Biochemistry alum Adam Gatch ’25 has received a Fulbright research award to study abroad in Munich, Germany at Ludwig Maximilian University. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities to pursue graduate study, conduct research or teach.
Adam has respectfully declined the Germany Fulbright offer after earning a Churchill scholarship earlier in the spring, which allows students to undertake a one-year master’s program in STEM fields at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The Churchill Scholarship is seen as the most prestigious and competitive international science, mathematics and engineering award for post-undergraduate researchers.
Adam’s proposed project at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich would have explored how early-stage medin aggregates interact with amyloid-beta in the brain, advancing a novel line of inquiry in Alzheimer’s research.
At Clemson, Adam conducted extensive biophysics research in the lab of Dr. Feng Ding, exploring molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. Gatch also volunteered at the campus food pantry, worked as a tutor and gained clinical experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT). He plans to one day lead an interdisciplinary laboratory dedicated to neuroscience discovery while working in academic medicine.
Clemson University has held a special significance in Madeleine Greer’s family ever since her grandfather graduated in ’61. This connection was a key consideration for her as she selected her university.
“I chose Clemson because it’s always been an important place to me and my family. My family has been going to Clemson games since before I was born and with it being close to where I grew up, we always visited and grew a connection with the university.”
Madeleine is from Greenville, SC and went to Greenville High School, where she skipped a grade between her sophomore and senior year. In high school, Madeleine enjoyed being a part of the school’s tennis team, eventually becoming team captain.
As a genetics major, Madeleine is eager to explore how our genes are inherited and how they shape our identities.
“I’ve always been curious about how traits are passed down and why people are the way they are. I think it’s really interesting how our genes shape so much about us and I’m excited to learn more about it.”
Madeleine has plans when she gets on campus not just academically but with extracurricular activities, planning to go through sorority recruitment and joining the club tennis team.
Even as an incoming freshman, she has goals for her future after graduating with her genetics degree.
“With my genetics degree I plan on going to medical school and becoming a doctor specializing in either IVF or gynecology.”
Madeleine, we can’t wait to see you on campus!
Alexandra Hart
When incoming biochemistry freshman Alexandra Hart attended her mother’s doctoral hooding ceremony at Clemson University in 2021, she knew it was an experience she would never forget.
“Seeing Clemson for the first time is something I would love to relive. Honestly, I don’t think there is a college that could provide me with an experience like Clemson has. You can really tell that Clemson cares about their students, especially their incoming students.”
Coming from Charleston, SC, Alexandra went to Berkeley Middle College High School a top magnet school in partnership with Trident Technical College. At Berkeley students can complete all requirements of a high school graduate while pursuing an associate degree and other certifications provided by the technical college.
Alexandra was not only busy with her academics in high school, but she was also involved in many extracurricular activities within the school and the community.
“At Berkeley I earned my high school diploma and associate’s degree in science. I participated in varsity cheerleading, varsity tennis and multiple volunteer organizations, including a few local, youth-based non-profits.”
Alexandra is coming in as a biochemistry major with a genetics minor with the hopes of completing the bachelors-to-master’s program. She chose biochemistry after taking a Principles of Biomedical Sciences course her first year of high school.
“It made me realize how much I enjoyed working in a lab setting and helped my constant curiosity about life!”
When Alexandra arrives on campus she plans on getting involved by participating in Club Cheerleading, the Black Student Union and the Biochemistry & Genetics Club.
“I am beyond excited to enter Clemson University this August, and I keep a countdown for the move-in day on all my devices. I still can’t believe I am going to Clemson! Go Tigers!!”
Meilani Wijetunga
Clemson was the perfect choice for incoming biochemistry freshman Meilani Wijetunga, who wanted to study in-state and fell in love with the campus like many before her. She also saw inspiring opportunities here for her as a woman in science and couldn’t wait to receive her acceptance letter.
“I heard how great Clemson’s STEM program and internship opportunities were and couldn’t wait to explore them! I applied for early action in October, so when I got my acceptance in December. I was so excited to accept!”
In high school, Meilani was a varsity athlete, playing varsity soccer and volleyball. When Meilani arrives on campus, she cannot wait to get settled and get into her classes as well as get involved in clubs and organizations such as the College of Science Mentoring and Inclusion Collaborative (COSMIC), which is an award-winning peer mentoring program intended to support incoming students with their transition to Clemson by matching them with upperclassmen mentors who come from similar backgrounds and share similar interests.
Meilani is a student who is coming in with a plan, knowing where she wants her future career to go, and Clemson’s biochemistry program is going to help her reach her goal of becoming a pathologist or pharmaceutical researcher one day.
“I wanted to study biochemistry because I’ve always been interested in working in labs and helping people from ‘behind-the-scenes.’ The numerous opportunities and beautiful area made me eager to call Clemson home!”
As a travel lover, study abroad was an important factor when deciding where to attend college for genetics sophomore Maddie Smith. This summer, she jumped at the opportunity to study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico through the Faculty-Directed: Global Experiences in Health Professions Program.
“I love travelling and getting to experience different cultures and landscapes different from my hometown. Clemson has been so supportive of my dream to go abroad, and this dream come true did not disappoint!”
During the three weeks that Maddie was in Mexico, she shadowed doctors, gained insight on traditional medicine, studied the Spanish language and learned the history of Mexico.
“While in Oaxaca, Mexico, I was shadowing in local hospitals and clinics to gain insightful experience within healthcare settings and gain a global perspective on public health.”
Maddie and the other students lived with a host family during their stay. Each day they would have clinical rotations, Spanish lessons and lectures to attend. As busy as Maddie’s days were, she did occasionally get some free time.
“In our free time, I would do my assignments, take much needed naps, go to dinner with friends and explore the city! I loved going to the market to see all the local goods they were selling!”
Grateful for this experience, Maddie hopes this will follow her into her future career as a physician.
“Through this experience, I have learned that we are very fortunate in the US to have a top-notch healthcare system. When I am a practicing physician, I hope to use my global healthcare perspective to be patient and respectful of my patients and their life experiences.”
The 2025 cohort represents the tenth annual President’s Leadership Institute. As an exciting opportunity for emerging, high-potential, and high-performing members of the faculty and staff of Clemson University the President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) is a nine-month leadership development program designed to support and develop professional and personal leadership within a diverse and inclusive community.
The department’s own principal lecturer Dr. Alison Starr-Moss was nominated and selected to be a part of this years cohort. After earning her B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson in 2003, she received her Ph.D. in Genetics from Texas A&M University in 2007. Returning to Clemson in 2008, Starr-Moss focused her research on canine genetics and genomics.
She currently serves as the director of advising and instructional programs and M.S. program coordinator, where she is dedicated to undergraduate and graduate student development through degree planning and professional growth. Starr-Moss is recognized for her excellence in advising and teaching, having received the 2013 Frank A. Burtner Award for Excellence in Advising and the 2020 Dr. Ted G. Westmoreland Award for Faculty Excellence and most recently, the Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer Award.
The institute enables participants to build individual effectiveness, understand the power of critical thinking and communication, learn directly from President Jim Clements and embrace their own ability to lead within the Clemson community. Each cohort consists of 25 faculty and staff nominated by University leadership.
