Few students squeeze as much into four years as May 2026 biochemistry graduate Kristen Gulbrandsen. From leading student organizations and mentoring classmates to conducting nationally recognized research, she embraced every opportunity Clemson had to offer.
Taking significant advantage of Google Calendar, Kristen was able to balance an impressive list of campus involvements, serving as Public Relations Officer and later President of the Genetics and Biochemistry Club, representing the College of Science as a Student Ambassador, serving on the University’s Academic Integrity Committee, working as an Athletics Tutor in biology and chemistry, and participating as a sister of Alpha Omega Epsilon (AΩE).
“I like to make myself busy…These organizations provided me with a lovely support system when I have made lifelong friendships, especially through AΩE and the Genetics and Biochemistry Club.“
In addition to campus involvement, Kristen participated in extensive research during her undergraduate years via two different Creative Inquiries (CIs), the K-12 math competitions with Dr. Jason Brown from Physics and Astronomy and gut microbiota research with Dr. Anna Seekatz from Biological Sciences.
“Through Dr. Brown’s CI, I learnt skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and how to inspire the future in STEM! Dr. Seekatz provided me with a supportive space on how to conduct science in a responsible and inquisitive way. She helped develop my technical skills, along with teaching me how to think like a scientist…She gave me a plethora of opportunities to present my work locally, as well as nationally.”
Kristen came into Clemson “All In!” and one of the most valuable lessons Kristen learned at Clemson was that there is no single correct path through college. After feeling overwhelmed by the endless opportunities during her first semester, she realized that success comes from creating your own path.
“I figured out that there is not one “right” way, but infinite correct ways. As long as you enjoy what you are doing, you are gaining from the experience.”
Starting July 1st, Kristen will be attending a Ph.D. program in Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati.
“I am ecstatic to join their program, as their work there deeply inspires me.”
In this CI, students participate in tissue sectioning, advanced microscopy and histological analysis to assess plant anatomy and analyze how drought and other stressors alter plant tissues, helping them gain a better understanding of how environmental pressures affect agricultural systems.
“Dr. Mukhtar is as enthusiastic about working with undergraduates as he is about his own research,” wrote one student nominator for the Phil and Mary Bradley Faculty Award. “Even from my first conversation with him, I could tell he’s incredibly passionate about what he does and that he’s excited about including new students. He makes sure I know that he believes in me as a scientist … I’ve learned many important research skills, and I feel more confident in the lab because of him.”
Dr. Mukhtar says that the Carr Family Endowed Fund, which was established with a gift from Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr, owners and operators of Titan Farms, provides support for CI projects related to fruit and vegetable crop production, agriculture industries and rural economic development. will help provide students with a more immersive research experience and expand access to research technology to tackle real world agricultural challenges.
Phil and Mary Bradley helped launch the CI program in 2005 with a gift of $100,000. Since that time, they have continued to support CI by endowing the faculty award since 2006. The Bradleys’ generous gift allows each recipient to receive a plaque and salary supplement.
Having always valued being part of something bigger than herself, incoming genetics freshman Niyah Haywood is ready to embrace life as a Clemson Tiger this fall.
Niyah is from Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated from Spring Valley High School, where she ranked eighth in a class of 492 while staying actively involved in cheerleading, track and field, Student Council, HOSA, and the Science, Spanish, Social Studies, and National Honor Societies.
“I was founder and president of my school’s Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT for short). My favorite achievement sports-wise was becoming president of the South Carolina High School League’s Student Athlete Advisory Council, where I was able to showcase my leadership and influence high school athletics across the state… I’ve also completed independent research projects and presented at the Science and Engineering Fair and South Carolina Junior Academy of Science.”
For Niyah, Clemson offered the perfect balance of strong academics, school spirit, leadership opportunities and a campus culture that felt supportive and connected. But the biggest draw was the chance to study genetics — a field that truly interests her — at the only university in South Carolina with a genetics major.
“Clemson felt like the best place for me to grow personally, academically, and professionally. The plethora of research opportunities and opportunities given through the HRC definitely put a check in the pro column as well. Overall, Clemson felt like a place where I could challenge myself while still building community and preparing for a future in research and healthcare.”
Niyah’s interest in genetics comes from the curiosity to understand not just what happens, but why it happens, drawn to how small changes at the molecular level can create larger effects in health and biology.
“I enjoy connecting research with real-world impact. Genetics combines my interests in discovery, problem-solving and improving people’s lives through science and medicine.”
After arriving on campus this fall, Niyah is looking forward to game days, joining a few science-related clubs, being accepted into and graduating from the Honors College, lake days with friends, gaining a sense of independence and becoming a Clemson Tiger.
“Being a Clemson Tiger means being part of something bigger than myself. It’s a community that values excellence, tradition, leadership and connection. To me, it represents the opportunity to challenge myself academically, grow as a person and pursue my goals while creating lifelong memories and relationships. It means showing school spirit, embracing new experiences and leaving Clemson having made a meaningful impact on the people and places around me.”
