CAFLS eNEWS JUNE 2011
Provost appoints Thomas R. Scott to three year term as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry & Life Sciences
On May 3, 2011 Provost Doris Helms announced the appointment of Thomas R. Scott as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, & Life Sciences (CAFLS) for a three year term. Dean Scott had been interim dean of CAFLS since July, 2009.
"I am proud to have this opportunity to serve as dean and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students of the college," said Scott. "My interim appointment has allowed me the opportunity to learn so much more about our college—the important teaching, research and service by our faculty members, the major contributions of our staff, and the determined spirit, public service and scholarship of our students."
Read more from Dean Scott about CAFLS future plans >>>
Clemson University and Tri-County Technical College launch new program in medical laboratory sciences
Beginning this fall, Tri-County Technical College graduates with an Associate in Applied Science degree in medical laboratory technology who meet specific criteria can enroll as juniors at Clemson University. Qualified students will be accepted in microbiology, with a concentration in biomedicine. With a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and two years of work experience, graduates will be eligible to take the board exams for certification as a clinical laboratory scientist, the highest accreditation level. With this accreditation, they will be qualified for positions in hospitals, public health clinics, industry, research and forensics.
Read the article in the Anderson Independent Mail >>> Read the Clemson University press release >>>
Charles Tonkin speaks on the future of packaging at international conference in Germany
What role will active and intelligent technologies play in future food and drink packaging? That’s the question put to Charles "Chip" Tonkin, director of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University, in a video interview during a German trade event. He stressed that cost is still a major factor in choosing new packaging materials, and without economies of scale, a lot of active and intelligent packaging developments remain stuck in the pilot production phase. He explained how the institute is exploring ways to make active films — or intelligent technologies — more affordable, and how they can be integrated into current manufacturing techniques to increase food safety, quality, and longevity.
Read more and watch the video>>>
Read the latest news from Desmond Layne on the award-winning website.
ASPIRE HIGHER!
CAFLS student achievements and awards
CAFLS outstanding seniors recognized at April 8 Honors and Awards ceremony and reception
On April 8, 2011 CAFLS honored the outstanding graduating seniors for their scholarship, achievements and service to Clemson, CAFLS and their communities.
Click here to view list of awardees (photos provided when available) >>>
Tradd Cotter wins prestigious Clemson University Student Entrepreneur of the Year award
Tradd Cotter, a junior in microbiology, was named Student 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.Tradd is also the recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's GRO Fellowship for fall 2011.
CAFLS students earn National Science Foundation Fellowships
Daniella Triebwasser (left), a graduate student majoring in plant and environmental sciences, and Kristina Kesel, a biochemistry major, have received graduate research fellowships from the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF fellows receive support for their graduate studies, which includes an annual stipend of $30,000, a $10,500 allowance for tuition and fees, and opportunities for international research and professional development. The prestigious fellowship program recognizes outstandng students who are pursuing research-based masters and doctoral degrees in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Honorable Mentions went to Natasha Bell, biosystems engineering; Elizabeth Lange, biological sciences; and Christie Sampson, biological sciences.
Hem Joshi recognized as Clemson Outstanding Graduate Researcher
Hem Joshi, a PhD graduate student in biosystems engineering in the School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences was selected by the Graduate Fellowship Committee as a Clemson University Outstanding Graduate Researcher. Outstanding Graduate 
Researchers receive a $1,000 award. Hem's research interests include the optimization and characterization of biodiesel production from various feedstock's, including ethanol production from peach waste and switchgrass. He is a graduate student advisor to the Creative Inquiry team on "Clean Energy & Sustainable Bioproducts," and a former recipient of the Wade Stackhouse Fellowship. Hem received a M.S. degree in biosystems engineering from Clemson University in 2008.
CAFLS graduate students receive Wade Stackhouse Graduate Fellowships
The Wade Stackhouse Graduate Fellowships are awarded to graduate students in a masters or doctoral degree program in agriculture. Preference is given to students seeking an advanced degree in applied genetics, including plant and animal breeding; dairying, including physiology of reproduction, nutrition, processing and products; and agricultural engineering or food science with special reference to food packaging. Within these areas, academic excellence is the primary selection criterion. 2011 recipients of the Stackhouse Fellowships are Kristin Beard and Shane Reighard, department of genetics and biochemistry, working with Dr. Amy Lawton-Rauh; Katherine Heldt, department of biological sciences, environmental behavior ecology, working with Dr. Michael Childress; Sandy M. Kawano, department of biological sciences, fish ecomorphology, biomechanics and evolution; Elizabeth Lange, department of biological sciences; Gavin Blosser, School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, working with Dr. William Conner. Wade Stackhouse Graduate Fellowships that were renewed for 2011 went to Benjamin Knapp, School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, working with Dr. Geoff Wang; Elspeth Murday, School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, working with Dr. Halina Knapp; and Kirk Parmenter, department of biological sciences, working with Dr. Michael Childress.
