary, “The Match That Not Every Club Wants to Play.” He also traveled to his home country, Brazil, to engage in other sport-related tourism and heritage activities.
Spain
To kick off his European research tour, Tobar traveled with the Clemson Women’s Soccer team to Spain for their study abroad trip. As part of their Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM) 3500 Global Challenges course about soccer, climate change and sustainability, the team visited four stadiums and three training centers for professional Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid. Tobar and the team watched official matches, toured backstage and even played official friendly matches with the clubs’ first and second teams. At each site, they analyzed and compared how the Spanish soccer clubs were engaged in the ‘green revolution.’
“The cultural and sporting experiences added to the opportunity to meet new people, including staff, students and the organizers. This is something that I will carry forward and soon share in my classroom with new students.”
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D. on his study abroad experience with the Clemson Women’s Soccer team
Germany
After leaving Spain, Tobar traveled to Germany and visited the cities of Frankfurt, Bremen and Hamburg. While there, Tobar engaged in activities related to his upcoming research documentary and a 2025 German study abroad program on football, culture of remembrance, and politics. Some of the incredible experiences Tobar had in Germany included touring Frankfurt and visiting Holocaust memorials and sites related to national socialism, touring the Weser Stadion using Google AI Translator, and checking the new museum exhibition of FC St Pauli on the discovery of a former Jewish player persecuted by the Nazi regime.
“The importance of coming back to Germany after three years since my dissertation data collection to record new footage for my documentary was essential. I confirmed my previous observations and reinforced networking links to bring undergraduate students to Germany next year on a study abroad program. The students will understand better how German society and its soccer clubs have been dealing with the Nazi past.”
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D. on his visit to Germany the summer of 2024
Turkey
The next stop on Tobar’s European excursion was Istanbul, Turkey for a few stadium tours and museum visits.
“Strolling through Istanbul streets and public buildings like the Grand Bazar, you can see a tradition that is part of the city’s cultural and sport heritage after every national championship.”
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D. on his experience in Istanbul, Turkey
He noticed that everywhere he looked, locals were displaying the flag of Galatasaray, the most successful Turkish club in European competitions and the current national champions. Tobar was able to speak with locals to better understand the reasons and history of such a tradition. He also had the opportunity to visit Galatasaray’s home and the clubs that wanted to dismantle Galatasaray’s hegemony.
Tobar’s research agenda on Istanbul’s main soccer clubs started at Fenerbahçe Stadium, where he toured the club museum and researched local fans’ memories linked to former club captain Alex de Souza, who is the only living individual to have a statue in front of the stadium funded and erected entirely by fans.
Tobar later visited Besiktas stadium and its museum observing how this club, alongside the other capital clubs, paid fervent homage to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founding father of the Republic of Turkey. Tobar plans to author another paper seeking to understand the approaches each of these clubs employ when linking their images with what is still considered the most important personality in the history of modern Turkey.
The statue of former captain and club legend, Alex de Souza, in front of Fenerbahçe Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
In the façades of Besiktas stadium, the club features its Eagle mascot and a tribute to the 100 years of Turkey’s liberation from British control through images and phrases to honor Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
UEFA EURO 2024
After Istanbul, Tobar traveled back to Germany for UEFA EURO 2024. Throughout the tournament, he traveled to several host cities to engage in two main lines of research: the ‘German Football Culture of Remembrance’, and how the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and its partners communicate sustainability efforts to football tourists and locals. Alongside his first line of research, the DFB Cultural Foundation (German Football Federation), in collaboration with the World Jewish Congress and What Matters, introduced the “Football and Remembrance” program aimed at addressing the history of national socialism. Various memorials, places of remembrance and museums across the nation, particularly near the ten host cities, participated in several special events.
Tobar was able to visit the following sites and talk to various experts:
Munich – Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site – Football in the Dachau concentration camp | Tour
Cologne – NS-Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne
Hamburg – Foundation of Hamburg Memorials and Learning Centres Commemorating the Victims of Nazi Crimes – Stories of Persecution during National Socialism and the HSV | Tour
Foundation of Hamburg Memorials and Learning Centres Commemorating the Victims of Nazi Crimes – Football in concentration camps | Tour
Bergen-Belsen Memorial – Who against whom? Football under National Socialism | Workshop
Büren-Wewelsburg – Memorial Museum Wewelsburg – More than just a game – football under National Socialism | Exhibition
Football Under the Nazis’ “Sports. Crowds. Power.” | Exhibition
In addition to visiting these sites, Tobar also had the
opportunity to visit the museums and representatives of Borussia Dortmund,
Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich, as well as the German Football Museum and
the German Olympic Museum. To learn more about his time in Dortmund, click here.
Tobar was also invited by the Red Against Racism initiative from Bayern Munich to visit the club’s headquarters and learn more about their project to tackle antisemitism and other discriminatory practices within German football stadiums and society. Still in Munich, Tobar visited a representative from the Kurt Landauer Foundation named after the former Jewish president, Bayern Munich, persecuted by the Nazis.
“Out of Germany, I intend to share these clubs’ experiences and ways of revisiting (or not) the past with different audiences and societies that often struggle to face their respective histories. Apart from making these stories more accessible as they will be written in English, the book can serve as a meaningful and powerful vehicle of reflection to other traumatic societies on how to come to terms with difficult pasts and potentially promote collective healing”.
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D., on the focus of his research in Germany
Strong messages were featured at Football Under the Nazis’ “Sports. Crowds. Power.” exhibition near Olympiastadion in Berlin reminding that ‘football is never neutral’ and that ‘people choose their actions’ during the Nazi regime.
