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Department News
Clemson University Ethics Bowl Team Wins Regional Competition
Clemson University's Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team took first place in the fifth annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Ethics Bowl championship. Clemson is one of four teams from the Mid-Atlantic Region advancing to the national championship in Cincinnati next March.
Other top finishers at the Nov. 19 competition at the University of Baltimore are Georgetown University, West Virginia University and the University of Maryland. The victory marks the third year in a row Clemson has taken home the regional trophy. The team won the national title in 2008 and followed that up with a second-place finish in 2009.
The team is coached by Kelly Smith, associate professor of philosophy and C. Calhoun Lemon Fellow of the Rutland Institute for Ethics.
"Clemson is a perennial powerhouse in the Ethics Bowl competitions, which is more impressive than you might think, since over 100 schools nationwide compete," Smith said. "I am not joking when I say that other teams fear our orange shirts."
Clemson's team includes Nikki Powell, a senior microbiology major from Aiken; Courtney Dixon, a senior political science and philosophy major from Columbia; Yancey Appling, a junior microbiology major from Six Mile; Kyle Sporrer, a senior philosophy major from Manning, Iowa; and Eric Reeves, a senior political science major from Columbia.(this article was provided by Clemson University Media Relations, posted December 3, 2011)
Biological Sciences Participates in "Green Roof" Project
The Institute of Applied Ecology is partnering with the Department of Biological Sciences to develop a pilot project for the Institute's newest project, the Charleston Vertical Farm Design Feasibility Study. Various elements related to a vertical farm will be developed and studied by faculty and staff on a smaller scale on the Clemson University campus.
The location for this pilot project is the Biological Sciences greenhouse facility located on the roof of Jordan Hall. Elements that have been proposed include an already installed 10' x 10'green roof donated by Green Roof Outfitters of Charleston, an aeroponics set-up, a vertical wall and moveable garden beds.
See a slideshow of the setup procedure on top of Jordan Hall. (posted on September 27, 2011)
Biological Sciences' New Murial
The department has turned a blank wall and a whole corridor in Long Hall into an eye-catching symbol of the department.
Rita McConnell, a staff member in Biological Sciences, identified this space as an ideal place to put some artwork. We asked our branch of the national biological honorary, TriBeta, under the leadership of the then president Caroline Raho (class of 2010) to sponsor a contest for a mural design. The winner was Riley Wilson who is a chemical engineering major (class of 2013). 
He drew the outline of his design on the wall. We then employed Travis Johnson, a local artist to paint the design and to create the border that you see. Travis has a degree in studio art from Sewanee and teaches at Gettys Middle School in Easley. The mural is located on the first floor of Long Hall near the doors that connect Long with the causeway to Jordan Hall.
Students in the News — 2012
Sujay Guha Receives Poster Award at SC Aging Research Day
Congratulations to Sujay Guha for being selected for the only poster award at the 8th annual SC Aging Research Day which was held at the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center on March 9, 2012. Please drop by the lab (outside 226 Jordan) to see the winning poster display. Sujay is a Microbiology PhD student studying anti-aging and anti-microbial effects of natural compounds in the nematode model C. elegans under the guidance of Dr. Yuqing Dong and Dr. Min Cao. (posted on March 20, 2012)
Students in the News — 2011
Biological Sciences Student Does Research at Canadian University
Hannah Warren, a Clemson University senior majoring in biological sciences, completed 10 weeks of research this summer at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Read the entire news release at: http://www.clemson.edu/media-relations/article.php?article_id=3986 (posted on December 3, 2011)
Falwell Receives Poster Award at National Conference
Congratulations to Elizabeth Falwell for being selected for a poster award at the Gordon Research Conference on Metalloproteinase Research at the Intersection of Basic Science and Applied Medicine which was held at Bryant University, Smithfield, RI the first week of August, 2011. Please drop by the lab (outside 317 Jordan) to see the winning poster display. Beth is a PhD student studying the immune aspects of cellular biomineralization and shell formation in oysters. (posted on September 10, 2011)
Angela Rivera Honored with Siebert Award
