Tag: fulbright

Biochemistry alum Adam Gatch ’25 has received a Fulbright research award to study abroad in Munich, Germany at Ludwig Maximilian University. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities to pursue graduate study, conduct research or teach.

Adam has respectfully declined the Germany Fulbright offer after earning a Churchill scholarship earlier in the spring, which allows students to undertake a one-year master’s program in STEM fields at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The Churchill Scholarship is seen as the most prestigious and competitive international science, mathematics and engineering award for post-undergraduate researchers.

Adam’s proposed project at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich would have explored how early-stage medin aggregates interact with amyloid-beta in the brain, advancing a novel line of inquiry in Alzheimer’s research.

At Clemson, Adam conducted extensive biophysics research in the lab of Dr. Feng Ding, exploring molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. Gatch also volunteered at the campus food pantry, worked as a tutor and gained clinical experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT). He plans to one day lead an interdisciplinary laboratory dedicated to neuroscience discovery while working in academic medicine.

Dr. Madeline Santana came to the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry from the Dominican Republic through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, a highly selective international academic exchange program that enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.

Dr. Santana’s professional background is in pediatrics in the Dominican Republic, and she had always desired to expand her knowledge in the field of genetics. After the extensive application and interview process and being named a Fulbright Scholar, she chose to attend Clemson University.

“It’s been a dream come true to immerse myself in another culture and gain new knowledge for my career. Fulbright made this possible, and I will be forever grateful.”

Dr. Santana is completing her studies and research at Clemson’s Center for Human Genetics located in Greenwood, SC. She is part of Drs. Trudy Mackay and Robert Anholt’s lab, where they are using fruit flies as model animals to study human diseases, particularly neurological and substance abuse. Dr. Santana’s research specifically focuses on a hereditary neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation.

“I have enjoyed being at Clemson Center for Human Genetics. There is a lot of camaraderie, exchange of ideas and a community sense.”

Both as a Fulbright Scholar and personally having a dedication that stems from a desire to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of her community, Dr. Santana holds a commitment to return to her home country and utilize the vast knowledge she acquired during her time abroad. Armed with advanced methods for diagnostics, treatment and prognosis, she aims to introduce innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to enhance her country’s health system.

“The Fulbright experience equips me with academic expertise and instills a sense of responsibility to effect positive change upon my return home.”

She says she will always cherish her time at Clemson, where she has expanded her knowledge in the field of genetics, navigated a new research field and became more organized and time efficient.

“This past year has been filled with invaluable experiences that have propelled my career forward. Meeting people from diverse cultures, all united by our passion for advancing science has been truly inspiring.”