Dr. Hong Luo’s grant proposal to the USDA-NIFA was funded with a total of $650,000 for four years starting on September 1, 2024.
Drs. Trudy Mackay (contact PI) and Robert Anholt (co-PI) were awarded $170,000 for their grant, “Genetic modifiers of Sanfilippo A and B in Drosophila” by the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation.
Dr. Shahid Mukhtar is part of a $6 million grant from The National Science Foundation to fund his study of how heat and drought affect soybeans.
Dr. Doucet-O’Hare received her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a minor in Spanish from Clemson University in 2010. She then attended the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) and earned a Ph.D. in Human Genetics in 2016 before beginning her first post-doctoral research position at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health in the lab of Avindra Nath, M.D. (Bethesda, MD). In 2021, Dr. Doucet-O’Hare started as a Research Fellow at the National Cancer Institute in the lab of Dr. Zhengping Zhuang. She then joined Clemson University as an assistant professor in August of 2024 in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry.
Dr. Fierro received both his BS and his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. During his Ph.D. he was in the lab of Dr. Vasant Muralidharan to study cellular signaling within the context of malaria parasites. He then joined the lab of Dr. Josh Beck at Iowa State University to master genetic manipulation of these parasites. During his tenure as a post doctoal fellow, he developed several molecular tools to perform functional genetic studies to characterize essential protein trafficking machinery and further expand our understanding of protein export recognition. Dr. Fierro officially joins the department in October 2024 as an assistant professor.
Dr. Jezewski will join us in January 2025 as an assistant professor. He is a molecular microbiologist and biochemist studying pathogenic eukaryotes. His graduate work at Washington University focused on metabolism, mechanisms of drug resistance, and host targeted drug-development. He comes to us from Damian Krysan’s Lab in the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa as postdoctoral scholar.
Dr. Mercer comes to us as a lecturer with 25 years of experience as a research scientist at Emory University, five years as a public health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and three years as a lecturer of biology and course coordinator of biology labs at Kennesaw State University. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring students and is excited to continue her teaching career here at Clemson. Dr. Mercer began teaching this fall semester.
Dr. Mukhtar earned his Ph.D. from the Max-Planck Institute in Cologne in 2005, working under the supervision of Imre Somssich and Paul Schulze-Lefert. In 2006, he joined Jeff Dangl’s lab at UNC-Chapel Hill for his postdoctoral research, and part of his work was done at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. In 2010, he became a faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he was awarded tenure and earned the rank of full professor. After 14 years at UAB, Dr. Mukhtar joined Clemson University in July 2024.
Dr. Jamie L. Wood received her B.S. in biochemistry and M.S. in genetics both from Clemson University and her Ph.D. in biology from The University of Mississippi. She is currently an Assistant Professor of the Practice of Medical Education with Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Wood loves teaching students about the wonders of the cellular and molecular world and looks forward to engaging undergraduate students on these topics. She also has an interest in scientific misinformation and teaching students how to be effective science communicators. She will join the department as a lecturer in January 2025.
Ashley was born and raised just around the corner in Pickens, SC and graduated from Pickens High School in 2001. She has spent years fostering children. Ashley has many years of accounting experience and recently left Blue Ridge Electric in the Customer Service Department after 11 years of service. As our accounts payable and receivable accountant, Ashely handles all purchasing, invoicing and reimbursement needs. She is the go-to person for all Concur, Buyways and day-to-day accounting needs.
Crystal, originally from Brooklyn, NY, has lived in the Upstate for most of her life. She graduated from Lander University in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration and received her MBA in Digital Brand Communications from Clemson University in August 2024. As our Graduate Program Coordinator, Crystal provides administrative support in planning, designing,and implementing Ph.D. degree program in the department.
Professor Dr. Shahid Mukhtar will lead a study aimed to develop sustainable ways to increase soybean yields in heat and drought. The National Science Foundation will fund the research through a $6 million Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grant.
Soybeans, which are the second most widely planted crop in the United States, are threatened to decrease by 40% in the next 25 years due to extreme heat and drought.