Biological Sciences PhD student Angela Rivera won the 2011 Siebert Award from the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles for the best oral presentation in Physiology and Morphology at the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, an international meeting of three professional societies. Angie's work (with advisor Richard Blob) examines the use of the forelimb muscles of swimming freshwater and sea turtles, testing predictions of the evolutionary conservation of neuromuscular control patterns across ecologically diverse species. She graduated from Clemson with her PhD in May, 2011. Congratulations, Angie! (posted on July 12, 2011)
Tradd Cotter Wins Prestigious Clemson University Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Tradd Cotter, a Junior in Microbiology, was named the Clemson University Entrepreneur of the Year by the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Tradd received first prize of $1,000 for his Mushroom Mountain LLC business venture. There were 16 applications and Tradd's application was selected as the winner based on creativity of the business concept, profit performance, and company's impact in the community. (posted on June 1, 2011)
Clemson Students Win Awards at SC-ASM
Two Clemson students, Tara Raftery (PhD student, ENTOX) and Tricia Trutwin (BS, Microbiology) won awards for their poster presentations at the South Carolina Branch American Society for Microbiology meeting held April 1-2, 2011 at Clemson. Tara’s project, “Nanoparticle mediated disruption of L. pneumophila biofilms”, was awarded third place in the graduate student category. Tara conducts her research in Dr. Tamara McNealy’s lab. Tricia Trutwin was awarded first place in the undergraduate category for her poster on “The effectiveness of service learning activities in microbiology labs”. This research was co-mentored by Dr. Krista Rudolph and Dr. Tamara McNealy. Congratulations to all! (posted on June 1, 2011)
Dylan Hale Wins Goldwater Scholarship
Dylan Hale, a Junior in Biological Sciences, is the latest to join the prestigious list of Clemson recipients to win a Goldwater Scholarship. Each year colleges and universities throughout the U.S. may nominate 4 sophomores or juniors for the Goldwater Scholarship. In the past 5 years, 13 Clemson students have won a Goldwater Scholarship and 4 more have been named Honorable Mention. Dylan has researched with Matthew Turnbull and Brad Hersh and has also conducted research with Alex Andrianopoulos at the University of Melbourne. (posted on June 1, 2011)
Carrie Woods Honored with Research Fellowship
Carrie Woods, a Ph.D. Candidate in Biological Sciences, received a 2011 Grant A. Harris Research Instrumentation Fellowship from Decagon. Carrie will use this Fellowship to examine the physiological and morphological responses of epiphytes to changes in nutrient supply in South Carolina and Costa Rica. Read more information about the Grant A. Harris Fellowship by Decagon. Congratulations, Carrie!(posted on June 1, 2011)
A collaborative research project between Steve Klaine and Tamara McNealy’s labs on the effects of nanoparticle contamination on microbial biofilms has resulted in a publication in the journal Nanotoxicology. The journal is ranked number 3 out of 77 toxicology journals, with an impact factor of 5.774. The research for the paper, “Morphological responses of Legionella pneumophila biofilms to nanoparticle exposure” was begun by former grad student Amber Stojak from Dr. Klaine’s lab and continued by a current graduate student in Dr. McNealy’s lab, Tara Raftery. This paper is the first to quantify effects of nanoparticle exposure on biofilms and demonstrates that it may be possible to capitalize on the effects seen to develop new methods to eradicate Legionella biofilms. As these biofilms, found in cooling towers and water systems, are often the source of outbreaks of Legionnaire’s Disease, development of such methods could significantly reduce public health risks associated with water systems. (posted on April 3, 2011)
Tradd Cotter, a Junior in Microbiology, Receives Prestigious EPA "GRO Fellowship"
Tradd Cotter was one of only two South Carolina recipients of the Fall 2011 EPA Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowships For Undergraduate Environmental Study. He will be working with faculty in Microbiology at the University of Georgia throughout the Summer 2011 semester on tissue culture practices for medical research. According to the EPA GRO Web site, "The fellowship provides up to $19,700 per year of academic support and up to $9,500 of internship support for the three-month summer period, for a total of up to $48,900 for the two year period."
Tradd has a deep interest in mycology, the study of fungi, specifically mushrooms. In application, Tradd has focused his studies in Mycoremediation which is a form of Bioremediation of chemical and biological pollutants using mushrooms. Tradd realizes the promise in this area through designs for businesses, farmers, homeowners as well as protecting the watersheds and topsoil regeneration.
