Month: March 2017

The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University invites applications for two full-time, nine-month LECTURER positions for the instruction and development of teaching laboratories in genetics and biochemistry. One lecturer will have expertise in the area of Biochemistry and a second will have expertise in the area of Genetics. Both Lecturers will be responsible for the sophomore integrated biochemistry/genetics laboratory course GEN/BCHM 3040 Molecular Biology Lab. The Biochemistry Lecturer will also be responsible for the upper level biochemistry laboratory courses, BCHM 4330 Physical Approach to Biochemistry Lab and BCHM 4340 Biochemistry of Metabolism Lab, while the Genetics Lecturer will be responsible for the upper level genetics laboratory courses, GEN 4210 Molecular Genetics and Gene Regulation Lab and GEN 4110 Population and Quantitative Genetics Lab. A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is required and experience in teaching and laboratory course development at the college level is preferred. Expected start date is July 1, 2017. This is a renewable, non-tenure track position with opportunity for promotion. Salary level will be commensurate with education and experience and a benefits package is included.

To apply, follow this link:  https://apply.interfolio.com/41087

The Department offers B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Genetics and in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and provides a first-rate environment for engaging students and colleagues in collaborative research and teaching efforts spanning genetics and biochemistry.  For more information about the department, visit the Department’s website http://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/genetics-biochemistry/. For more information about our courses, visit the Clemson University Syllabus Repository https://etpr.app.clemson.edu/repository/syllabus_public.php.

To apply, please submit a cover letter indicating your position preference, either Genetics or Biochemistry or both, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three persons from whom a letter of reference can be requested, and a statement of teaching philosophy to Interfolio. To ensure full consideration, please submit applications by April 14, 2017. The university is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates.

Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information or protected activity (e.g., opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) in employment, educational programs and activities, admissions and financial aid. This includes a prohibition against sexual harassment and sexual violence as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

We have been operating a robust program this year starting with a membership drive that increased the members to 71.  Paying the membership fee entitled members to the Club Tee shirt – a new design with a gel in the shape of the State of South Carolina with bands in orange on a black background.  Faculty are invited to purchase one from any of the officers.  It is a clever design and probably one of our best.

Over Fall Break, we took 14 members to Bethesda, MD where we toured several laboratories Monday, including the Ostrander group who work on canine genetics as models for human diseases.  Tuesday morning we visited United Therapeutics in Silver Spring, specializing in the treatment of lung diseases.  After being up all night with a lung transplant into a human acceptor, a technician showed us videos they use to evaluate lungs in their laboratory from a donor before transplanting.  We travel on Saturday and Sunday we tour the Mall.  I attached a picture of the group with the Robert Berks sculpture of Albert Einstein at the National Academy of Science where we started the evening tour of the monuments [Vietnam, Korea, Lincoln, Roosevelt, King, WW II, Washington].

The officers this year are Hilda Chan and Adam Luthman, co-presidents, Neal Patel, treasurer, Hanie Barakat, secretary, and Morgan Dimery, communications.

One of the pleasures of being advisor is seeing you, when you present your work to the Club.  We meet biweekly for these lectures and Weiguo Cao presented tonight.  Thank you for those who have done presentations over the past several years.

The Emeritus College, in conjunction with Dr. Tia Dumas, Assistant Dean of Professional Development and Inclusive Excellence, has begun a new program for graduate students.  A cross-disciplinary panel of Emeritus Professors has begun meeting with graduate students to offer advice and support.  Our next meeting is March 10 at 2pm Academic Success Center 318.  The starting topic is “Your Advisory Committee” but the session will be open to other topics for discussion.  Please encourage your graduate students to attend.

Gary Powell, Emeritus Professor of Genetics and Biochemistry

The National Science Foundation offers 3-year graduate research fellowships (NSF GRF) to students in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and some social sciences. Each year, college seniors and early graduate students are invited to apply.  This year, 2000 students nationwide won these very prestigious awards.

Several current and former Genetics and Biochemistry students either won a fellowship or received an honorable mention.  Lauren Gambill, a senior in Biochemistry was awarded a fellowship and Adam Luthman, a senior in Biochemistry was awarded an honorable mention.  Former G&B student Brittany Avin, now a graduate student at Johns Hopkins was also awarded a fellowship. Congratulations for earning these very prestigious awards!

Genetics & Biochemistry students received five of the nine 2017 student awards in the new College of Science, a proud moment for the Department!  Lauren Gambill (GEN + BCHM, May 2017) received the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award, working in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Blenner, Sarah Waldvogel (BCHM + GEN, May 2018) received the outstanding Junior in the Sciences Award, Leland Dunwoodie (BCHM, May 2018) received the COS Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award, and Megan Hunt (BCHM, May 2017) received the COS Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit.  Jacquelyn Evans, a graduate student earning her PhD in the laboratory of Dr. Leigh Ann Clark working on canine genetics, received the Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award.  Jacquelyn received a BS in Genetics from Clemson in 2013, making her A G&B winner twice over.