If you’re in the sciences, odds are you’ve crossed paths with Kate Doran. Maybe in your genetics or biochemistry or anthropology or engineering or chemistry or biology courses. Kate seems to be a jack of all trades in the College of Science.
Originally from Stephentown, New York, Kate is a junior double majoring in genetics and biochemistry with minors in social sciences, biological sciences, engineering and chemistry. Kate chose Clemson because when she toured “it felt like home” with it being a big school but with a small school environment.
Research being a significant part of Kate’s academic career, she has been involved in the Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research Program, Clemson University’s unique combination of undergraduate research, experiential learning and cross-disciplinary interactions.
“The opportunities available were unmatched, specifically the creative inquiry program which allows undergraduate students to do research.”
The title of Kate’s Creative Inquiry project is “Development of a 3D-Printed Millifluidic Device to Study How Bacteria Alters the 3D Migration of Breast Cancer Cells.” The goal of this project was to look at the chemotactic response due to soluble factors released by bacteria in the breast tumor microenvironment and investigate this through the development of a 3D printed millifluidic device to analyze cancer cell chemotaxis.
In addition to the Creative Inquiry Program, Kate participates in Dr. Adam Melvin’s chemical engineering lab, focusing on the 3-Dimensional migration of breast cancer cells within a 3D printed device.
“Prior to Clemson, I did not anticipate working or participating in an engineering environment, however the opportunities presented to undergraduates are unmatched across all fields.”
The research she has participated in at Clemson led her to obtain a position as a summer intern at the National Institutes of Health last summer. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.
Kate notes some of her academic success to the people she is surrounded by here at Clemson, whether that be academic advisors, professors or other students.
“As I move forward in my degree, each semester I meet more people within the department, and the community that biochemistry and genetics majors have is truly special.”
After graduation, Kate plans to pursue an M.D. or a Ph.D.
“Medical school has been a long-term goal of mine, and following the introduction to biochemistry and research, it was apparent the original plan could be expanded in order to better help others in the long run.”
At the American Society of Microbiology Joint Branch Meeting of South Caroina (SC ASM) on November 9th, biochemistry and molecular biology master’s student Bryson Woodard received an Honorable Mention for his poster presentation titled, “Construction and Characterization of Transgenic Cell Lines for the Analysis of Glycosome Heterogeneity in Trypanosoma brucei“.
Bryson works in Dr. Meredith Morris’ lab in the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC). The lab focuses on Trypanosoma brucei (the causative agent of African Sleeping Sickness) as a model organism and seeks to explore and close knowledge gaps within the parasite’s cellular biology.
“We are interested in the diversity of glycosomes, which are essential metabolic organelles within the Trypanosomes; previous research findings suggest that not all glycosomes are the same.”
To assess this diversity, Bryson and his lab mates use an endogenous tagging technique to attach fluorescent protein tags to essential glycosomal membrane proteins. These tagged membrane proteins allow analyzation of glycosomal diversity using fluorescence expansion microscopy and advanced forms of flow cytometry.
“To date, we have successfully attached our first fluorescent tag to our selected membrane proteins, subsequent attachment of additional tags and analysis is to follow.”
Attending the SC ASM fall meeting was an excellent experience for Bryson, where he was able to learn more about microbiological research happening in our state, network with other scientists and faculty and further prepare for his career as a physician.
“I am honored to have received an honorable mention for my poster presentation. I want to thank the conference organizers, my advisor, Dr. Meredith Morris and my lab mates for supporting me in these endeavors.”
Authority Magazine recently highlighted Professor Shahid Mukhtar’s work and career journey in science in the article, “AgTech: Shahid Mukhtar of Clemson University On The New Technologies That Are Revolutionizing Agriculture.” The interview for the article is done by Martita Mestey and the questions asked give great insight into Dr. Mukhtar’s life and career.
Elizabeth Caldwell, senior genetics major, has been selected as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious and selective major fellowships available to American college students.
The Rhodes Scholarship, a fully funded postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford, is recognized worldwide as the oldest and most well-known scholarship for academic excellence. Rhode scholars are chosen based on those who demonstrate academic excellence, the energy to use their talents to the fullest, and attributes such as truth, courage, kindness, devotion to duty, moral force of character and instincts to lead.
Elizabeth, who researches rare diseases and advocates for the disability community, was recently announced as Clemson’s 5th Truman Scholar, a federally funded scholarship granted to U.S. undergraduate students for demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence and a commitment to public service.
Elizabeth is also part of the National Scholars Program, Clemson’s most selective university-wide merit scholarship program. National Scholars are selected through a rigorous process that identifies students with the highest levels of intellectual vision and community engagement.