“The planet is warming, and that has consequences on human life, either directly or indirectly, and on other lives, particularly plants, which provide food to 8-plus billion people across the globe,” said Shahid Mukhtar.
Dr. Mukhtar will work with a team from the Southeast including scientists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Mississippi State University and the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. The team will aim to idenitfy how heat and drought affect soybeans, from the cellular level to the entire plant. Mukhtar’s lab will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of how heat and drought impact individual cells in a plant through five growth stages.
“Cells have their own individual signatures, yet they are working together to respond to internal cues and diverse environmental stresses. We want to understand which type of signatures changed in response to heat and drought and why,” Mukhtar said. “Once we understand that, we hope to find a strategy to help the plants alleviate climate change-related stresses.”
Read more in the Clemson News aricle.
Freshman biochemistry major Caroline Graham loves hanging out with friends, getting ice cream, playing soccer and pickleball and being in the water. So, with Clemson as her new home, you may find her frequenting 55 Exchange, the intermural fields, the rowing docks or the Fike pool.
Choosing Clemson for its beautiful campus and academic prestige, Caroline couldn’t wait to receive her acceptance letter and become a tiger, even though she had to wait until her varsity soccer game was over on acceptance day to see it!
Originally from Charleston, SC, Caroline attended Wando High School where she was involved in many extracurricular activities.
“During high school, I was involved in Varsity Soccer, HOSA – Future Health Professionals, the National Honors Society, the AP Academy and Student Leadership.”
The decision to be a biochemistry major stems from Caroline’s passion to be a Pediatric Physician’s Assistant (PA).
“I think that the biochemistry major will provide me with a well-rounded education as well as a variety of job options if I decide to go another route that a PA.”
Caroline has joined Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, whose mission is to promote friendship, develop women of integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service. In addition, she intends to join the Paws for PA Club, a group of Clemson Tigers seeking to be the next generation of world-changing physician assistants as well as Friday morning Swim Club!
“I love Clemson so far! Everyone here is so kind and passionate about what they do/want to accomplish. My favorite thing I have done at Clemson is probably going to the Rowing docks and swimming with friends.”
Freshman genetics major and premed student with a minor in Life Sciences Nyah Franqui has had an interest in genetics since her first biology class.
“Since my first biology class, I have gained an interest in genetics and always wanted to learn more. I also believe that genetics is the future of medicine in addressing diseases and providing specific prescriptions to help with an individual’s needs.”
Originally from Hendersonville, NC, Nyah graduated from the Nesbit Discovery Academy. In addition, she received her associate’s in science from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College during her junior year through dual enrollment.
A fun fact about Nyah is that for eleven years, she has practiced Tae Kwon Do and is third-degree black belt! On campus, Nyah plans to become involved in the American Medical Student Association, RAMS, CURE and the EMT club. After graduation she intends to enter the medical field.
“I plan on using my degree throughout my medical journey and practice. I am planning on becoming a Diagnostic Radiologist, but I am also thinking about regenerative medicine.”
Nyah was so excited about receiving her acceptance on the day before her 18th birthday.
“I had my Clemson sweatshirt on as I opened up my email. When I saw I was accepted, my family and I were ecstatic, we celebrated by getting ice cream. Best birthday ever. I’m “All In” on making Clemson my home away from home.”
Griffin Sorensen, incoming freshman for the fall, has know for a long time that she wanted to major in genetics, and she cannot wait to begin working towards her degree!
Originally from Columbia, SC, Griffin attended the Ben Lippen School, a Christian based school that uses Bible-bases curriculum that seeks to equip students for the future by receiving personalized guidance on exploring college, careers and other post-graduation goals. In high school, Griffin’s participated in the sailing club. She has other hobbies as well.
“I love to explore, run, and try new things. A fun fact about me is that I can ride a unicycle.”
Griffin loved the feel of Clemson’s campus and all the opportunities that the university offers. When she got her acceptance letter, she was so excited, she couldn’t wait to get to campus and begin her degree in genetics.
