When Dr. Jim Morris was the guest speaker at a Biochemistry and Genetics Club meeting, senior biochemistry major Catly (Cat) Nguyen became interested in his research, leading to a position as an undergraduate researcher in the Morris Labs. This summer, Cat is participating in the Undergraduate Research + Creative Inquiry (CI) program, while continuing her research with Dr. Morris.
“Hearing Dr. Morris talk about his journey into research/molecular biology and his work was so insightful and interesting. It gave me the courage to email him and ask to join his lab as an undergraduate researcher.”
In the Morris Lab, Cat’s research focuses on identifying and localizing potential drug targets and understanding drug uptake in Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. Trypanosomes are so complex because their cellular mechanisms, like glucose metabolism, are not yet fully understood.
“Our goal here is expand our understanding of their cellular biology so that we can exploit it for drug targets.”
This summer, for her CI, Cat is specifically investigating how drugs and inhibitors are trafficked to glycosomes, which are specialized peroxisomes that house essential glycolytic enzymes.
“To do this, I’ve been working on purifying PTS-tagged (peroxisomal targeting sequence) eYFP proteins, which will help us characterize how these proteins are delivered to the glycosomes and potentially co-delivered with drugs.”
Another part of Cat’s research is working on another side cloning project where the goal is to find the origin of replication within a plasmid by dividing it into smaller fragments and amplifying them using specific designed primer pairs. Once one is discovered, they can clone EYFP into it, allowing N. fowleri to replicate the fluorescent protein independently and establish long-term expression of EYFP once it is transfected into the parasite.
“So far, I’ve had such an amazing experience in Dr. Morris’ lab during the summer. I’ve gotten to spend more time in lab, getting more work done, being able to see positive results, and most importantly expanding my understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry.”
Cat has been able to apply this experience to her lecture courses and has been able to interact with and learn from graduate students, whom she notes as great mentors. Cat knows this experience in the Morris lab will help her reach her future ambitions.
“From this experience, I hope to better prepare myself for a future in research. I am pursuing pharmacy school after undergrad and am planning on going into biochemical pharmaceutical research where I focus on drug discovery/delivery. So, working with Dr. Morris this summer has be extremely valuable to my future goals.”
Outside of her CI, Cat has been spending her summer planting, spending time with friends and families, cooking and baking, going to concerts, reading and traveling.
Natalie Shay, genetics student graduating this May, has been emersed in research, clubs and the community since she arrived, research being one of Natalie’s top priorities.
“During my freshman and sophomore year, I was in a CI with Dr. Marc Birtwistle where I helped study cancer diagnostics and pharmacology.”
Junior and senior year, Natalie developed an interest in neurobiology, resulting in an undergraduate researcher position in Dr. Julia George’s lab, where Natalie studied gene expression in the brains of zebra finch embryos, particularly DNA methylation changes.
“These experiences shaped me as a scientist, and I couldn’t be more thankful for them!”
Natalie was also the president of the Biochemistry and Genetics club, and her favorite course was Epigenetics; she loves figuring out how so many factors affect our gene expression beyond just our DNA sequence.
Natalie is grateful for the lifelong friends that she has made at Clemson over the last four years.
“It was awesome to find friends who love science as much as I do!”
After graduation, Natalie will be joining Dr. Jessica Larsen’s lab to pursue a master’s degree in bioengineering, her overall career goal to research and develop gene therapies.
“I’m glad I get to stay at Clemson a little bit longer!”
The last four years of her undergraduate studies, graduating biochemistry senior Kailie Greer, has spent trying new things and meeting new people. From studying abroad to participating in a Creative Inquiry (CI) Program, Kailie has fully taken advantage of the experiential learning that Clemson has to offer.
Kailie was a part of Dr. Scott Pratt’s Advancement of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Cattle and Other Species CI and studied abroad in Florence, Italy last summer at the Institute of Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Florence, Italy, which is noted as one of the most distinctive and well-established study abroad institutions in Italy. In addition, Kailie worked part-time at Crossroads Animal Hospital in Seneca, SC.
Upon graduation, Kailie is taking a gap year and working at Salt Marsh Animal Hospital in Kiawah, SC before applying to veterinary school.
