Category: Awards

By: Beth Anne Johnson

With her color-coded Google calendar in hand, junior biomedical engineering student Daphne Gomez Escudero is building her future one strategic decision at a time.

On Thursday, April 10, Daphne was honored at the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) Honors and Awards Ceremony as one of only twelve students recognized. She received the prestigious Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize, which celebrates the legacy of Dr. Bob Snelsire—an electrical engineering professor remembered for his dedication to students and his passion for service.

“Daphne is an outstanding mentor, researcher, and student,” said Stephanie Henry, Associate Director of WISE. “She represents the heart of PEER WISE—always serving the Clemson Family with grace and conviction.”

Daphne describes receiving the award as a moment she’ll never forget.

“When I got the email, my jaw dropped,” she said. “I serve the Clemson community because it’s the most meaningful way I can give back to a place that’s given me so much. It was unbelievable to be recognized for something that brings me so much purpose.”

Behind her success is a disciplined approach to her time and her growth. Daphne is quick to credit the PEER WISE Experience Program for helping her evolve from a quiet first-year student into the confident leader she is today.

“The program has a 100% retention rate—and I know why,” she said. “The weekly professional development and academic coaching sessions helped me find what works for me, while also giving me the tools to succeed.”

Daphne’s journey is a reminder that success is rarely accidental. It’s built through intentional habits, a strong support system, and a willingness to lead with purpose.

Ready to find your purpose with PEER WISE? Stop by Freeman 138 to become a member of our student community. As a student service center, we support all members in the Clemson Family!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

With her parents, Travis and Derreka Thomas, and little sister Carmen proudly by her side, Jynaia Thomas stood on stage to receive the Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award at this year’s CECAS Honors and Awards Ceremony.

Established by Clemson alumna Janine Anthony Bowen in honor of her mother, this award recognizes a student who has made exceptional contributions to the PEER program. For Jynaia, a senior in Mechanical Engineering, the recognition was not just for her service—it was a celebration of her commitment to bringing others into the Clemson community.

“Meeting Janine and Jacquelwyn was such an honor,” said Jynaia. “I was nervous at first, but Jacquelwyn made me feel seen and supported. She spoke encouragement into whatever comes next for me. It was powerful to have our Clemson families connect in that way.”

Known for her ability to connect, Jynaia has earned a reputation as one of PEER’s most effective student recruiters. Her presence on panels, campus tours, and outreach efforts made a direct impact on who chooses Clemson—and why.

“Jynaia is a woman of many talents,” said Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER. “She spoke on student panels, followed up with prospective families, and truly went the extra mile. One student she personally encouraged ended up choosing Clemson, joined our summer program, and now, Jynaia mentors her as she continues her own Clemson journey.”

At PEER WISE, we believe students are our strongest ambassadors. They don’t just tell the story—they are the story. And leaders like Jynaia help build a lasting community rooted in support, belonging, and purpose.
As for what’s next, Jynaia plans to apply her engineering skills to sustainability efforts in the energy sector. And wherever that path leads, she’s taking with her the confidence, community, and care that shaped her at Clemson.

Want to be part of a student community that supports your goals? Visit us in Freeman 138 and learn how you can get involved with PEER WISE.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Spring has arrived in full bloom on Clemson’s campus. As daffodils brighten the landscape and students gear up for finals, it’s also a time to pause and celebrate the incredible work happening within our community. At PEER WISE, that means honoring students who go above and beyond to support their peers and lead with purpose.

Each year, PEER WISE presents two prestigious awards: the Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award and the Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize. These honors recognize students who have made a lasting impact on the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) through leadership, mentorship, and service.

The Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award, established by alumna Janine Anthony Bowen in honor of her mother, celebrates a student who has provided exceptional service to the PEER program. This year’s recipient is Jynaia Thomas, a senior in Mechanical Engineering, recognized for her outstanding contributions to student recruitment and outreach.

The Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize commemorates the legacy of Dr. Bob Snelsire, a beloved professor of electrical engineering known for his dedication to student success. This year’s award goes to junior biomedical engineering student Daphne Gomez Escudero, who was honored for her outstanding mentorship of new students while maintaining excellence in undergraduate research.

“Our students work hard all year, but Jynaia and Daphne truly stand out,” said Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE. “They’ve helped recruit future engineers, support new students, and demonstrate the kind of leadership and professional skills that employers look for. We’re incredibly proud of them.”

Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER, shared, “When Serita asked who should be nominated, Jynaia came to mind immediately. Her conversations with prospective students have made a real impact—one family even said she was the reason their child chose Clemson.”

Stephanie Henry, Associate Director of WISE, added, “Daphne is radiant. She’s a thoughtful mentor who inspires confidence in others. Her example helps students grow into researchers and leaders.”

Both students were recognized by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences during an awards ceremony held on Thursday, April 10th.

By:  Beth Anne Johnson

Serita Acker, the esteemed Executive Director of PEER WISE, recently took the stage as the keynote speaker at the National Convening on the State of Mental Health in STEM. This significant event brought together professionals and thought leaders from across disciplines to discuss the intersection of STEM and mental health. Acker’s keynote address highlighted the critical need for rest in our work and the importance of listening and empowering our leaders.