SARAH SPRATLIN BULLOCK
Growing up in a devoted University of Georgia family, incoming genetics freshman Sarah Spratlin Bullock — “SS” to her friends — spent countless weekends cheering on the Bulldogs, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, both former Georgia baseball players. She could see her higher education path pretty clearly, until two years ago when her brother, Truman, chose Clemson.
“It flipped my world upside down. I wanted somewhere that everyone was obsessed with. I wanted somewhere that people got involved and stayed involved, somewhere that people loved for their whole lives. Because of my brother and the Clemson friends we made along the way, I knew Clemson was my place too.”
From Greenville, SC, Sarah attended Christ Church Episcopal School from kindergarden to her senior year where she was involved in all things performing: cheer, theatre and choir.
“I cheered in the London New Year’s Day Parade as a UCA All American this year, and it was one of the most special experiences of my life! I acted in two shows a year at school and am an assistant director for the middle school every year.”
In addition, Sarah serves on the Youth Leadership Team at Buncombe Street Methodist Church, a camp counselor for Vacation Bible School, was a school ambassador and a member of the prom committee.
Sarah has always had a particular interest in biology, her physician dad being her biggest inspiration to go into the science field, planning to go into premed just like him. As she moved up in school and started taking more challenging biology courses, she became interested in genetics.
“I’ve developed a particular interest in genetics thanks to my AP Bio teacher, Mrs. Unger, who arranged us a trip to the Greenwood Genetics Center. I think people are wonderful, and I would love nothing more than to learn more about how we are all so uniquely us.”
So excited to get to campus in the Fall, Sarah plans on being very active in clubs and organizations across campus, taking in the full Clemson experience. She plans to join ‘everything [she] can,’ such as Greek life, the sailing and line-dancing clubs, choir, FCA and Central Spirit.
“I am excited for the people and experiences. College is a time to grow as a person, shape others, and be shaped in return, so I am excited for those new friends, swims in the lake, study dates over coffee, worship nights, dances, and beyond. I am excited to see who I will become and who I will meet along the way!”
For genetics and biochemistry May grad Sydney Greer, Clemson became more than just a place to earn a degree — it became the place where she discovered confidence in herself. Whether she was performing with the Clemson University Steel Band, training service dogs for veterans, running trails through the Experimental Forest or conducting research in Dr. Shahid Mukhtar’s lab, Sydney embraced every opportunity to grow both as a scientist and as a person.
“I was involved in the Experimental Forest Trail Running Club, Clemson Battle Buddies, the Genetics and Biochemistry Club, and a Creative Inquiry project… I was also a member of the Clemson University Steel Band and Gigging Band. Having grown up playing the steel pan, I was excited to continue playing at Clemson. Being part of both groups was an incredible experience, and the rehearsals and performances gave me the opportunity to grow as a musician.”
Sydney is grateful for the academics and science courses, but she also learned invaluable life skills during her undergrad, embracing experiences that pushed her outside of her comfort zone.
“The most important thing I’ve learned over the last four years is confidence in myself. From public speaking to presentations and performing on stage, I’ve grown into someone who is far more comfortable taking on new challenges.”
Before coming to Clemson, Sydney recognized the Clemson ring and its tradition but says she didn’t fully understand the significance it held for those who wore it. Now, it holds special meaning and receiving hers is one of Sydney’s favorite memories.
“I wear mine every day, and it reminds me of the late nights studying in Cooper, the memories I made on and beyond campus, the experiences that shaped me and the incredible friends I met along the way.”
Sydney’s research involvement has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her time as an undergrad student, her research projects where she served as the lead with PI Dr. Mukhtar even inspiring her to pursue her Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology.
One of these projects is the investigation of drought responses in soybean root nodules with a multi-transcriptomic approach where Sydney uses single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to assess gene expression changes in response to extreme drought in the nodules. In the second project that is continuing through graduate school, she is researching the role of eccDNA in herbicide resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana.
“Working with these cutting-edge techniques has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project, and I am excited to continue applying these powerful approaches to future research. I am incredibly excited to continue my journey here through a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology.”
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry students Elizabeth Polatty and Addison Vondersaar have been selected to explore global policy issues through the Honors College’s selective Dixon Global Policy Scholars program, which provides students with the tools to change the world through a combination of public policy coursework and a transformative study abroad trip to Europe, all while applying academic theory to real-world issues.
Over the next two to three years, Elizabeth and Addison will have the opportunity to explore global concepts in more detail through coursework and faculty-guided research focused on global policy issues, before developing their own policy proposals.
The Dixon Global Policy Scholars program was established through an endowment from the Dixon family. Joseph E. Dixon ’39 and his wife, Carolyn, were dedicated members of the Clemson community and active supporters of their local community.