“A brilliant scientist and determined advocate, Elizabeth’s remarkable accomplishments are eclipsed only by her steadfast and inspirational commitment to making our campus, community, and society more welcoming and accessible,” said Sarah Winslow, inaugural dean of the Clemson University Honors College.
Elizabeth is actively engaged on campus and in the community. She is part of associate professor Michael Sehorn’s lab, which explores DNA repair pathways, serves as the only undergraduate student on Clemson’s Accessibility Commission, and founded Tigers 4 Accessibility, Clemson’s first and only student organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive and accessible campus culture and physical environment.
In addition, Elizabeth acts as a volunteer at the Clemson Free Clinic, a local medical center that provides health care to the area’s low-income population, where she created a Mobility Aid Program that raised $3,000 to offset medical equipment costs for patients.
Elizabeth is one of approximately 800 students nominated nationwide for the Rhodes Scholarship, competing for 32 spots. She is one of 15 finalists from the district representing South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. She interviews for the award on November 15 and 16.
If chosen, Elizabeth plans to pursue a master’s program focused on genomic medicine, followed by a master’s degree in global health and epidemiology.
Associate professor of genetics and biochemistry at Clemson University, Dr. Lukasz Kozubowski earned his bachelor’s and then master’s degrees in pharmaceutical sciences at the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland, whihc is one of the oldest and the largest medical schools in Poland. The first academic department of medicine was established as far back as two centuries ago in 1809.
He then completed his doctorate under the mentorship of Dr. Kelly Tatchell at Louisiana State University Medical Center, studying mechanisms of cell division and morphogenesis (more specifically the biology of septin proteins and related cell signaling involving the PP1 phosphatase). He continued similar investigations under the guidance of Dr. Danny Lew, when he moved to Duke University for his postdoctoral studies.
Subsequently, he performed studies in several labs at Duke (including Joseph Heitman, Andy Alspaugh, and John Perfect) investigating the biology and pathogenicity of a human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.
In 2013 he established research program at Clemson University with the main aim to elucidate mechanisms of cell division and stress response in C. neoformans. Dr. Kowzubowski studies C. neoformans to understand the mechanistic cellular processes used by pathogenic microorganisms to allow survival in the infected host. C. neoformans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen worldwide and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients.
Dr. Kozubowski’s work with C. neoformans leads to the hypothesis that this pathogen has evolved unique pathways to control cell division in a manner that allows it to survive within a human host. Testing this hypothesis would provide insights into how eukaryotic pathogens adapt to the host environment and could potentially reveal new targets for therapeutic interventions.
In addition to research, Dr. Kozubowski teaches, writes grants and publishes papers in peer-reviewed journals. Read more here.
When senior genetics major Sofia Willey was in middle school, she began having abnormally intense joint pain, something doctors attributed to the rigor of competitive gymnastics and her 20 hour-a-week training schedule.
At first, doctors diagnosed her with hip dysplasia, but that didn’t account for the hypermobility symptoms, scarring and low bone growth. Her doctor then suggested Sofia may have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), specifically the hypermobile subtype. EDS is a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue and can cause weak joints, affecting 1 in 5,000 people.
“I didn’t understand what was happening to me, and no one around me did either.”
Doctors’ limited knowledge of the disorder is due in part to the EDS being under-researched. This has inspired Sofia to pursue a degree in genetics and focus on research while in college.
“It becomes a lot of explaining your own problems to your doctor so they can prescribe or help you find what you need.”
This summer Sofia worked with the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina on a project related to the complement system and its biological importance in hEDS. Dr. Russell Norris a professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology. Norris lab is one of the preeminent labs researching EDS.
Sofia’s specific research aims at finding a diagnostic tool that could use specific protein levels in the blood to determine if a patient has EDS. She focused on changes in the immune system of patients with EDS compared to those without the disease, finding a few significant proteins that had different levels in subjects with EDS than in those without.
Sofia says her time in the Norris lab, which also included patient education, has helped her better understand her disease and problems in her own body. She hopes to change patients’ lives through knowledge of under-recognized diseases.
If you are looking for senior genetics major Kate Miller, you may find her in the classroom, sports concession stands, Dr. Powder’s lab or on Wednesdays, you’ll see her taking advantage of the $5 sushi deal at Publix.
Both Kate’s focus on community and STEM brought her to Clemson University.
“I came to Clemson because my first visit in middle school caused me to absolutely fall in love with Clemson’s tight-knit community and its emphasis on STEM programs.”