“Clemson has brought me so many opportunities and I am forever thankful for the four years I had here.”
Associate professor Michael Sehorn has been awarded the 2025 Ted G. Westmoreland Faculty Excellence Award, which is presented annually to honor a distinguished faculty member who has made exemplary contributions to undergraduate student success at Clemson University.
Dr. Sehorn is a member of the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center and the Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies with a research focus on DNA repair and genome stability. Dedicated to student mentorship, Sehorn has guided numerous undergraduates to postgraduate education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania and on to win major awards, including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, Norris Medal, Truman Scholar and Beckman Scholar.
In addition, his long-standing engagement with Creative Inquiry Program is evident through his service on the CI + UR Advisory Committee and as a Creative Inquiry Fellow. As an experiential learning ambassador, Sehorn supports the Clemson Elevate initiative by advising and facilitating experiential through research.
He developed two courses that provide pre-med students with clinical research and shadowing experiences. Additionally, Sehorn is the faculty advisor for the pre-med Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health organization. He has led multiple Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation Faculty Learning Communities to enhance teaching effectiveness.
The Ted G. Westmoreland Faculty Excellence Award recipient receives a monetary award of $1,000 and a plaque. Additionally, the faculty member’s name is added to the perpetual Dr. Ted G. Westmoreland Award for Faculty Excellence plaque on display in the Class of 1956 Academic Success Center Building.
Senior biochemistry major Kristen Gulbrandsen placed 1st at the 20th annual Focus on Creative Inquiry (FoCI) event, which is Clemson’s university-wide poster forum that showcases undergraduate research, service-learning and other experiential learning activities supported by the Creative Inquiry program. Kristen’s poster presentation was titled “Enterococcus faecalis Inhibits Clostridium innocuum In Vitro Under Multiple Conditions.”
Many other G&B students presented their research at FoCI as well.
The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.The Creative Inquiry poster session in the Watt Family Innovation Center on April 9, 2025.
Sophomore and Honors College student Ciara Alderman initially chose to major in biochemistry because her career plan was to attend medical school. Though her aspirations have changed, her love her biochemistry has only grown.
“I love challenging myself and learning about the biochemical processes that affects every living organism.”
When looking for colleges, Ciara was looking for a place that was welcoming, student-centered and somewhere that she knew she could succeed.
“Allowing undergraduates to participate in research and projects the way Clemson does is unheard of. I knew that Clemson would provide me with the resources and experiences I need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
Now that Ciara has been on campus for a while, she has found a community in the Genetics and Biochemistry department, with both students and faculty.
“I think we have the best faculty and staff of any department!”
Aside from the departmental community, Ciara has become involved in several extracurricular activities on campus. One is working for Clemson Home as a Residential Community Mentor (RCM) helping students navigate their freshman year at Clemson.
“The most fulfilling part of my job is being a mentor to my residents. Being an RCM fills me with unexplainable joy as I help foster an inclusive community that creates an environment for students to succeed.”
Ciara is also a member of Clemson’s Xi Chapter of Alpha Omega Epsilon (A.O.E), a professional and social sorority for women in engineering and science focused on friendship, leadership and professionalism. Being a member of A.O.E has given Ciara the opportunity to connect with women in all STEM fields as well as other Genetics and Biochemistry majors.
“Through A.O.E, I have made lifelong friends, developed my professional skills and made a positive impact in my community.”
This semester Ciara joined a Creative Inquiry (CI) project focused on running standardized national STEM competitions for K-12 students.
“I am passionate about providing students with the opportunity to develop their STEM knowledge, skills and experiences before entering college, and this CI gives me the chance.”
In her free time, Ciara enjoys playing sports like volleyball, spikeball, football and pickleball with her friends. She is a huge fan of Clemson sports attends all the games she can. She also loves the outdoors, taking advantage of Clemson’s location in the upstate by hiking and kayaking on Lake Hartwell, walking at the Dikes and camping in the Blue Ridge. On days when she wants to relax, Ciara loves to read anything from short memoirs and essay collections to historical fiction and mysteries.
“A fun fact about me is that I have a black belt in Karate!”
Ciara’s aspirations grew and changed as she delved into the world of biochemistry. No longer was medical school at the forefront of her brain. After graduation, Ciara aspires to go on to Physical Therapy school and get her DPT.
