This summer we shared a number of incoming freshmen’s stories with you. In this series we circle back to those students and see how they are doing now.
Maddie Smith
Since being on campus, Maddie Smith, genetics major from Slidell, LS, has thrived both academically and personally.
“I am in love with campus and all of my coursework. My professors have been nothing short of amazing and so willing to help whenever I need!”
She has become involved in organizations such as Alpha Omega Epsilon, a sorority that promotes women in STEM, a bible study through Catholic Tigers, the Genetics and Biochemistry Club and the Swift Society. Maddie is also part of a Creative Inquiry with Dr. Todd Lyda.
“My favorite class so far would have to be my CI research project with Dr. Lyda! We work to isolate Euglena cells in a gel strip using gel electrophoresis to make a reuseable battery. My lab mates and I are super close, and we love getting together outside of the lab for lunches at Schlitter!”
Maddie enjoys all parts of what Clemson has to offer: football games, snow days on Bowman Field, studying in the Harry Potter room on the second floor of the library and consistently making new friends.
“My favorite Clemson moment would have to be the snow day! Being from south Louisiana, I have only ever seen snow once at home! It was so magical and the most amazing welcome back from the holiday break!”
The past academic year at Clemson and in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry has solidified Maddie’s future career goals.
“Since being in the Genetics and Biochemistry department, I have gained confidence in my academic abilities, and I have no doubt I will be prepared to take the MCAT and hopefully be accepted into medical school!”
When asked what her advice for incoming freshman would be, Maddie said to not give up when things get hard.
“It is not easy being in all science classes but finding a group of friends that know what you are going through and will help you succeed will make the world of difference! Shout out to my G&B girls, Kylie Wilson and Muara Korte, for being the best friends and study partners ever!”
Kylie Wilson
When we first met freshman genetics student Kylie Wilson back in the Summer of 2024, she was passionate about Clemson and studying genetics – neither has changed.
“The more time I spend here, the more I keep falling in love with Clemson. I feel like it is the perfect place for me to continue to grow.”
Kylie says her time at Clemson has not only met, but exceeded her expectations in many ways, forging life-long friendships and growing in her independence and self-confidence.
“Everyone who I have met here is so nice and eager to make friends. I feel like I can genuinely talk to and form friendships with everyone, especially people in my classes.”
Speaking of classes, Kylie’s favorite class has been her Biology 1100 lecture.
“I love learning about all the internal processes of the cell, and I am so excited to delve into those processes and the blueprint behind them in my future classes.”
Kylie has become actively involved on campus during her first year at Clemson, being on multiple committees within her sorority, Pi Beta Phi.
“Being in that sisterhood has been tremendously important to my college experience thus far.”
Beyond that, Kylie is involved in the Genetics and Biochemistry Club and the CHANGE Student Ethics Organization. This semester, she also joined Dr. Todd Lyda’s Creative Inquiry Lab, in which they are aiming to create a photosynthetic battery using chlorophyll harvested from Euglena cells.
Kylie has many Clemson moments that she holds close, but her favorite was her first game day. She loved waking up in her dorm and realizing that she was right in the middle of the action!
“I spent the day with friends who I had just met that week, and that day I met so many people who I have grown close with. I sat on The Hill, and the night game atmosphere was unmatched. I quickly learned all the chants and realized why people love the sports here so much – our school spirit is amazing.”
When we originally spoke with Kylie, she said that she wanted to be a genetic counselor. That plan has been solidified since her time in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry.
“In my Careers in Genetics and Biochemistry course, we had a genetic counselor come speak, and that is when I knew that was the career path that I wanted to pursue 100%.”
Kylie’s main piece of advice for incoming freshman is to not be intimidated.
“College is very intimidating at first. It is super exciting, but the process of meeting new people and building those friendships while getting used to college coursework, can be daunting at times. My biggest advice is to challenge that intimidation head on. Work hard for those friendships and work hard to maintain your academics.”
Kylie also notes that you must not get complacent but continue to work hard to excel in every avenue you choose to be involved in.
“All I have to add is that I just absolutely love it here and anyone who is thinking of coming here absolutely should! There are so many opportunities, and it will change your life!”