Tradd and his wife, Olga, are owners of Mushroom Mountain in Liberty, SC. Mushroom Mountain is not only a mushroom farm, but also a venue for many educational activities. While discussing the farm with Tradd, he elaborated on their work, "We have designed "Mushroom Rescue Modules" to create high protein food and also filter water from pathogenic bacteria and chemical pollutants. Prototypes can be seen at the farm. We are currently testing them before offering the design to foreign aid programs for natural and man-made disaster relief." Recently, the Anderson Independent Mail highlighted Tradd and Olga's Mushroom Mountain in an in-depth article that includes video footage and photo slideshows.
Tradd is also concerned about the absence of fungi education in our state's curriculum. He believes that teachers are not getting the information into the hands of the future scientists and policy makers and he hopes to correct this issue. Tradd reflects on this, stating, "We need to reconnect our society with nature...".
Tradd's undergraduate advisor is Dr. Mike Henson. He has been working with Dr. Henson on biofuel research. Congratulations to Tradd for great success in all of his endeavors! (posted on March 7, 2011)
At the Fall 2010 South Carolina Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Clemson Biological Sciences and Microbiology students brought home honors for their oral presentations. In the undergraduate category, Heidi Lindler (BS BioSc, McNealy lab) won first place and in the graduate student category Uma Mahajan (Microbiology, McNealy lab) received third place and Jon Gravgaard (Microbiology, McNealy Lab) was awarded second place. The next meeting will be April 1-2, 2011 at Clemson. Congratulations to all of our students for their success through hard work.
Alumni in the News — 2011
Rupal Shah Recognized for Volunteer Work
Rupal Shah, a 2007 graduate from the Department of Biological Sciences, was recently published by the Home for Little Wanderers in Boston. The Home for Little Wanderers is a local children's shelter in Boston where Rupal has volunteered since 2008. Recently, the home asked Rupal to share her experiences and they posted her story on their Website, titled Little Hands, Little Feet, Big Hearts... Rupal received her MS in Microbiology from our department and is currently a research assistant in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease; School of Public Health; Harvard University. We are proud of Rupal and her work, in AND outside of the lab.
Faculty/Staff in the News — 2012
Drs. Min Cao and Yuqing Dong Receive Grant from Yamada Research Fund of Japan
Dr. Yuqing Dong and Dr. Min Cao, assistant professors in the Department of Biological Sciences, were recently awarded a 2,000,000 Yen grant from the Yamada Research Fund of Japan to study the anti-aging effects of royal jelly consumption in Caenorhabditis elegans. Numerous researchers have shown that royal jelly has significant health benefits on anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and anti-ulcer, etc. In addition, a few reports demonstrated the health benefits of royal jelly on aging. However, little is known about the mechanisms of royal jelly on lifespan regulation and pathogen resistance. The research teams will use C. elegans, the genetic model organism, to investigate the relevant molecular mechanisms. Dr. Dong and Dr. Cao are also members of the Clemson Institute for Engaged Aging. (posted on January 15, 2012)
Faculty/Staff in the News — 2011
Dr. Linda Parsons works with CDC to develop medical lab services in Carribean
Medical laboratory services are an essential component of each country’s national health system, yet adequate provision of these services is often neglected in developing countries. The central role of the laboratory in public health, disease control and surveillance, and patient management is often poorly recognized by both governments and donors. However, new policies and funding to fight HIV/AIDS and other major epidemics is helping to strengthen laboratory systems in developing countries. Strengthening these services requires coordinated efforts by national governments and partners and can be achieved by establishing and implementing National Laboratory Strategic Plans that integrate laboratory systems to combat all major diseases.
Several countries have worked with various partners including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and implement these plans. Linda Parsons, Ph.D., currently an Adjunct Professor in the Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences, has worked for the CDC in 11 African countries during the past seven years on international laboratory strengthening including strategic planning. Since joining the Clemson faculty in 2010, Dr. Parsons has continued to be involved in CDC-supported strategic planning for national laboratory systems in the Caribbean, most recently in Barbados and in the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Funding for these activities has been provided by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Although this funding is intended mainly for HIV/AIDS programs, it is being used for overall strengthening of health and laboratory systems to help combat emerging and reemerging diseases, including tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, meningitis, Ebola and hemorrhagic fever. This increased capacity also strengthens laboratory services for non-communicable diseases.