“It is my dream to be able to work for a sports team as a Physical Therapist to help athletes get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.”
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.”
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!”
Yellow camellias are far rarer than white, pink and red, found only in south China and Vietnam. Senior biochemistry major Allen Gomez’s research aims to make propagation and growing of yellow camellias easier.
Gomez’s research is done through the Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research program with associate professor Dr. Haiying Laing, whose research focuses on the application of genetics and genomics to improve economically important traits in plants.
“I think it’s really interesting how gene editing and being able to modify and improve certain aspects of different organisms through genetics works,” said Gomez.
Working with first-year Ph.D. student Roger Zhang he has investigated the expression levels of auxin response factor (ARF) genes in Camellia nitidissima, aiming to determine how ARF genes were regulated in yellow camellias, possibly leading to the ability to determine a method to induce adventitious roots and develop a treatment method that would improve the rooting ability of yellow camellias.
Gomez’s end goal is to attend medical school and become a surgeon. He says the research he has done through this project gives him valuable research experience to bolster his medical school applications and allows him to hone skills he’ll use throughout his career in medicine.
“It shows that I am able to follow instructions step-by-step, take precise notes, solve problems, work with others, interpret data and know the importance of sterility. I’ll use those skills in medical school and as a surgeon,” he said.
Gomez’s desire to become a surgeon stems from a childhood experience. When Gomez was 10, he lived in Ecuador. After falling off monkey bars at the playground and breaking his wrist, it was four days before he could get the surgery he needed. That sparked his interest in surgery and a desire to help bring more medical services to rural areas in Ecuador.
“My experiences at Clemson helped solidify my belief that pursuing a medical career is the right thing to do.”
Junior biochemistry major with a minors in chemistry and cluster life sciences, Albash Khan studied abroad in Osaka, Japan this summer, where he was involved in a bioengineering research program.
“My research focuses on developing microgels for miRNA replacement therapy, aimed at treating cancer cells. The core of my work involves engineering these microgels to effectively deliver miRNA to cancerous cells, with the goal of halting abnormal protein production within the targeted cell.”
In the lab, Albash spent most of his time conducting experiments to prepare microgels to analyze. On Tuesday evenings Albash’s entire lab, including our professor, gathered to present their current research and discuss recent scientific papers.
“I collaborated closely with my lab mates, who have been incredibly supportive and foster a collaborative environment.”
During the weekends, Albash has the time to explore and spend time with fellow Clemson students in the program and his new Japanese friends. He has had the opportunity to travel to different parts of Japan, such as Kyoto and Okinawa, where he has experienced the country’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
“In my free time, I love immersing myself in the local culture. I often visit historical sites and try out new restaurants. I’ve also had some unique adventures, like feeding deer that bow in Nara Park or biking 50 miles across five islands.”
Beyond the academic and cultural experiences, this study abroad journey has allowed Albash to build strong connections with both local and international students sharing many memorable moments, from hiking in the mountains to attending baseball games.
“These lifelong friendships have been a highlight of my time in Japan and have truly enriched my study abroad experience.”
Albash is originally from Florence, SC, and chose our Biochemistry program to help reach his goal of becoming a Nephrologist. Albash is involved in the Hunting for Novel Antibiotics Creative Inquiry led by Dr. Min Cao in Biological Sciences; the Rutland Institute for Ethics’ student ethics committee, Creative Habits and Norms Guiding Ethical Decisions; and the Health Extension for Diabetes Program.
Lauren Anderson ’25
Lauren Anderson, a junior Genetics major with a minor in women’s studies interned at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, SC through the National Institutes of Health R25 program.
“I worked under Dr. Thomas Nathaniel, researching the Demographic and Psychotropic Factors in Patients with Vascular Dementia with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and a History of Alcohol Use.”
Lauren’s research was cultivated by the data from patients diagnosed with dementia from Prisma Health-Upstate Alzheimer Registry, which is collected when patients come to the hospital with a dementia-related complaint.
“A univariate analysis was used to determine the differences in demographics and psychotropic factors for venereal disease patients who present with neuropsychiatric symptoms with a history of alcohol use compared with those without a history of alcohol.”
