Month: September 2025

Today, September 17th, is International Microorganism Day, raising awareness of the importance of microorganisms within our daily lives. Though tiny and can’t be seen with the naked eye, most are harmless and some are even beneficial, however, others can make us sick.

To commemorate the day, Clemson News highlighted three College of Science faculty members whose research involves microorganisms, including genetics and biochemistry’s Dr. Manuel Fierro and his research with the cell biology of the microorganism that causes malaria.

Malaria is caused by a single-cell eukaryotic parasite that invades other cells. Fierro investigates the different biological pathways necessary for the parasite’s survival. Malaria has developed resistance to every anti-malarial drug.

“That’s why my type of research is important to continue increasing knowledge about malaria and which biological pathways or proteins are critical for its survival. That can then inform the rest of the community, and it could result in another much needed anti-malarial,” Fierro says.

Read more in the Clemson News article.

Biochemistry alum Griffin Thomas ’25 plans to attend medical school but took a year to get his feet wet in industry conducting research with the Department of Neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC.

Lenox Hill Neurosurgery is a top destination for advanced cranial and spinal care, consistently ranking among the best hospitals in the world for neurosurgery by annual rankings in U.S. News & World Report.

Griffin is not new to research. While an undergraduate he performed research in Dr. James Morris’ lab where he studied the metabolism of T. brucei and Nagleria Fowleri.

This also isn’t Griffin’s first time at Lenox Hill. One summer, he had the opportunity to shadow in the Department of Neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital – the very same department he works in now.

“This experience affirmed my passion to pursue a career in medicine and my interest in neurosurgery.”

Griffin is using his time at Lenox Hill to hone in on and perfect his research skills before applying to medical school and is finding his time valuable.

“It’s going great! I’ve really enjoyed learning how to use clinical research and technology to optimize patient care. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring ways to incorporate AI into neurosurgical practice.”

Congrats and continued good luck to recent graduate Griffin!

Two students from the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry joined the National Scholars Program(NSP), which serves students from all majors who demonstrate a unique combination of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership ability and demonstrated impact on their local and global communities.

Both Elizabeth Polatty and Evgenia Zheltov are sophomore biochemistry majors.

Scholars were chosen from more than 6,000 applications to the Honors College. They receive personalized support to develop their leadership skills and deepen their academic experience, equipping them to excel in the classroom and beyond. Many National Scholars go on to earn major University awards and nationally competitive fellowships.

The National Scholars Program strives to create a transformative community offering life-changing experiences and developing thoughtful scholar-leaders who listen, critically examine their place in the world, and use their talents to serve.