“I’ve always loved research sciences, but genetics has always been the one that stuck out to me because it impacts many areas of life that one might not think it would be present in.”
When Griffin arrives on campus, she plans to join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Genetics and Biochemistry Club and other clubs that help her stay active. In the future, she plans to go to Physician’s Assistant School and get her PA degree so that she can work in a genetic clinic helping people who have genetic disorders.
“I cannot wait to attend Clemson! I get more and more excited by the day. Go Tigers!!”
Coming from Lexington, SC and majoring in genetics, incoming freshman Kylie Wilson is ready to make Clemson her new home! She is the first in her family to attend Clemson University.
When Kylie toured Clemson for the first time, it felt like home to her. She admired the beaty of the campus and the college-town feel. It was during her junior year AP Biology course when she decided she wanted to study genetics in college.
“I loved every second of that class and found everything in it super interesting, especially the heredity unit. When I saw Clemson had a genetics program, I was really excited. It really feels like the perfect place for me to pursue my passions in the field of genetics.”
At River Bluff High School in Lexington, Kylie played school and travel volleyball, was in the BETA Club, National Honor Society and Women’s Empowerment Club. In her free time Kylie likes to work out, spend time with friends and family, attend sports games, travel, try new foods and shop.
On decision day, Kylie was nervous; she had already decided she wanted to attend Clemson and participate in the genetics program. She was hoping all the hard work she put into high school had paid off. It did.
“I had my family gathered around my computer at 6:00pm sharp and when I saw that I got accepted I was so so excited.”
When Kylie arrives on campus she plans to get involved in Greek Life, the Genetics and Biochemistry Club, and intramural volleyball. With her genetics degree, Kylie notes that there are many career options, but she is interested in genetic counseling and forensic DNA analysis.
“I feel really prepared for this next chapter in my life and I’m so ready to make new friends and study the things I am passionate about.”
As an incoming freshman for the fall semester, Maddie will be majoring in genetics and minoring in psychology, also hoping to complete the BS to MS 5-year program that we offer.
“I am from Slidell, LS where I live with my parents, two sisters and mini poodle and where I recently graduated in May from Slidell High School.”
Maddie was involved in several extracurriculars in high school including the school’s swim and tennis teams, student advisory council, BETA Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Future Farmers of America (FFA) and HOSA-Future Health Professionals.
In her free time, she enjoys being a summer swim coach at the local pool, spending time with friends, travelling and going to concerts. She has most recently seen Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Morgan Wallen.
“Fun fact – I have been to 38 of the 50 states and three countries outside of the US: Mexico, Canada, and Italy!”
Maddie knew Clemson would be her college home after her first visit here, seeing the way the faculty truly care about their students and love the university. Maddie notes that getting her acceptance letter from Clemson was close to one of her best days. She felt honored to be given the opportunity to join the tiger family and the genetics and biochemistry department.
“The genetics program is one of the best in the country, and I have no doubt that my Clemson degree will prepare me for my future in medicine! There really is something special in the hills!”
With her genetics degree, Maddie aspires to attend medical school to become a practicing pediatric ophthalmologist.
Maddie recently joined The College of Science Mentoring and Inclusion Collaborative (COSMIC) and a Creative Inquiry research project with Dr. Todd Lyda for the fall semester. Additionally, she hopes to join other campus organizations that apply to her major and interests.
“There are no words to describe how excited I am! I have a countdown on my phone to move in day!”
Sacha is an incoming freshman this fall from Summerville, SC and will be majoring in genetics. She is the first person in her family to attend Clemson and was thrilled to receive her acceptance letter earlier this year.
“Getting my acceptance letter from Clemson was an incredible experience. I held my breath opening it and felt a sigh of relief seeing that I was accepted into a school with so much potential waiting for me!”
In high school, Sacha participated in orchestra, where she played the cello. She also completed the Early College program and received an associate’s degree in science in addition to her high school diploma.
“I was involved in Project Lead The Way’s Biomedical Sciences program, where developed my passion for working in healthcare.”
