Tag: national scholar

This fall, Clemson welcomed its newest class of National and Breakthrough Scholars, highlighting students whose talents, curiosity and leadership reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence. Both programs aim to recruit exceptional students from South Carolina, across the nation and around the world while providing scholars with access to research, mentorship and experiences that broaden their perspectives, deepen their interests and open new avenues for discovery and growth.

The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry had one student selected for each program. Freshman biochemistry student Zoey Bergeron was named a National Scholar, while sophomore genetics student Caroline Clayton was named a Breakthrough Scholar.

Clemson University’s National Scholars Program is its most prestigious and selective undergraduate scholarship, recognizing a small cohort of first-year students for their academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership and potential for impact.

“Being named a National Scholar is an incredible honor, and I am so grateful for this opportunity,” says Zoey Bergeron. “I am excited to be surrounded by other motivated students who share my passion for learning and for making tangible differences within our communities. I know that the National Scholars Program will challenge me academically, encourage me to deepen my interests in medicine and research, and help me build a strong foundation for my future and my career.”

Clemson’s Breakthrough Scholars Program supports students who have demonstrated the potential to make an impact in their fields, communities and beyond. Scholars receive opportunities to connect with faculty mentors, research labs and professionals in science, engineering and health.

“I am very honored and excited to begin my first semester at Clemson as a Breakthrough Scholar! I was initially interested in the program because it will allow me to focus on STEM and research,” says Caroline Clayton. “I believe the scholarship will be beneficial towards my goals of medicine and clinical research. I have already enjoyed the program very much, specifically the opportunity to conduct research over the summer through the EUREKA! program. I am excited to see what the next four years bring!”

Congratulations Zoey and Caroline!

Two students from the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry joined the National Scholars Program(NSP), which serves students from all majors who demonstrate a unique combination of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership ability and demonstrated impact on their local and global communities.

Both Elizabeth Polatty and Evgenia Zheltov are sophomore biochemistry majors.

Scholars were chosen from more than 6,000 applications to the Honors College. They receive personalized support to develop their leadership skills and deepen their academic experience, equipping them to excel in the classroom and beyond. Many National Scholars go on to earn major University awards and nationally competitive fellowships.

The National Scholars Program strives to create a transformative community offering life-changing experiences and developing thoughtful scholar-leaders who listen, critically examine their place in the world, and use their talents to serve.

National Scholar Elizabeth Caldwell graduated with a degree in genetics in May 2025 and is headed to Yale University for a master’s degree in public health.

Since her freshman year, Caldwell has worked with Michael Sehorn, associate professor of genetics and biochemistry, focusing on DNA damage repair pathways in various disorders, including a rare immunodeficiency disease. Her passion stems from her own underresearched disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Her love for research led her to the highly selective pediatric oncology education program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the summers of 2023 and 2024, where she researched rare, cancerous mutations related to leukemia. On campus, Caldwell founded the Tigers 4 Accessibility club and volunteered at the Clemson Free Clinic.

Caldwell has been named a Truman Scholar and has received Clemson’s Norris Medal, the Matt Locke Leadership Award, the College of Science Outstanding Senior in Science Award, the Riley Institute’s Upstate Diversity Leadership Award, Dr. William Marcotte Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award and the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry Outstanding Senior in Genetics Award.