Tag: undergradate student

Few students squeeze as much into four years as May 2026 biochemistry graduate Kristen Gulbrandsen. From leading student organizations and mentoring classmates to conducting nationally recognized research, she embraced every opportunity Clemson had to offer.

Taking significant advantage of Google Calendar, Kristen was able to balance an impressive list of campus involvements, serving as Public Relations Officer and later President of the Genetics and Biochemistry Club, representing the College of Science as a Student Ambassador, serving on the University’s Academic Integrity Committee, working as an Athletics Tutor in biology and chemistry, and participating as a sister of Alpha Omega Epsilon (AΩE).

“I like to make myself busy…These organizations provided me with a lovely support system when I have made lifelong friendships, especially through AΩE and the Genetics and Biochemistry Club.“

In addition to campus involvement, Kristen participated in extensive research during her undergraduate years via two different Creative Inquiries (CIs), the K-12 math competitions with Dr. Jason Brown from Physics and Astronomy and gut microbiota research with Dr. Anna Seekatz from Biological Sciences.

“Through Dr. Brown’s CI, I learnt skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and how to inspire the future in STEM! Dr. Seekatz provided me with a supportive space on how to conduct science in a responsible and inquisitive way. She helped develop my technical skills, along with teaching me how to think like a scientist…She gave me a plethora of opportunities to present my work locally, as well as nationally.”

Kristen came into Clemson “All In!” and one of the most valuable lessons Kristen learned at Clemson was that there is no single correct path through college. After feeling overwhelmed by the endless opportunities during her first semester, she realized that success comes from creating your own path.

“I figured out that there is not one “right” way, but infinite correct ways. As long as you enjoy what you are doing, you are gaining from the experience.”

Starting July 1st, Kristen will be attending a Ph.D. program in Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati.

“I am ecstatic to join their program, as their work there deeply inspires me.”

Shahid Mukhtar has been awarded both the Phil and Mary Bradley Faculty Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry (CI) and the Carr Family Endowed CI for 2026 for his Creative Inquiry “Dissecting Plant Complexity: From Arabidopsis Mutants to Soybean Drought Mechanisms,” which focuses on soybean anatomy and physiology under stress, such as drought. 

In this CI, students participate in tissue sectioning, advanced microscopy and histological analysis to assess plant anatomy and analyze how drought and other stressors alter plant tissues, helping them gain a better understanding of how environmental pressures affect agricultural systems.

“Dr. Mukhtar is as enthusiastic about working with undergraduates as he is about his own research,” wrote one student nominator for the Phil and Mary Bradley Faculty Award. “Even from my first conversation with him, I could tell he’s incredibly passionate about what he does and that he’s excited about including new students. He makes sure I know that he believes in me as a scientist … I’ve learned many important research skills, and I feel more confident in the lab because of him.”

Dr. Mukhtar says that the Carr Family Endowed Fund, which was established with a gift from Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr, owners and operators of Titan Farms, provides support for CI projects related to fruit and vegetable crop production, agriculture industries and rural economic development. will help provide students with a more immersive research experience and expand access to research technology to tackle real world agricultural challenges.

Phil and Mary Bradley helped launch the CI program in 2005 with a gift of $100,000. Since that time, they have continued to support CI by endowing the faculty award since 2006. The Bradleys’ generous gift allows each recipient to receive a plaque and salary supplement.

SARAH SPRATLIN BULLOCK

Growing up in a devoted University of Georgia family, incoming genetics freshman Sarah Spratlin Bullock — “SS” to her friends — spent countless weekends cheering on the Bulldogs, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, both former Georgia baseball players. She could see her higher education path pretty clearly, until two years ago when her brother, Truman, chose Clemson.

“It flipped my world upside down. I wanted somewhere that everyone was obsessed with. I wanted somewhere that people got involved and stayed involved, somewhere that people loved for their whole lives. Because of my brother and the Clemson friends we made along the way, I knew Clemson was my place too.”

From Greenville, SC, Sarah attended Christ Church Episcopal School from kindergarden to her senior year where she was involved in all things performing: cheer, theatre and choir.

“I cheered in the London New Year’s Day Parade as a UCA All American this year, and it was one of the most special experiences of my life! I acted in two shows a year at school and am an assistant director for the middle school every year.”

In addition, Sarah serves on the Youth Leadership Team at Buncombe Street Methodist Church, a camp counselor for Vacation Bible School, was a school ambassador and a member of the prom committee.

Sarah has always had a particular interest in biology, her physician dad being her biggest inspiration to go into the science field, planning to go into premed just like him. As she moved up in school and started taking more challenging biology courses, she became interested in genetics.

“I’ve developed a particular interest in genetics thanks to my AP Bio teacher, Mrs. Unger, who arranged us a trip to the Greenwood Genetics Center. I think people are wonderful, and I would love nothing more than to learn more about how we are all so uniquely us.”

