Month: September 2021

$500 to be used for supplies for a research project this fall!

CECAS Undergraduate Students,

If you need funds to initiate, continue or finish a research project with a CECAS faculty member this fall, apply for one of our $500 grants!  Applications are submitted electronically (https://cecas.clemson.edu/thrive/grants-2/ and will be due on Oct 4^th, 2021 at 11:59 PM. 

To apply, you will need to submit the following information:

• Title of your research project
• Description of your research questions or objectives for the fall term.
• Budget justification for how the $500 will be used for your project (vendors for the supplies, cost, etc.)
• Your current resume
• Your picture
• A brief letter of support from your advisor on Clemson letterhead.  The faculty member just needs to write: ‘I commit to mentoring (student) if they receive this undergraduate research award of $500. I will oversee expenditures and support the student as they write the 1-page project summary report.’

If you have an interest in conducting research for the first time or need financial support for an existing project- this grant is for you!  The funds just need to be used for supplies that can be purchased or testing that can be completed by February 15^th, 2022.

UG Research Grant Committee, CECAS-

Molly Kennedy, Faculty Director for Undergraduate Research

Aubrey Baldwin, Student Engagement Director

Brad Putman, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Serita earned her bachelor’s degree from Lander University and a Master of Education in Human Resource and Development from Clemson University. Before becoming the PEER/WISE director in August 2015, Serita Acker was Director of the Women in Science and Engineering program. Additionally, she has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, both in the areas of student support services, mentoring, and diversity programs. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and Life Coach.

Serita Acker sees the PEER/WISE main role as providing student success programs and services that can equip students with the resources they need to excel at Clemson University and achieve their educational goals so that they are prepared for success after graduation.

She has won several State and National Awards: Thomas Green Clemson Award, Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Mountains to Midlands, the James E. Bostic Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award in 2017 as a diversity champion at Clemson University, Clemson University Woman of the Year, Martin Luther King Jr. Award, Clemson University Board of Trustees Award, Women in Engineering Pro-Active Network Distinguished Service Award, Career Communications Magazine College Level Promotion of Education Award, National Association of Multicultural Engineering Advocates Award, Upstate Diversity Award, Calder D. Elhmann Outstanding Individual. As well as being featured on the cover of Insight into Diversity.

She also served as MentorLinks Consultant for the American Association of Community Colleges in Washington DC and sits on many state and national boards to help promote STEM. She currently serves as the National Society of Black Engineers Student Chapter campus advisor at Clemson University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling.

What her co-workers have to say about her:

“She is my BBE – “BEST BOSS EVER”. She leads by example and is a true and loyal advocate for our students.” – Francene Thomas

“She is always looking for ways to help others.” -Lisa Jackson

“Ms. Serita shines bright! When she speaks, her words of encouragement uplift and inspire me to perform my very best! As a leader, she is a fantastic coach that listens and cares deeply. Without a doubt, she brings out the best in our students and our PEER WISE team. I am so honored to have Serita as my own mentor to help guide me and facilitate my success in all future endeavors. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Serita!” – Beth Anne Johnson

Click here to register for this fantastic event!