Lauren is originally from Greenville, SC and during the academic year is involved in various pre-medical clubs and organizations such as Clemson MedEx Academy, Clemson HOSA and Tigers for Babies. In addition, she gives her time to outreach activities including volunteering at the Clemson Free Clinic, guiding others as a core training instructor at the local gym and supporting low-income families at the community care center.
Lauren has also collaborated with Clemson’s Psychology Research Department on a study focusing on psychological pressure and decision-making.
“After graduating, I plan to attend medical school pursuing a career as a fertility endocrinologist and delve into in vitro fertilization and reciprocal in vitro fertilization.”
Riley Murphey ’24
This summer Riley Murphey, senior genetics major with a minor in Russian area studies, interned at the National Institute of Environmental Heath Science (NIEHS) in Durham, NC, working in Dr. William Copeland’s lab studying mitochondrial DNA replication.
NIEHS’s mission is to discover how the environment affects people to promote healthier lives. At NIEHS, William C. Copeland, Ph.D., is Chief of the Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory and head of the Mitochondrial DNA Replication Group, which studies mitochondrial diseases. Riley had three projects this summer.
“The first included generating an HA-tagged mitochondrial single-stranded binding protein (mtSSB) construct for future competition assays. The second project’s goal was to explore the binding affinity of Polymerase Gamma’s subunit POLG2 in a mutant and wild type form to a D-loop structure in the mitochondrial genome. My last project was exploring the binding affinity of Transcription Factor A Mitochondrial (TFAM) to single-stranded DNA.”
Through these research projects, Riley was introduced to new techniques including anisotropy, fast liquid column chromatography (FPLC) and protein purification, oligo annealing, DNA purification from a gel, dot blotting, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA).
“My work was completed under the supervision of the amazing Dr. Dillon King, who is a post-doctoral fellow in the Genome Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory. She was an excellent teacher and has become a great friend.”
Summer interns at NIEHS had the opportunity to present their work at a poster forum. Riley earned second place in the undergraduate category for research and poster.
“I absolutely loved my time at NIEHS and hope to return to the people there as a post-doctorate fellow after graduate school.”
Elizabeth Caldwell ’24
Elizabeth Caldwell is a senior genetics major with a minor in biochemistry and she is currently a Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program intern at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The POE Program is a competitive summer internship that allows students to conduct world-class laboratory research while exploring pediatric oncology’s clinical side.
Elizabeth returned to the POE Program for a second summer to continue her acute myeloid leukemia (AML) research in the Klco Lab. The Klco lab is focused on defining the molecular and biological causes of this class of tumors.
“I am honored that St. Jude and Dr. Klco have given me the opportunity to continue exploring my passion for rare disease research by investigating rare mutations seen in pediatric AML. I have learned many new skills that I am excited to bring back to Clemson and carry with me for the rest of my career.”
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Elizabeth has had the opportunity to explore the clinical side of survivorship care, pediatric lymphomas and leukemias, and adult gynecologic oncology in addition to her research.
“St. Jude is so special to me because it is the perfect institution to see my three passions intersect: research, patient care, and public health. The community of St. Jude is very strong, and I feel a similar connection to my cohort within the program. I have made so many great friends that I’ve enjoyed exploring Memphis on the weekends and Nashville over the July 4th Weekend.”
As a 2024 Truman Scholar, Elizabeth had the opportunity to attend the Truman Scholars Leadership Week (TSLW) earlier this summer. During this week, Elizabeth met other scholars, learned about graduate school opportunities, and participated in a service project for the community of Liberty, Missouri.
“I am so thankful to be named a Truman scholar amongst some of the most driven people I have met. I am excited for what the future holds, and the opportunities Truman will provide to delve deeper into my passions in public health policy.”
Originally from Hendersonville, TN, Elizabeth is a National Scholar in the Clemson Honors College and a member of Dr. Sehorn’s lab. During the academic year, Elizabeth serves as president for Tigers 4 Accessibility, volunteers with the Clemson Free Clinic and a local hospice organization, acts as a student representative on the Accessibility Commission, and is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon.
Natalie Shay ’24
Natalie Shay is a senior genetics major with a minor in psychology, and she just finished up her summer internship at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC).
