This month, we are featuring Michael Sehorn, Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry. Michael is a member of The Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET) and a member of the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC). He is also a Creative Inquiry Faculty Fellow. His research laboratory strives to understand the mechanism of homology-directed repair of DNA double-strand breaks mediated by RAD51 and DMC1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Entamoeba histolytica, and humans.
How long have you been a faculty member at Clemson? What aspects of Clemson attracted you?
I arrived in January of 2007 making this my 17th year at Clemson. I was drawn to Clemson all those years ago because of the people in the Genetics and Biochemistry Department. They were and are a group that gets along and supports each other.
Tell us about your work at Clemson, what aspects are you most passionate about?
My research primarily focuses on the mechanisms by which DNA repair proteins maintain the genome. This area has been a longstanding passion of mine. I mentor undergraduates in my laboratory, guiding their research development toward their postgraduate aspirations. I offer two courses spurred by student demand for participating in clinical research and shadowing physicians. I find fulfillment in teaching my upper-level biochemistry course, designed to challenge students and foster growth necessary for their future graduate studies. Additionally, as a faculty advisor for a pre-med organization, and through the courses I teach, I offer tailored advice to students aiming for careers in medical or graduate schools. My commitment to helping students achieve their aspirations in the medical and academic fields is a driving force in my professional life.
How do you manage your time to balance teaching/research/service with your personal life?
Balancing teaching, research, and service with my personal life presents a considerable challenge. I am deeply committed to supporting my students’ success and helping them achieve their goals, often dedicating additional hours to mentoring and discussions. This commitment frequently extends my workday, as I strive to complete essential tasks, often staying in my office late into the evening. This dedication to both my professional responsibilities and student success is a priority, albeit one that requires careful management of my time.
What advice would you give to your first-year, assistant professor self?
Publish early and often.
What resources, tools, and programs at Clemson facilitate your success as a faculty member?
Creative Inquiry has proven to be an invaluable asset in advancing my research endeavors. The programs offered by the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation (OTEI) have been instrumental in enhancing my pedagogical skills. These resources have not only enriched my teaching methodologies but also have significantly contributed to my development as a professor. Through these initiatives, I have been able to adopt innovative teaching strategies that benefit both my students and my research, fostering a more dynamic and effective educational environment.
Can you tell us about your experience in regards to teaching assessment?
I participated in the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation (OTEI) Faculty Learning Community (FLC) on Documenting Teaching Effectiveness. My aim is to leverage the insights gained from this experience to advocate for a more effective and fair evaluation process in our department.
How do you see your department, college, or university evolving in the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, our department, along with the college and university, is working towards the goal to achieve Association of American Universities (AAU) status by placing a strong emphasis on bolstering research excellence and academic rigor across the university. This will require the recruitment of new faculty that would undoubtedly increase opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning, helping to deliver the #1 student experience.