Kate chose her genetics major and her biological sciences minor because she wanted the ability to study both biology and chemistry on a deeper level. Kate says she hopes both her major and minor help in her pursuit of going to Pathologist Assistant school.
“The best part of being in the G&B department has been the personalized support from my mentors and advisors. As a smaller department, I have a strong network with the faculty who make me feel comfortable and supported with my academic and career questions.”
Kate loves working with the fish and notes that this opportunity has greatly enhanced her laboratory skills. Kate’s personal project from this summer explores the developmental effects of estrogen on facial structure.
“Endocrine disruptors such as estrogen have been found in the environment due to pollution, and this research will show what may happen to the facial development of humans if exposed, especially in utero.”
In addition to undergraduate research, Kate is a member and leader of BeakerBox, a CI project where we develop interactive lesson plans for middle school science classrooms in South Carolina. BeakerBox aims to engage 6th-8th graders in the life sciences by keeping science fun and interesting.
“After graduation I plan on going back to school to become a pathologist assistant. My favorite classes right now are Toxicology and Anatomy, which are both fascinating and helping to lay a solid foundation for my future career!”
Director of the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC) and professor of Genetics and Biochemistry Dr. Kerry Smith has taken a role with the Clemson University School of Health Research (CUSHR) as campus research director for the Prisma Health Education and Research Institute (PHERI).
“In this role, I am able to extend my efforts beyond my own laboratory’s research and assist in advancing impactful health-related research in diverse scientific and clinical fields,” said Smith.
PHERI, a collaboration between Prisma Health, Clemson, Furman University and University of South Carolina, seeks to bridge the gap between academics, research, clinical practice and healthcare transformation in a way that is innovative, inter-institutional, inter-professional and interdisciplinary. In his new role, Dr. Smith will work to build and enhance research collaboration between Clemson researchers and clinical faculty from Prisma.
“The increased collaboration will be advantageous for both Clemson researchers and the clinical faculty, as it will enable the Clemson researchers to conduct health-related research in an applied environment that will have a positive impact on individuals,” Smith said. “This will enable the clinical faculty member to offer scientific assistance for innovative interventions that could potentially be implemented outside of Prisma Health–Upstate.”
As campus research director for PHERI, Smith expects these collaborations to continue to generate presentations at conferences for academic researchers and for physicians and healthcare professionals, publications in peer-reviewed journals and external funding.
“Kerry has shown his commitment to our vision of expanding health research at Clemson,” Sherrill said. “We look forward to his success in his new role as Clemson University Campus Research Director for Prisma to enhance our research partnerships and Clemson’s health research mission.”
The director of the Clemson University Center for Human Genetics, Dr. Trudy Mackay, has been named Clemson University’s first-ever member of the prestigious National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Mackay is among the 100 new members currently by NAM members. Election to the Academy recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of medical sciences, health care and public health.
“Trudy Mackay is a world-renowned researcher in the field of genetics. Her election to the National Academy of Medicine is a historic and exciting day for Clemson University,” said President Jim Clements. “As Clemson’s first National Academy Member of Sciences and now our first National Academy Member of Medicine, Trudy continues to elevate our University’s research profile to new heights. I am thrilled that Trudy has received such an incredible honor, and I am excited to see how her research further transforms and positively impacts the lives of others for generations to come.”
Mackay is among the 100 new members elected Monday by current NAM members. Election to the Academy recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of medical sciences, health care and public health.
“I am very honored that the National Academy of Medicine recognizes the value of my model organism work with fruit flies, which has so much potential to impact human health,”Mackay said.
Founded in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, three academies make up the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine — and Mackay is now a part of two of them, having been elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2010 as well. Mackay is the only one in South Carolina to be elected to more than one.
Mackay’s groundbreaking research uses the common fruit fly Drosophila to discover the genetic roots of complex traits — traits that are influenced by multiple genes — that are important to human health. She developed the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, a valuable resource used by researchers from all around the world. The panel includes more than 1,000 fly lines with fully sequenced genomes.
“The whole premise of genetic medicine is that once you know the genes involved, you understand the processes and networks, or the context in which those genes are involved, which often leads to drugs that can target those disease,” said Mackay. “My work historically has been trying to identify those genes and understand those networks.”
Mackay said the NAM honor will enhance Clemson’s advancement of precision medicine.
“Dr. Mackay is a pioneer in human genetics, and this spectacular honor is further recognition of Clemson’s excellence in improving lives through research,” said Cynthia Young, dean of Clemson’s College of Science. “Clemson continues to accelerate her vision of precision medicine — integrating a person’s genetics, environment and lifestyle leading to healthier lives.”
