Madeleine Greer
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!”
Kayla Poulias
Kayla Poulias, high-jump track and field star, dancer and survivor is coming into Clemson this fall as a freshman genetics major with big dreams. Clemson is not new to Kayla or the Poulias family as her brother graduated from Clemson this spring as well.
“I chose Clemson because my brother went there and I also fell in love with tiger town whenever I visited!”
Kayla is originally from Ontario, Canada but moved to South Carolina when she was ten and attended Fort Mill High School where she participated in varsity track and field and the HOSA – Future Health Professionals Club.
Kayla is excited to see all the clubs Clemson has to offer and to meet new people when she arrives on campus in August. In her free time Kayla enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
“One fun fact is I did aerial silks for 5 years but all forms of dance even pointe for 15 years!”
Kayla’s choice to study genetics comes both from a passion for it and from a personal, medical experience when she was in middle school.
“I choose genetics because I’ve always had a passion for genetic research since 8th grade when I actually had a very rare noncancerous tumor in my leg. I’m hoping to study the genetic sequences from tumors to help find more targeted therapy techniques for patients.”