Tour guides from Hamburg, Germany’s HSV Fan Projekt sharing the stories of persecution during national socialism.
UEFA EURO 2024’s sponsor, Chinese BYD’s electrical manufacturing company, stands at the UEFA EURO FAN FEST in Cologne.
Scotland
Tobar takes a picture of the plaque commemorating the home of Scottish (and, arguably, world) football. Credit: Glasgow Football Tour.
After Germany, Tobar traveled to Scotland for the Leisure Sciences Association Congress hosted by the University of West Scotland. At the conference, Tobar toured the Scottish National Football Museum and the national stadium, Hampden Park. He investigated the tour’s narrative and organization for future studies, and focused on understanding and cataloging how women’s football was depicted in the museum exhibitions. On the last day of his academic trip to Scotland, Tobar experienced the ‘Glasgow Football Tour’ which challenges the authorized heritage discourse from FIFA on who and when association football was invented, and who created the ‘passing game’ known today as ‘tik-taka,’ among other historical anecdotes.
Brazil
Before returning to Clemson, Tobar stopped in Brazil, his home country. Apart from following Grêmio Football Porto-Alegrense in two matches of the Brazilian Cup, in different cities and stadiums, as a sport tourist (just as he teaches in his ‘Sport Tourism and Events’ course in Clemson’s PRTM Department), Tobar visited the Brazilian National Football Museum located at the Pacaembu Stadium. This was once considered a historical landmark in the city of Sao Paulo. There, Tobar analyzed how the museum now remembers the image of the best soccer player of all time, Pelé, who was also responsible for popularizing the sport in the U.S. in the late 1970s. Tobar also dedicated special attention to the promotion and interpretation of women’s football within the museum displays, which will be incorporated in a future publication comparing how the three national football museums he visited during the summer – German, Scottish and Brazilian – promote women’s football.
Marta, the world’s most acclaimed women’s football player, is highly revered across the museum displays.
A match between Grêmio and Corinthians, Copa do Brasil, Aug. 7, 2024.
“Having the opportunity to spend a few weeks in Brazil and engage in sport-related tourism and heritage research activities at such a relevant museum has been extremely rewarding. Also, participating in football matches and living fans’ passion for the number one sport in the country was a much-needed nostalgic experience.”
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D., on his experiences in Brazil
Up Next
Tobar was recently awarded a seed grant by RHBSSI to study more effective and inclusive VR soccer experiences. His research is kicking off this fall semester and he is currently recruiting Clemson students to join a Creative Inquiry course. Students will develop real-world skills relevant to their major, likely from PRTM, Bioengineering, Math or Computer Science. Furthermore, they will be active in helping create the experimental protocols and survey tools, collecting data during research sessions and analyzing results for the project.
To enroll, select one of the following course options in iROAR:
PRTM 3980, 002 (CRN 92089),
PRTM 3981, 002 (CRN 92090)
BIOE 4510 (Sec 051): CI-Sports Science EEG & VR
To learn more about Felipe Tobar’s research and European adventures, follow him on LinkedIn or contact him at ftobar@clemson.edu.
The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute is excited to welcome three new Clemson faculty members to the Institute’s fellows program this fall. Their backgrounds in various areas of the sports sciences are why they have been nominated and chosen to join this cohort of experts and we are excited to have them on the team.
College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D.
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. An international scholar, he first earned his Bachelor of Law and Social Science and a Master’s in Cultural Heritage and Society from Univille University in Brazil. He later obtained a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University.
Tobar’s research interests are centered around sport, tourism, heritage, events and politics. His early academic work has been featured in several international journals including the International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, Soccer and Society, Journal of Sport and Tourism, and the International Journal of Sport and Society. He also founded the @FootballStudies YouTube channel where academics, professionals, and industry experts debate various aspects of the world of football.
Some of the courses that Tobar has taught at Clemson include:
Profession and Practice in PRTM
Sport Tourism
Heritage Tourism
Recreation Policymaking
Program and Event Planning in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences
Julian Brinkley, Ph.D.
Julian Brinkley, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the School of Computing at Clemson University as well as the director of Design and Research of In-Vehicle Experiences Lab (DRIVE Lab). Brinkley earned his B.A. at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro and his M.Sc. from East Carolina University in Software Engineering. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Human-Centered Computing.
Brinkley’s research focuses on the intersection of user experience, accessibility, and highly and fully automated vehicles. Several notable organizations have funded his research, including the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. His work has made significant contributions in making autonomous vehicles more accessible, more specifically supported by the DRIVE Lab team’s selection as semifinalists in the DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge.
Here are a few of the classes that Brinkley has taught at Clemson:
Chris Corr, PhD., will be joining the Athletic Leadership program at Clemson University as a Senior Lecturer starting in the fall of 2024. Corr earned his Bachelor’s in Telecommunications Management from the University of Florida followed by his Master’s in Sport Management also from the University of Florida. He then obtained his Ph.D. in Sport and Entertainment from the University of South Carolina. Before coming to Clemson, Corr spent three years as an assistant professor for the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University.
Corr currently studies intercollegiate athletics specializing in organizational development. He has authored or co-authored over 25 referred publications and has been published in some of the top journals in his field, including the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics and Sport Sociology Journal. During his time at Troy, Corr received multiple teaching awards at both the program and university levels and also advised a successful NCAA graduate student grant.
While Corr is new to Clemson, some of the classes he has taught at other schools include Governance & Policy in Sport, Sport Finance, The Student Athlete Experience and more.
