Meghan Keating, a doctoral candidate in Clemson University’s wildlife and fisheries biology program, has received the 2025 Clemson Center for Career and Professional Development Outstanding Student Employee Award.
Originally from Modesto, California, Keating plans to graduate in May 2026 and pursue a career in applied research, aiming to find harmony between human needs and wildlife conservation.
“I have a special interest in carnivore research because these animals spark powerful emotions—both awe and concern—and play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance,” Keating said. “As a natural problem-solver, I find applying data-driven methods to real-world conservation challenges both exciting and fulfilling.”
Keating said the award came as a surprise—and a meaningful one. Her parents were visiting when she received the news, making the moment even more special.
“As a doctoral student with a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to overlook how far I’ve come,” she said. “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by Clemson, which has opened so many doors for me, both personally and professionally. This recognition reminds me—and all students—that our work matters.”
Nominated by her advisor, David Jachowski, Keating has led impactful research, including a high-profile project examining rodenticide poisoning in bobcats across South Carolina. Within months after starting on the project, she began deploying GPS collars on bobcats inhabiting barrier islands along the state’s coast.
While balancing fieldwork and coursework, Keating formed collaborations with labs at Oregon State, Penn State, the University of Kentucky, and Michigan State, integrating novel techniques in rodenticide testing, disease surveillance and genetics to amplify the reach of her research.
“Meghan’s work isn’t just meaningful in South Carolina—it’s setting a national standard,” Jachowski said.
Keating credits her success to the guidance of her academic committee, the support of research collaborators, her husband and their pets, and her extended network of family and friends.
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