The Greenwood Genetic Center is a non-profit organization that has provided clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and medical genetics research to patients for over 50 years.
At the GGC, Natalie got to shadow many lab techniques such as DNA extraction from human blood, RT-PCR, Western Blotting, Oxford Nanopore DNA sequencing (her favorite) and GGC’s special methylation array test called EpiSign. She also got to see their aquaculture center that houses the zebrafish they use in their research experiments.
“The project that I was a part of is called the Genomic Discovery Project (GDP). In the GDP, clinicians refer patients with suspected genetic disorders to the GGC to investigate further. There are 3 tracks in the GDP: Discovery, Resolution, and Treatment.”
Natalie worked under Dr. Richard Street and was part of the Resolution track, which is where, patient cases with results showing genetic “Variants of Unknown Significance” are reviewed to determine what kind of experiments can be done.
“I focused on two patient cases with multiple Variants of Unknown Significance, made presentations on what was already known about those genes, and tried to link it back to our patients’ phenotypes.”
Natalie had the opportunity to present those presentations in GDP meetings that triaged the patient cases to determine experimental feasibility. Working with real patient data made Natalie feel more connected and proud that her efforts would be used to help actual patients.
“I got to work with a wide variety of people from all over the world, and it was great making connections with everyone who worked there. The Greenwood Genetic Center does wonderful work!”
Sofia Wiley ’24
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is thought to be the most common genetic connective tissue disorder. Senior genetics major Sofia Wiley has spent her summer researching this disease, one which she is diagnosed with herself.
“As a part of the Gensmer hEDS internship program, I have been given the rare opportunity to study my own disease.”
Sofia is working 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. Alongside her project, she has been able to shadow in neurosurgery, dermatology, orthopedics, and genetic counseling. Advocacy is a significant part of the program, and Sofia has had the opportunity to work on many projects to improve patient education and resources.
“My favorite part of the program is the community that is being built and the ability to promote disability involvement in STEM.”
This summer Sofia has spent her free time enjoying beach picnics, exploring new restaurants and ice cream shops around Charleston, watching movies with friends and reading. Also, Sofia is working on additional advocacy projects.
“I am also working on a few advocacy projects, focusing mainly on advancing the disability community through patient, parent and physician education. That was a large part of this internship, and I have a few projects which will continue well into the future.”
Originally from Birmingham, AL, Sofia is a part of the Honor College, pre-med with a minor in biochemistry. During the academic year, Sofia volunteers at NewSpring Church, participates in undergraduate research in Dr. Michael Sehorn’s lab, is a member of Kappa Delta, and is vice president of Alpa Epsilon Delta, a pre-health honor society designed for distinguished students who want to pursue a career in one of the health field.
Leigh Anna Brown ’25
Junior biochemistry major Leigh Anna Brown is spending her summer as a medical assistant, a tutor, a resident community manager and more (as you see in the photo above)!
Leigh Anna is working as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic where she gets to work with patients and assist providers with biopsies and excisions. In addition, she is tutoring two third graders prepping them for the new school year. Leigh Anna has also been working with high schoolers and incoming freshmen this summer.
Giving back to her community is important to Leigh Anna. This summer she volunteered at a week-long event in her local community called Serve Week, where she led middle and high schoolers in projects.
“We go out every day doing different service projects such as cleaning up roads and washing cop cars.”
She is also a Resident Community Mentor (RCM) on campus in Byrnes Hall this summer working with incoming freshman. RCMs serve students in the residential communities as community engagers, community advocates, and resource educators.
“I love working with freshmen and helping them establish themselves in the Clemson community and making a home here.”
While not busy at the clinic, on campus or tutoring, Leigh Anna is enjoying walking, getting coffee, reading and maintaining goats this summer.
“I started raising goats with my fiancé this summer. We have six right now and hopefully will be breeding them soon!”
Leigh Anna is involved in Campus Outreach, an interdenominational college ministry program and Sigma Alpha Omega, a Christian sorority where she serves as their Judicial Board Chairwoman and Bible Study Chairwoman.
“In the fall, I am starting a research project on prenatal and postpartum mental health and chronic illness in the fall and am super excited.”