When Sacha arrives on campus, she plans to join the Genetics and Biochemistry Club and study abroad one semester. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school to become a genetic counselor. In her free time, Sacha likes to spend time at the gym, play with her dogs, and enjoy the outdoors.
“I cannot wait to grow at Clemson and meet so many new people! Go tigers and class of ‘28!”
James Lewis, an assistant professor, was awarded a $1.3 million National Science Foundation CAREER grant. The NSF CAREER Award is among the most prestigious in the nation for early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in their field.
Dr. Lewis will study Heliconiine butterflies living in Central America as a part of his grant. Heliconiine butterfly species that live in the same region often share the same wing color patterns, a process known as mimicry, to increase their individual protection from predators.
“A butterfly that is brightly colored, but not mimetic, is both easily seen by predators and lacks the protection they previously gained from wing pattern mimicry. This appears, at first glance, to be the worst of both worlds. This is exactly the sort of unexpected change that I want to study,” said Lewis.
Read more in the Clemson News article.
Professor Dr. Alex Feltus is part of a new collaborative research study that found some genetic traits modern humans inherited from Neanderthals may increase a person’s susceptibility to autism. The study suggests long-term effects of ancient human hybridization on brain organization and function and could possibly lead to earlier diagnosis.
“This is the first evidence that I am aware of actually showing that Neanderthal DNA is associated with autism,” said Dr. Feltus.
In this study, the researchers used data from publicly available data bases: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK). They found specific Neanderthal genetic markers were enriched in people with autism compared to ethnically-matched control groups.
However, this does not mean that everyone who has these Neanderthal-derived variations will develop autism. The hypothesis of the study is instead, that Neanderthals gave us some of the gene tweaks that give a higher susceptibility for autism.
“Autism is a complex trait. It is controlled by many, many genes. A big part of what we do in my lab is try to understand the level of complexity,” said Dr. Feltus. “Of the 60,000 genes in the human genome, how many genes are at play when you’re developing autism or cancer or any other complex trait? We embrace complexity. We don’t try to erase complexity.”
Detailed findings were published in the journal Nature: Molecular Psychiatry in an article titled “Enrichment of a subset of Neanderthal polymorphisms in autistic probands and siblings.”
In May the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry welcomed Crystal Pitts as their new graduate program coordinator.
Crystal, originally from Brooklyn, NY, has lived in the Upstate for most of her life. She graduated from Lander University in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration and is set to receive her MBA in Digital Brand Communications from Clemson University in August 2024.
As our Graduate Services Coordinator, Crystal provides administrative support in planning, designing, and implementing graduate degree programs in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry. She serves as primary representative for initiating and maintaining academic and payroll records for enrolled students and assisting with student recruitment.
A fun fact about Crystal is that she used to be a 9-1-1 dispatcher for both Clemson University Police Department and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Outside of work, you can find her listening to jazz at Blues Boulevard, dining at her favorite Greenville restaurants Coral and Konnichiwa, or spending time with her husband and two cats, Zira and Olan.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work with student and faculty to make the upcoming Fall 2024 semester one of the best experiences,” says Crystal.
The department recently welcomed Ashley Anthony, the new accounts payable and receivable accountant to their staff.
Ashley was born and raised in just around the corner in Pickens, SC and graduated from Pickens High School in 2001. Ashley has many years of accounting experience and recently left Blue Ridge Electric in the Customer Service Department after 11 years of service.
As our accounts payable and receivable accountant, Ashely handles all purchasing, invoicing, and reimbursement needs. She is the go-to person for all Concur, Buyways and day-to-day accounting needs.
A fun fact about Ashley is that she has fostered children and keeps in touch with some of them! She has three kids and is engaged to be married. Ashley’s favorite place to be is her lake house on Hartwell spending time with friends and family.
“I am honored to have gotten this opportunity to be with such great people. I am very blessed to work with such a great team!”
Senior biochemistry student Ryan Mehlem was part of a group that won the Pay it Forward competition, sponsored by South Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.