In her speech, Serita emphasized, “It is essential we rest in our work and that we listen and empower our leaders.” She underscored that true leadership involves not just guiding but also actively supporting and believing in one’s team. Acker elaborated on several key practices that embody this approach:

• Open Door Policies: Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable approaching their leaders with ideas, concerns, and feedback.
• Sabbatical Support: Encouraging and providing opportunities for leaders to take sabbaticals, ensuring they have the time to rest, rejuvenate, and return with renewed vigor.
• Solution-Driven Conversations: Focusing on constructive and proactive dialogues that lead to effective problem-solving and innovation. 
• Believing Your Team Members: Trusting and valuing the insights and contributions of team members, which fosters a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

Serita’s involvement in the conference was a testament to the strong relationships she builds and the mentorship she provides within the PEER WISE community. Among those she mentors is Beth Anne Johnson, the PEER WISE Communication Coordinator. Beth Anne shared her gratitude and admiration for Serita, stating, “It is a privilege to be mentored and sponsored by Serita Acker. Her leadership is characterized by genuine care and the ability to inspire action in others. Presenting alongside her was an honor and a testament to her impactful guidance.”

The opportunity for Serita to speak at the conference arose from the impactful connections she has nurtured over the years. Her dedication to mentoring and her genuine investment in the growth of others have not only strengthened the PEER WISE community but also extended her influence to broader audiences.

Serita Acker’s keynote at the STEM in Mental Health Conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of rest, active listening, and empowerment in leadership. Her commitment to these principles continues to inspire and shape the leaders of tomorrow, fostering a culture of care, support, and innovation.

As we reflect on her words and actions, it becomes clear that the success and well-being of any organization are deeply rooted in how we treat and support one another. Serita Acker’s leadership exemplifies this truth, and her impact resonates far beyond the walls of PEER

$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

STEAM Sports Foundation’s application process for its scholarship

Dedicated to female minorities who aspire to an automotive/motorsports career with an emphasis on alternative energies and/or autonomous vehicles.

Here is what you need to know about the application:

​

1. The deadline is June 15.

2. Once you begin the application, you must complete it as it will not be saved if you are not able to complete it in one sitting.

3. In order for you to have all information ready for the application process, the following is a list of all the information you are required to enter:

​

Name, Address, Email, Mobile Tel. No., High School name, High School address, High School tel. no., High School graduation yr., High School GPA, Extracurricular activities (h.s.), Awards (h.s.), University/Tech School name, University/Tech School address

​

Questions:  info@steamsportsfoudation.org or call 770-815-0125

Check out our website.

Markvan Bellamy Brooks Endowed Scholarship

Endowed in memory of Robert H. Brooks’ late son, Mark Brooks ’91, this fund provides scholarships to undergraduate scholarships to students who major in one of the legacy programs.

Department of Mechanical Engineering has conducted the search and selected the winner of Bellamy Brooks Scholarship based on GPA, career goal and class/intern/volunteer activities.

Congratulations to one of our very own, Hope Wilson, on receiving this scholarship!

Here are a few things she had to say about it:

We are announcing the awarding of our REU SITE: Collaborative Research: Establishing New Generations of scholars to Amplify and Grow Engineering Education (ENGagED) . The application is now live and we are officially accepting applications to our virtual summer 2021 REU program.

We seek to recruit a diverse group of engineering students to apply to our REU, which will be held virtually for 10 weeks between May 17 and July 30.

Applicants must be engineering undergraduates entering the second year or later in their program. Applications from students that are Black, Latinx and/or enrolled at a two-year institution are highly encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as received and will be accepted through April 9, 2021.

Sue Lasser, academic enhancement counselor for the PEER/WISE programs in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, is the staff award recipient of the 2020 Thomas Green Clemson Award for Excellence.

Presented to a staff member whose service is exemplary, the award includes a plaque and a cash award. Honorees’ names are recorded on a perpetual plaque in the R.M. Cooper Library. The library also receives money to be used to purchase books related to the recipient’s department.

Lasser co-founded PEER – Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention – in 1987 and served as its director for 28 years. The mission of PEER & WISE – Women in Science and Engineering – is to educate, recruit, and retain underrepresented populations in STEM fields through mentoring, academic coaching, counseling, and academic enrichment.

Lasser stepped down in July 2015, but she continues to serve PEER & WISE on a part-time basis as a personal counselor and study coach.

In 1996, she was among the first winners of the national Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring; in 2005, she was honored by Clemson with the Martin Luther King Service Award.

Lasser is a National Certified Counselor and just ended a four-year term as co-faculty-in-residence with her husband, William Lasser, in the Clemson Honors Residential College.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” Lasser said. “My mentor and PEER co-founder, Dr. Bob Snelsire, and the students who helped me create PEER over nearly three decades were part of something revolutionary. Under [Director] Serita Acker’s leadership, it continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our students.”

Of Lasser, Acker said, “I think she is somebody that needs to go down in Clemson history for all the work she has done to support Clemson’s diversity and inclusion efforts.”

In her letter nominating Lasser for the award, Acker shared: “During her tenure at Clemson University she has transformed the lives of countless students, staff, and faculty. Lasser has created a safe space of community and care for our underrepresented student population. As the founder of Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention known as PEER, her legacy in the development and implementation of this mentor program will live on forever.”

Originally Published: Clemson Newsstand