So excited to get to campus in the Fall, Sarah plans on being very active in clubs and organizations across campus, taking in the full Clemson experience. She plans to join ‘everything [she] can,’ such as Greek life, the sailing and line-dancing clubs, choir, FCA and Central Spirit.

“I am excited for the people and experiences. College is a time to grow as a person, shape others, and be shaped in return, so I am excited for those new friends, swims in the lake, study dates over coffee, worship nights, dances, and beyond. I am excited to see who I will become and who I will meet along the way!”

For genetics and biochemistry May grad Sydney Greer, Clemson became more than just a place to earn a degree — it became the place where she discovered confidence in herself. Whether she was performing with the Clemson University Steel Band, training service dogs for veterans, running trails through the Experimental Forest or conducting research in Dr. Shahid Mukhtar’s lab, Sydney embraced every opportunity to grow both as a scientist and as a person.

“I was involved in the Experimental Forest Trail Running Club, Clemson Battle Buddies, the Genetics and Biochemistry Club, and a Creative Inquiry project… I was also a member of the Clemson University Steel Band and Gigging Band. Having grown up playing the steel pan, I was excited to continue playing at Clemson. Being part of both groups was an incredible experience, and the rehearsals and performances gave me the opportunity to grow as a musician.”

Sydney is grateful for the academics and science courses, but she also learned invaluable life skills during her undergrad, embracing experiences that pushed her outside of her comfort zone.

“The most important thing I’ve learned over the last four years is confidence in myself. From public speaking to presentations and performing on stage, I’ve grown into someone who is far more comfortable taking on new challenges.”

Before coming to Clemson, Sydney recognized the Clemson ring and its tradition but says she didn’t fully understand the significance it held for those who wore it. Now, it holds special meaning and receiving hers is one of Sydney’s favorite memories.

“I wear mine every day, and it reminds me of the late nights studying in Cooper, the memories I made on and beyond campus, the experiences that shaped me and the incredible friends I met along the way.”

Sydney’s research involvement has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her time as an undergrad student, her research projects where she served as the lead with PI Dr. Mukhtar even inspiring her to pursue her Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology.

One of these projects is the investigation of drought responses in soybean root nodules with a multi-transcriptomic approach where Sydney uses single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to assess gene expression changes in response to extreme drought in the nodules. In the second project that is continuing through graduate school, she is researching the role of eccDNA in herbicide resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

“Working with these cutting-edge techniques has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project, and I am excited to continue applying these powerful approaches to future research. I am incredibly excited to continue my journey here through a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology.”

Department of Genetics and Biochemistry students Elizabeth Polatty and Addison Vondersaar have been selected to explore global policy issues through the Honors College’s selective Dixon Global Policy Scholars program, which provides students with the tools to change the world through a combination of public policy coursework and a transformative study abroad trip to Europe, all while applying academic theory to real-world issues.  

Over the next two to three years, Elizabeth and Addison will have the opportunity to explore global concepts in more detail through coursework and faculty-guided research focused on global policy issues, before developing their own policy proposals.

The Dixon Global Policy Scholars program was established through an endowment from the Dixon family. Joseph E. Dixon ’39 and his wife, Carolyn, were dedicated members of the Clemson community and active supporters of their local community.

Congrats Elizabeth and Addison!

Read more in the Clemson News article!

For May graduate Kylie Towery, orange runs deeper than school spirit — it’s woven into her story. Raised in a Clemson family and shaped by undergrad years of service and involvement on campus, Kylie recently graduated from the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry ready to carry that legacy forward.

Throughout her time at Clemson University, Kylie made service a central part of her college experience. She dedicated much of her time to volunteering through Volunteers4LIFE, serving as a one-on-one mentor for ClemsonLIFE students as a traditional course volunteer and a Cooking Club volunteer. Beyond campus, she supported others as a volunteer with the Crisis Text Line and as a Child Life Department volunteer with Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate.

Aside from volunteer work, Kylie was a member of the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, holding various leadership roles, played intramural volleyball and founded Clemson’s Pre-Genetic Counseling Club.

“During my final semester, I had the pleasure of founding the Pre-Genetic Counseling Club here on campus to give back to my Clemson community and help serve students prepare for a career in GC. I am beyond excited to be advising the club from afar for the years to come!”

For Kylie picking a favorite memory over the last four years is difficult. A few things come to mind immediately – from all the sporting events to building her sorority family to meeting other Clemson girls while studying abroad, and having her dad turn her Clemson ring – it’s hard to pick just one.

“I came to realize that while we are here for an education, we are also here to be happy, find friends, and make memories…I do think that the best memories in Clemson are formed on the nights you least expect it, and that is something I miss already.”

Kylie matched to her top choice genetic counseling program and will be moving to Houston to get her master’s at The University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences this fall.

“I found my passion for genetic counseling through Clemson and the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry have been given countless opportunities to chase that dream fearlessly since…It’s been a blessing.”