The goals of each country’s National Laboratory Strategic Plan include strengthening laboratory management; strengthening infrastructure and support systems; standardization of testing; developing human capacity; establishing a national quality assurance program in line with international standards; developing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system; coordinating government and partner-supported activities; and mobilizing resources to finance the improvements to the national laboratory system.
The photos show the Laboratory Technical Working Groups in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago who, as facilitated by the two-member team of Dr. Parsons, International Laboratory Consultant, and Dr. Colin Roach, Director of the National Public Health Laboratory in Guyana, developed the National Laboratory Strategic Plans in each of their countries.(posted on October 20, 2011)
Marko's Research on Seafood Substitution featured in Time, Discover, Science, and Nature
Research by faculty member Dr. Peter Marko and recent Biological Sciences PhD graduate Holly Nance published in Current Biology in August 2011 was recently featured in Time, Discover, Science, and Nature Magazines along with many other media outlets. Dr. Marko and his team used molecular techniques to investigate whether Chilean seabass purchased at grocery stores and certified as coming from sustainable fisheries by the Marine Stewardship Council matched the genetic signature of sustainable populations. While no fish could be assigned with 100% certainty to any population, overall the results indicated that a significant proportion of MSC-certified Chilean seabass available to consumers do not come from sustainable fisheries. Congratulations, Peter! (posted on September 9, 2011)
'Expeditions' wins Southeastern Emmy
"Expeditions with Patrick McMillan" won a Southeastern Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for outstanding achievement in television programming excellence. “Expeditions” is a nature series that airs at 7:30 p.m. Sundays on SCETV and is distributed nationally to PBS affiliates. Two episodes were nominated for the awards; both featuring aspects of the Great Plains. The Emmy for informational/instructional programs went to “Ghosts of the Plains,” which tracks research on black-footed ferrets, kit foxes and other endangered species on the Great Plains. The Emmys were presented June 18. Award winners are Patrick McMillan, naturalist and series host, and David White, director and videographer. The series is produced by Clemson University Video Production Services to educate the public about the connections between humans and the natural world. (posted on August 27, 2011)
Dr. Dale Layfield Receives Honorary Professor Award at Russian University
Dr. Dale Layfield, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, received an Honorary Professor Award from Moscow State Agroengineering University (MSAU). The official ceremony took place on April 27, 2011 in Moscow, Russia. Dr. Layfield has led a study abroad program in conjunction with MSAU over the past five years. The program provides students from Clemson and other U. S. universities an opportunity to study in Moscow for an entire semester alongside Russian students. Dr. Layfield has also worked on joint research projects with MSAU faculty and has hosted students from MSAU at Clemson. (posted on August 27, 2011)
Spira's New Book Earns Praise from Asheville Citizen Times
Dr. Tim Spira's newly published book, Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont (University of North Carolina Press) recently drew accolades in a review by the Asheville Citizen Times. In the Citizen Times' article, "Asheville's Nature Journal: New book on wildflowers is a valuable source guide for naturalists," Mr. George Ellison expressed about Spira's book, "... I feel indebted to him for the time and thought that went into the compilation of this wonderful new source guide. I never thought I'd see anything this good on this topic for this region in my lifetime." Mr. Ellison is a naturalist and writer.
Spira's book was released this past spring. Learn more details about Dr. Spira and see details about his book.