The Pay it Forward competition challenges students at Clemson University, South Carolina State University or the University of South Carolina to propose solutions to pressing social and economic problems in rural areas. Students work as teams to create a solution to a long-standing issue, presented as a research paper and video.
Other students in the winning group include Mercy Crapps and Natalia Nortz, both biological sciences majors. The group received $1,000 for their design for a mobile STEM academy toolkit that provides resources, volunteer support and community outreach to students in rural South Carolina schools. The STEM education toolkit helps teachers provide their students with an experiential learning approach that can complement textbook learning or computer simulations in the classroom.
“I remember from my middle school experience, I was able to do some molecular biology practices and techniques which was exciting and interesting,” said Mehlem. “And now I work with those in my own research, pretty much every day.”
When building their STEM education project proposal, the team’s research focused mostly on middle schools, talking to staff at several rural schools throughout the state before developing their initiative.
The trio plans to start with fewer than 10 schools before refining their toolkit and expanding to other locations.
Junior genetics major Kylie Towery has been studying abroad in Florence, Italy this summer through the Lorenzo de Medici Institute.
Kylie is from York, SC and has minors in biochemistry and psychology. She is involved in several extracurricular activities on campus, during the school year and this fall will be joining Dr. Haiying Laing’s Woody Plant Genomics Lab.
“On campus, I am involved with my sorority, Kappa Delta, where I serve as Senior Experience Chair and on the Parenting Place Committee for the past two years.”
Kylie is studying abroad this summer through one of Clemson’s third-party programs, which are coordinated by other universities and study abroad organizations. She is studying at the Institute of Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Florence, Italy. LdM is noted as one of the most distinctive and well-established study abroad institutions in Italy.
“For four weeks, I am taking a Love and Natural Selection class at LdM that will count towards my psychology minor.”
Kylie shares an apartment with five other girls, tow of which are from Clemson. They like to spend their time truly immersing themselves in the culture. Living close to both the river and the replica of David, Kylie enjoys amazing views when she goes out. She has been exploring Florence, eating at new food, shopping and meeting new people.
“I have met so many amazing people from all over the US as well as several people from different parts of the world!”
Kylie is making sure to take advantage of this experience and travel to different parts of Italy, so far having been to Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Venice, San Gimignano and Castiglioncellon. She just wrapped up a weekend trip to the Amalfi Coast, where she got to see Positano, Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii.
“The views everywhere have been amazing so I have been soaking up every moment and opportunity that I can!”
Senior biochemistry major Kailie Greer is currently in Florence, Italy studying introduction to cross cultural communication.
Kailie is originally from Charleston, SC and has minors in chemistry and animal and veterinary science. During the academic year, Kailie works at Crossroads Animal Hospital in Seneca, SC.
In addition, I am part of Dr. Scott Pratt’s Advancement of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Cattle and Other Species Creative Inquiry.”
This research project focuses on methods to increase bovine fertility and examine the putative microRNA markers associated with early pregnancy and early pregnancy loss in pregnancies produced by in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer.
Kailie is studying abroad this summer through one of Clemson’s third-party programs, which are coordinated by other universities and study abroad organizations. Kailie is studying at the Institute of Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Florence, Italy. LdM is noted as one of the most distinctive and well-established study abroad institutions in Italy.
“My typical day starts with a walk to a new coffee shop, my roommates and I are trying all the coffee we can, then I grab lunch and sit outside while I catch up on readings for class.”
At LdM, Kailie is taking an introduction to cross cultural communication course. This course explores and explains everything from the influence of culture on personal identity, differing conceptions and norms of personal space, rituals, speech patterns, myths, ideologies, and the mass media’s influence on cross-cultural representations of reality.
In her free time, Kailie is enjoying walking the streets of Florence, trying new restaurants, and exploring all of what Italy has to offer. She has visited the Amalfi coast, Tuscany, and participated in a cooking class.
“I have met some really great people from all over the United States, as well as some students in my classes from all over the world. This is by far one of my favorite experiences!”
This summer, senior genetics major Brooke Dillingham spent about two weeks studying abroad in Greenland, Denmark, the world’s largest island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Brooke is from York, SC and is involved in many extracurriculars on campus including conducting research in Dr. Michael Sehorn’s DNA repair and Meiotic Homologous Recombination lab.