Kaylee Board ’25
Kaylee Board is a pre-med junior genetics and biochemistry double major with minors in biological sciences and chemistry from Arlington, VA. This summer Kaylee is balancing her time between studying for the MCAT, volunteering and shadowing.
On campus Kaylee participates in the Clemson University Student Government as a member of the Judicial Board, the organization It’s On Us, which is the nation’s largest nonprofit program dedicated to college sexual assault prevention, and is a member of Chi Omega. In addition, Kaylee is part of two Creative Inquiries.
“One is a chemistry CI through the Honors College under the guidance of Dr. Julia Brumaghim, which focuses on synthesizing thione/selone N-heterocycles. My second CI project focuses on environmental genomics under the guidance of Dr. Kimberly Métris.”
In Dr. Métris’ CI the Kaylee is working with the team to interrogate eukaryotic connections among vertebrates, plants, and fungi using environmental DNA from local sites they selected. At the Focus on Creative Inquiry (FoCI) Poster Forum in April, Kaylee and the group presented research showing their bacterial 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing results and are also working as a team to interrogate eukaryotic connections among vertebrates, plants, and fungi using environmental DNA from local sites they selected.
Kaylee has been keeping busy during her summer as well, partly studying for the MCAT to get in to medical school.
“For the MCAT, I’ve been working on a mix of content review from pre-requisite classes and passage style questions to get used to the formatting of the exam.”
While Kaylee has been studying for the MCAT, she has also been volunteering at Virginia Hospital Center and shadowing in their Emergency Department. She has had the opportunity to learn for the physicians during evening/night shifts. In addition to the Emergency Department, Kaylee has shadowed in various other medical specialties this summer including Urology, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery and Pediatric Oncology.
“There’s so much involved with being pre-med, largely gaining experience to ensure medicine is the career path you truly want to follow.”
When not studying, volunteering or shadowing, this summer Kaylee has been enjoying cooking, spending time with friends, going to coffee shops and hiking.
Helen Kiser ’24
Helen Kiser, senior genetics major from Maryville, TN, has been researching, traveling, attending conferences and shadowing this summer.
During the academic year, Helen, who has a minor in biological sciences, volunteers with Camp Spearhead, a camp facility for children and adults with special needs specifically designed to meet the wide-ranging needs of our campers. Helen also participates in research with Dr. J. Antonio Baeza in the Biological Sciences Department.
“My spring research involved using various bioinformatic tools to create a novel genomic resource of the mitochondrial genome for the species Gonodactylaceus falcatus (the Philippine mantis shrimp).”
This summer Helen is a part of the Summer CI + UR Research Program. She is currently conducting bioinformatic research to characterize the mitochondrial genomes of 4 mantis shrimp and conducting an in-depth phylogenetic analysis to prove these 4 species are in fact unique species.
“My summer research is an extension of this project in order to create one comprehensive project of three other species in the same genus in order to create multiple novel genomic resources that both provide in-depth descriptions of each mitogenome and provide one phylogenetic analysis of the entire infraorder Stomatopoda.”
“Despite attending the conference every day, I still was able to explore Taipei and Taiwan by going to one of the many night markets in the city, visiting the National Palace Museum, and just generally exploring.”
In addition to research and traveling, Helen has also been shadowing different genetic counselors all around Knoxville, TN this summer. She has shadowed at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, UT Medical Center and Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
“This will help I’m applying to graduate school in the fall for a Master’s Program in genetic counseling.”
She has also found time for hiking and taking couple personal trips to Portland and Philadelphia, where she attended a Phillies baseball game.
Katie Cross ’25
Katie Cross, a junior biochemistry major with minors in anthropology and plant pathology, is conducting a research project focusing on the effects of progesterone on craniofacial development this summer.
Originally from Roanoke, VA, Katie is involved in the Clemson Honors College, Clemson Club Swimming and the Delta Gamma sorority, where she serves as their director of sisterhood.
“During the academic year, I also participate in undergraduate research with Dr. Kara Powder studying the craniofacial development of cichlids and zebrafishes.”
This summer, she has been given the opportunity to conduct her own research project in Dr. Powder’s lab through Clemson Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research Summer program.
“My project focuses on the effects of progesterone on craniofacial development specifically on cichlid fish and how such developmental alterations can be interpreted to the hormone concentrations found in our everyday environment.”
