Genetics and Biochemistry News

Wanting to escape the cold of her hometown of Huntley, Illinois, junior biochemistry student Adrianna Crespo knew once she graduated from high school, she had her sights set on the south – and set on Clemson, committing to the university the day she was accepted.

“I often get asked why I chose Clemson, and I never have a really good answer, as a part of me just always knew that this is where I belonged. From my research, and before I had even toured, I decided that Clemson would be the school for me. The sense of community and academic rigor ultimately drew me into Clemson.”

Also drew to our biochemistry program, and  Adrianna was not disappointed. Our G&B department has provided some amazing and supportive friends and professors.

“My best friend Olivia Palmieri and I met in our Biol 1011 lab our freshman year. I am extremely grateful for our friendship.”

Adrianna’s professors have supported her both inside and outside the classroom, challenging her academically while also investing time in mentoring her growth as a student and an emerging scientist.

“My professors have given me invaluable professional development advice and opportunities that have helped me tremendously, from encouraging me to pursue research to helping me think about my future career in science. Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to invest in their students have made a lasting impact on my college experience.”

Adrianna participates in a couple of different academic-based extracurricular activities on campus, including serving as an Academic Success Center Tutor for General and Organic Chemistry and also acting as a Tutor Mentor where she has the opportunity to train the other tutors at the Academic Success Center. In addition, Adrianna contributes as the ROAR Leader, where she coordinates and plans the ROAR review sessions for Chemistry I and II that occur before the exams.

“Tutoring has been a rewarding experience because it allows me to help other students work through challenging concepts and build confidence in subjects that can often feel overwhelming. I am given the chance to mentor students and help foster independence for their future college endeavors.”

Another academic campus involvement that Adrianna is involved in is her research in inorganic chemistry in Dr. Tran Dominy’s Lab, where she works closely with Dr. Xudong Huai in their work with polycrystalline structures by solid state and flux reactions. Adrianna’s research is part of a departmental honors.

“For the departmental honors distinction in chemistry, I will write a thesis and defend it in front of a board. Dr. Huai and I are currently in the works of writing an entirely different paper for publication at the end of this year!”

Adrianna has also served as the Scholarships Chair for the Alpha Lambda Gamma Honors Society, is a part of the panhellenic sorority Alpha Phi, a member of Order of the Omega, a COSMIC mentor and Student Science Ambassador.

“However, one of my most meaningful leadership roles has been my involvement as Campus Outreach Coordinator for American Medical Women’s Association. I have watched the club grow and become an amazing experience for so many students.”

Illinois does not have mountains, so in her free time, Adrianna loves hiking the trails in North and South Carolina with her rescue dog, Bronco. Bronco came into Adrianna’s life shortly before Hurricane Helene, as the Oconee Humane Society (OHS) was searching for fosters before the storm.

“He is my best friend, and it has been one of my favorite college experiences to be his mom and he really is my entire world. I now volunteer at OHS whenever I can!”

Particularly interested in drug research and development, Adrianna hopes one day to contribute to the discovery and production of new medications that can improve patient outcomes. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in either medicinal chemistry or pharmacology.

“In the long term, I would also like to work in academia, where I can continue conducting research while teaching at the university level. Being able to mentor students and share my passion for chemistry and drug discovery would allow me to contribute to both scientific advancement and the education of future scientists.” Just like her professors did for her.

P.S. The last question we ask everyone in these interviews is “Anything else you want to add?” Most of the time that question is left blank. Adrianna’s wasn’t.

“[Speaking on her parents] I just want to thank them for supporting me from so far away and that I truly owe my experience to them and their undying support. Their belief in me has played a huge role in where I am today.”