“In addition, I act as a Clemson LIFE peer mentor, the assistant attorney general of Clemson’s Judicial Board and a member of the Science Student Advisory Board.”
Brooke studied abroad in Greenland as a part of Clemson’s National Scholars Program, exploring the ideas of art and climate change in the Arctic. Led by associate professor of art Dr. Todd Anderson, Brooke and the group started out their trip in Copenhagen, where they went to the Statens Museum for Kunst, the national gallery of Denmark.
“The first part of Greenland we explored was Kangerlussuag where we saw the Russell Glacier, reindeer, an arctic hare, an arctic fox and an ice sheet.”
Known for its airport, Kangerlussuaq is a small town in western Greenland where 25km east, you will find the Russell Glacier. The Russell Glacier flows from the Greenland ice sheet and stands like a wall of ice – reaching up to 60 meters at some points. Brooke also explored Disko Island, where they saw Bowhead Whales and did a polar plunge.
“Our final destination was Ilulissat, which is one of the larger settlements in Greenland. It is said that the iceberg that sank the Titanic originated from Ilulissat’s Disko Bay.”
While visiting Copenhagen, Kangerlussuag, and Ilulissat, Brooke and the group spent most of their time outside taking in the breathtaking scenery and hiking.
“There is nothing that can compare to seeing the icebergs and glaciers of Greenland. When standing next to some glaciers there are points when you look up and around you and all you can see is ice.”
Gabbie Gardiner, senior genetics and biochemistry major, minoring in Spanish, is participating in a one-month study-abroad program. The Clemson Language Immersion Program aims to provide students with a language immersion experience in Spain.
Gabbie is originally from Louisville, KY and is involved in Alpha Chi Omega, the Clemson Spanish Club and a non-profit called Her Best Foot Forward, which distributes hygiene necessities to girls in need. In addition, Gabbie participates in Clemson F45, a fitness training that combines elements three different types of workouts, and she works in the Genetics and Biochemistry Teaching Lab as a work-study student.
Currently studying at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain, Gabbie is only permitted to speak Spanish during the duration of her study abroad experience. Therefore, she takes two classes conducted entirely in Spanish, one with a Clemson faculty member, who focuses on Spanish grammar, and one with a local Spanish professor at the University of Salamanca, who teaches the culture and history of Spain. After classes, they typically have an activity to attend.
“During the week we have our two classes then usually an activity in the afternoon, whether it be a tour of a historical monument in Salamanca or an activity with local students at the university.”
Throughout this break, she also has the time stop into stores or get gelato or a tapa, do some homework and talk with her host family. Gabbie lives with a host family to help immerse her into the culture and language. Her host family only speaks Spanish and has introduced her to traditional Spanish meals and customs.
“My experience with my host family has been amazing and I have learned a variety of new Spanish vocabulary, traditions, and meals.”
On the weekends Gabbie and the other students travel to other parts of Spain to learn more about the differences in culture between the autonomous communities. So far, they have visited five autonomous communities: Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Galicia, and País Vasco. While there, they visit monuments and museums, learn about different local dialects and Spanish cuisine.
“Some of the most notable things we have seen are the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Royal Palace of Madrid, the cathedral of Toledo, the Tower of Hércules, La Playa de La Concha and the Guggenheim Museum. My favorite place we have visited is San Sebastián in País Vasco. The cuisine there is impeccable and unique to the community.”
Gabbie loves to walk around the town and admire the beautiful architecture, go on a run across the Puente Romano, siesta, and meet friends from both Clemson and ones she has made in Salamanca in the Plaza Mayor for gelato.
“Overall, this experience has been so rewarding and my Spanish has improved significantly.”
Logan Rush is National Scholar and a sophomore genetics major with a minor in Pan-African studies. She is currently studying abroad in Germany for eight weeks.
On campus Logan is involved in the Call Me Doctor ESTEEMED Scholars Program, College of Science Student Advisory Board, National Society of Black Engineers, Sister2Sister, and more.