Katie is thankful for the Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research Program. She appreciates that the program provides participating students with the resources to conduct their independent projects and coordinates weekly seminars with guest speakers to help students improve their professional development skills.
“We were also given the opportunity to volunteer for Ready, Set, Roar! Orientation, where groups share their Summer CI + UR experiences with incoming freshmen. I was able to present at an orientation recently with peers Kate Miller and Kristen Gulbrandson.”
While outside the lab, you may find Katie kayaking, reading in her hammock, listening to live music at the City of Clemson’s “On the Ave,” volunteering for the Clemson Aquatic Team, traveling to close destinations such as Charleston, SC or Athens, GA, or participating in a Barre class at Fike Recreation Center.
“Even though my research is my main priority this summer, I have still had plenty of time to enjoy all of the wonderful things Clemson has to offer.”
Originally from Downers Grove, IL, Helen is minoring in Chemistry and Spanish studies and participates in many extracurriculars on campus. Her involvement includes acting as vice president for the Clemson Running Club, the philanthropic chair for the Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority and a member of the Genetics and Biochemistry Club.
In addition, Helen participates in research at Clemson, working in Dr. Jim Morris’s lab in the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC) researching potential drug targets for diseases caused by protozoan parasites.
“This is quite different from the research I’m doing this summer, but the invaluable research skills I learned in Dr. Morris’s lab allowed me to jump right into my project in the Emanuele lab at UNC.”
Helen’s summer internship is through the Department of Pharmacology at the UNC School of Medicine. The lab that Helen is working is called the Emanuele Lab and is located in and associated with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, a cancer research and treatment center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that serves patients N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital.
The research that Helen is focusing on is studying the growth and proliferation of human cell lines in order to better understand certain processes involved in cancer progression. The long-term goal is creating cancer therapies targeting cell proliferation.
“Specifically, I am working on analyzing specific proteins involved in the cell cycle of breast cancer cells in order to identify potential drug targets and methods of drug delivery.”
Outside of work, she is enjoying having the free time that sometimes the academic year doesn’t allow. In the afternoons and on the weekends, Helen enjoys hanging out with her new friends—roommates and other members of her program, reading and catching up on her favorite Netflix series.
“I’ve been exploring all that there is to do in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area—restaurants, shopping, farmers markets, hiking, etc.”
Kate Miller ’25
Kate Miller, a junior genetics major with a minor in biological sciences from Fort Mill, SC, is spending her summer at Clemson continuing her research of cichlids, a large family of freshwater fishes that can be found in Africa, Central and South America, parts of Jordan, Iran, India and Sri Lanka.
On campus, Kate is a part of the Honors College, the Club Swim Team, works at the concession stands at the sports games and is on the Beaker Box team, a group that creates and distributes educational science activities designed for the middle school.
“However, most important to Kate is her involvement in two Creative Inquiry (CI) programs, both led by Dr. Kara Powder.”
Since her sophomore year, Kate has been an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Powder’s lab, where she has been studying craniofacial development of cichlid fishes, a study that she has continued throughout the summer.
“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.”
Kate is making the most of her summer outside of the lab as well! She loves to go on hikes, watch movies, and spend as much time outside as possible, all of which she has been experiencing this summer in Clemson!
Disha Qanungo ’24
Senior genetics student Disha Qanungo is spending her summer volunteering at the Shifa Clinic, which is a medical clinic for uninsured and undocumented people and also serves as a food pantry for underserved people.
At the Shifa Clinic, Disha takes patients vitals, gets a history and an idea of why they’ve come to the clinic. In addition, she works in the food pantry packing boxes for families in need.
Occasionally, she will also assist the volunteer coordinator with planning for Health Fairs and other administrative tasks. Disha tries to squeeze in some fun as well, getting into some old hobbies.
I’ve been trying to get back into hobbies that I don’t normally have time for at school such as horseback riding, cooking, and art,” says Disha.
Disha is spending some of her summer horseback riding and painting.
Disha is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and is minoring in Biochemistry and Anthropology. Disha hopes to attend medical school and specialize in Gynecology, her long-term goal being to create free clinics for women and children in developing countries.