You may recognize biochemistry alum Katie Cross from her involvement with Delta Gamma, the Clemson Club Swim Team, the Clemson Panhellenic New Member Mentor Program or the many labs and Creative Inquiries she dedicated herself to before graduating this May. Whether she was mentoring new students, conducting research or balancing an incredibly full schedule across campus, Katie left a lasting impression on the Clemson community through both her leadership and enthusiasm.

Katie says she truly loved and savored every moment of her undergraduate experience at Clemson. Like many students, what she treasures most is the people — peers, faculty and staff who shaped her journey.

“The best thing that I’ve learned in the past four years at Clemson is how important it is to develop strong relationships with as many people as you can. Establishing relationships with the people with whom you interact daily will be the most genuine and rewarding part of your Clemson experience and set you up for great success after graduation.”

One Clemson memory Katie says she will never forget is walking into Death Valley for the first time as a freshman.

“The sights, the sounds, the people… it was electrifying. While it sounds cliché, it was the first time I truly felt like I was a part of something bigger — the Clemson family.”

This fall, Katie will begin the next chapter of her academic journey at the University of Florida, where she will pursue a Ph.D. in plant pathology.

“As a recipient of the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Award, I’ll spend my first semester rotating through labs and immersing myself in new and exciting areas of research!”

Katie also shared a note of gratitude for the Genetics and Biochemistry department:

“I would not have accomplished nearly as much without the support from the Genetics and Biochemistry Department. While the coursework did an excellent job preparing me for what’s ahead, the faculty, advisors and department staff — special shoutout to the AMAZING Kate Price!! — have always been incredible resources for anything I ever needed. Thank you Clemson G&B for being the best department ever!”

Over the last year and a half, a group of seven students have been part of a Creative Inquiry led by Dr. Heidi Anderson to develop interactive tools to aid in learning biochemistry content.

From this group, a web-based application called ‘Aminole’ (based off of the New York Times game ‘Wordle’) was developed to aid students in learning the twenty common amino acids. The game has been used by Clemson students in introductory biochemistry courses and was well-received as a fun and engaging way to aid in the learning process.  

In April, four of the students along with Dr. Anderson traveled to Anaheim, CA to present a poster about the game at the National Science Teacher Association conference.  

“I am so proud of the team of students who have dedicated time and creativity to make this idea come to life,” says Dr. Anderson. “Seeing Aminole presented at a national conference and being so well-received was encouraging to the students and myself.

Play now at aminole.net.

The Clemson University College of Science recognized some of its most outstanding undergraduate and graduate students during an awards ceremony on April 9.

The following G&B students were recognized.

Ryan Mehlem: Outstanding Undergraduate in Discovery Award

Ryan Mehlem, an Honors College student with a biochemistry major with minors in cluster engineering and business administration, has built an outstanding research record across multiple labs, spending more than four years studying thermal adaptation, azole tolerance and gene expression in Aspergillus fumigatus. 

This award is given to a graduating senior who has performed outstanding original research in the sciences.

Katie Barfield: Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award

A genetics and sociology major with a minor in gender, sexuality and women’s studies, Katie Barfield has worked in Miriam Konkel’s lab, participated in research at Johns Hopkins University and has conducted a greenhouse assay at the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture in Malaga, Spain.

The Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award recognizes one student in each of the colleges at Clemson who has distinguished themselves in academic scholarship and campus leadership.

Jerry (Rui) Che: Outstanding Graduate in Discovery 

Jerry (Rui) Che is a Ph.D. candidate in genetics and during his graduate studies, Che helped create a new research method that made it possible to study how certain molecules inside cells are controlled, leading to the identification of important pathways involved in how cells process nuclear RNA. He also discovered two human genes, which he named RMP24 and RMP64 and helped develop an E.-coli-free cloning method and a way to build much larger DNA libraries for genetic research. The new cloning method was patented.

This award honors doctoral students in the College of Science who have made distinctive and discernable contributions to their field.

Ava McKee: SciSAB Outstanding Board Member

Ava McKee has been a member of Science Student Advisory Board for three years, most recently serving as grant officer and will step into the role of vice president for outreach next year. As grant officer, she led the coordination of SciSAB’s grant in aid of research award program, applications increasing by 91%, and helping award $6,200 in funding. Her plans as vice president for outreach next year are to increase volunteering opportunities and strengthen the partnership with the Science Outreach Center.

Read more in the Clemson News article.

Senior Katie Barfield and alum Søren Spina were recognized by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), a highly competitive award that supports outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Katie, a genetics and sociology double major and Breakthrough Scholar studies the questions at the intersection of genetics, genomics and human health. Her research has explored transposable elements and translational regulation while also examining how science can better serve diverse communities. Søren is studying at Ohio State University.

The GRFP recognizes early-career scientists and engineers who demonstrate exceptional promises for leadership and innovation and provides three years of financial support over five years, including a $37,000 annual stipend and a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance to the institution.