“I serve as the financial committee chair for Clemson’s chapter of the NAACP, the social media liaison for the college of science and a mentor in the program CONNECTIONS. Furthermore, I also participate in research in Clemson’s bioengineering department.”
Logan is studying abroad in Germany with the rest of her National Scholars Program cohort. All NSP study-travel experiences are designed specifically and exclusively for National Scholars. These experiences offer NSP students the opportunity to develop intercultural competencies, grow personally and intellectually and build a community within and across their scholar cohort.
For the first two weeks of her study abroad experience, Logan explored parts of Berlin and Stuttgart. She then arrived in Regensburg, Bavaria to her internship at the university OTH Regensburg. OTH Regensburg is one of the most research-intensive universities of applied sciences in Bavaria.
“I’m interning in a health informatics lab where my project consists of becoming familiar with/writing about research pertaining to privacy risks associated with genetic processing.”
In her free time, Logan has enjoyed exploring the town, traveling to neighboring places, and even has a plan to visit Prague in the next few weeks.
“Overall, I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to explore, learn, and immerse myself in a different culture.”
Allison Donohue is a biochemistry major with a minor in cluster engineering from Kinnelon, NJ. Allison is currently participating in the Faculty-Directed: Summer Undergraduate Research in Osaka, Japan.
This study abroad program provides research experience for students in world-class research laboratories at one of three top universities in Japan. The research project that Allison is conducting is synthesis of ruthenium complexes towards anticancer drugs.
Allison’s days consist of hands-on experiments, synthesizing different compounds and working on her research paper or Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) presentation. COIL is a program where Clemson students work alongside Japanese students to construct a presentation comparing certain aspects of Japan to the United States. In addition, she also meets with her professor to discuss her research progress and her assigned mentor who helps her get acclimated to the Japanese lifestyle.
In her free time, Allison has loved getting to travel, enjoy the traditional Japanese cuisine, shop for souvenirs and immerse herself in everything Japan has to offer.
“I love exploring different areas of Osaka and traveling to different parts of Japan. I enjoy getting to see the more touristy parts of Japan, but the less touristy, more natural beauty areas of Japan are even more intriguing.”
One of Allison’s favorite trips was visiting Amanoshidate, a pine-covered sand-bar and one of Japan’s three scenic views. They stayed in a more traditional home, got to try out an onsen (a hot spring) and see more of Japan’s natural beauty. Another place she enjoyed visiting was Nara, the deer park. Here she was able to pet and feed deer that bowed to her.
“I’ve loved everything about this experience so far and I cannot wait to experience more as I go through the rest of my experience here.”
Biochemistry and molecular biology graduate student from Dr. Michael Sehorn’s lab Amarachukwu Onoh (Amara) has been awarded an American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024 Science Outreach and Communication (ASBMB SOC) grant.
The ASBMB Science Outreach and Communication Committee’s mission is to expand the effectiveness of inclusive and accessible science outreach and communication activities. Each grant supplies up to $1,000 for a new or existing public engagement activity to promote a molecular understanding of life.
Amara is using her grant towards the Africa of Our Dream Initiative, which she facilitates. The Africa of Our Dream Initiative is one-day event that reaches up to 200 undergraduates from the University of Nigeria with a goal to enhance scientific literacy and appreciation of bioresearch. This program is designed to engage undergraduate students in the process of drug discovery, providing an educational experience that includes a keynote speech and hands-on learning to introduce drug-target interactions using simulations of molecular docking. The event ends with a science challenge, with prizes awarded and each participant receives a certification of completion.
“Given that Nigeria is a developing country with a low level of scientific literacy, the country needs science outreach programs designed to inform the populace about science, especially biochemical science,” Amara said. “We desire to contribute towards raising a generation of future leaders who are science literate and appreciate scientific research.”
For Amara the ASBMB grant provides funds for the Africa of Our Dream Initiative’s basic infrastructure such as internet, projector and sound equipment, as well as awards for speakers and funds for advertising the event.