(posted on July 22, 2011)
Rapaport's Research on Tamarins in Training Published in Natural History
Dr. Lisa Rapaport's research was recently featured in the "Samplings" section of Natural History magazine. The article is based on a study that Lisa recently published in the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. It is a study about parenting behavior in Tamarin (Brazilian) Monkeys. Natural History has given Clemson permission to post their Samplings section article on Lisa's research. Congratulations, Lisa! (posted on July 11, 2011)
Jay Lyn Martin Selected for Staff Development Program
JayLyn Martin, the Student Services Program Coordinator for Graduate Studies in the Department of Biological Sciences, has been chosen for the 2011-12 Clemson University Staff Development Program. During the program, Ms. Martin will work on projects in the areas of professional development, personald development and service. Selection for this program is through a competitive process. Congratulations to Jay Lyn! (posted on June 1, 2011)
Research by Higham Lab Recognized in New York Times
In the March 30th edition of the New York Times, Dr. Tim Higham's research was featured in an article titled "Slip-Sliding Birds Show How to Avoid Human Falls." The article is based on a study that was published in The Journal of Experimental Biology, on the biomechanics of falling. (posted on April 3, 2011)
Dr. Tim Spira Publishes New Book on Wildflowers and Plant Communities
Tim Spira has published a new book, Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont (University of North Carolina Press). Rather than organizing plants by flower color or family characteristics, as is done in most wildflower books, a more ecological approach enables the reader to identify and learn about plants in their natural communities.
A review of the book by Peter White (Director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden) states “full of gorgeous photography, this in-depth guide to plant communities and plant identification will be of immense interest to field naturalists as well as birders, wildflower enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.” (posted on April 3, 2011)
Dr. Mike Henson, a Faculty Member in Biological Sciences, Part of Research Team that Lands $2.3 Million to Explore Alternative Biofuels
Dr. Mike Henson is one of four Clemson contributors on a research team along with faculty from MUSC and USC that have won $2.3 million in fuding from the US Department of Energy. The researchers are working on determining the best mix of microorganisms and chemical reactions to ramp up the fuel-making process. This project is very exciting because it provides an opportunity for the research faculty, staff and students at the three major research universities to work as a team on this concerted effort. More details about the research and the collaborative efforts can be read at the following link. Congratulations on this achievement, Dr. Henson!
See "Scientists search for new fuels from common, if unlikely, sources" on Clemson's University Newsroom page. (posted on March 23, 2011)
Ms. Jay Lyn Martin, Bio Sci Student Services Coordinator for Graduate Studies, Honored with 2010 College Outstanding Staff Award
Ms. Jay Lyn Martin, the Coordinator of Student Services for Graduate Studies was recently presented with an outstanding staff award for her dedication to the department. The Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Outstanding Staff Employee Awards are honorary in nature and are given to permanent classified and unclassified staff employees in recognition of exemplary contributions to the college. We are fortunate to have Jay Lyn as part of our department! (posted on March 10, 2011)
Research by Childress Lab Recognized in Press
In January, Dr. Michael Childress, an Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences made a public presentation on the status of blue crabs in South Carolina. His research has since been discussed in The Charleston Post and Courier in an article titled "Blue Crab Moving Farther Upstream as Water Becomes Saltier, More Polluted." Dr. Chiildress has posted his presentation, Where Have all the Blue Crabs Gone?, on his lab Website. (posted on February 15, 2011)
Dr. Barbara Speziale, Professor of Biological Sciences, Receives Clemson University's Elliott Award
At the December 2010 General Faculty Meeting, Dr. Barbara Speziale was honored with the Ralph D. Elliott Endowed Award for Outstanding Service to Off-Campus, Distance and Continuing Education. The purpose of the Elliott award is to recognize and honor a Clemson University faculty, staff, or administrator who has promoted initiatives in the field of credit or noncredit continuing education in a worthy and exemplary manner.
One of many examples of Speziale's work is illustrated through the work of the SC LIFE program she has led for 13 years. In 1998, Speziale and other Clemson faculty members were awarded the first of four (thus far) grants totaling $6,400,000 from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Undergraduate Science Education program. The funds were used to establish SC Life—an education and outreach program for K-12 students and teachers. Speziale became director of SC Life in 2000 and guided its growth, from presenting only 2 courses in 1998 to 12 in 2009. Since 1998, SC Life has presented 103 graduate science courses for 816 in-service teachers and 70 pre-service teachers. All of these courses were supported by external grants, from agencies including HHMI, USDA, NASA, and EPA. The courses are delivered through a variety of instructional methodologies including online, on-site, and field-based. Teachers attending these courses have reported direct benefits to their own careers, applying the courses to requirements for 4 Ph.D. degrees, 33 Master’s degrees, 31 Master’s + 30 teaching credential upgrades, and 5 National Board Certifications. (posted on February 27, 2011)