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.