Heather M. Stowe awarded 2011 Alexander and Lydia Anderson Graduate Fellowship
The Alexander P. and Lydia Anderson Fellowship for 2011 has been awarded to Heather M. Stowe, a graduate student in the MS/PhD program in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. The Anderson Fellowship is open to Clemson graduate students who wish to pursue work toward a graduate degree in the areas of agriculture, bacteriology, biochemistry, botany, entomology, forestry, microbiology, zoology and other associated sciences in the biological sciences.
Emily Steinberg receives scholarship from Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Emily Steinberg, president of the Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences Graduate Student Association, has been awarded the William A. Golomski Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 from the Institute of Food Technologists, Quality Assurance Division.
Clemson students receive Honorable Mention at EPA Sustainable Design Competition, "People, Planet, Prosperity"
A Clemson University student team received an Honorable Mention in the Environmental Protection Agency's Sustainable Design Competition, "People, Planet, Prosperity," in Washington D.C. in April. The team consisted of four students, Jianing Dai (Biosystems Engineering), William Wilson (Forestry and Natural Resources), Elizabeth O'Rourke (Forestry and Natural Resources) and Fan Yang (Electrical Engineering). The team was mentored by project advisors Dr. Alex Chow and Dr. William Conner of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, and Dr. Yong Huang of the College of Engineering & Science
Clemson shotgun club brings home national title
The Clemson University shotgun club team won first place in the sporting clays event at the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) National Collegiate Shotgun Championships in San Antonio Texas, April 2-4, 2011. Teams from 49 colleges and universities and more than 400 shooters participated in the competition, which included six different shooting events. 
The Clemson team also won second place in the American skeet event, placed third in five-stand shooting and came in fourth in trap shooting. This was the team's first time participating in the national competition. Rick Willey, of the School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, is an advisor to the team.
Horticulture students work with Spearman Elementary School
In the spring of 2011, three students from the Environmental Horticulture Club volunteered to teach basic planting skills to students in the after-school program at Spearman Elementary in Piedmont, SC. Kathleen Dickson, Jamie Morin, and Grady Reed brought soil, pots, bulbs and seeds to the school and showed students how to plant and care for their plants—which they were able to take home with them. Assistant Professor Sarah White, advisor to the club, supported the project.
"The Clemson students did a fantastic job! Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot from the members of your club. The after-schoolers were thrilled to get their bags of goodies! I know they will enjoy nurturing their seeds and watching them grow into beautiful plants. Thanks again for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful project!" Jan White, Academic Assistance Teacher, Spearman Elementary, Anderson Public Schools, District One.
Horticulture 101 student writing published in the South Carolina Nurseryman
Ellen Vincent, Clemson University Environmental Landscape Specialist, taught more than plants in her Hort 101 class. She encouraged her students to write and had their work published in the March/April issue of the South Carolina Nurseryman. Each week her students—from horticulture, turfgrass, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, chemistry, psychology and other majors—connected to the lecture or demonstration by writing a reflective essay that told the story of a past experience or a relevant moment in time. The second writing assignment was a scholarly paragraph focused on the subject.
Read the article from the South Carolina Nurseryman >>>
Students win at The Wildlife Society's 2011 Southeastern Wildlife Conclave
Twenty-five students representing Clemson's student chapter of The Wildlife Society placed second overall in The Wildlife Society 2011 Southeastern Wildlife Conclave. This year's team also placed first in the team competition and third in the Quiz Bowl.
Each Spring, Southeastern colleges and universities with wildlife conversation programs send teams to compete against each other in events related to wildlife conservation and management.
CU-ENTOX graduate students win awards at 2011 SETAC regional meeting
CAFLS graduate program in Environmental Toxicology was represented at the regional meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Ross Garner was awarded first prize for his platform presentation and Liz Nyberg was awarded third prize for her poster presentation. The Carolina's SETAC meeting was held at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC in late March.
Molly Hubbard selected as a member of the Agriculture Future of America's (AFA) student advisory team
Molly Hubbard, a student in agribusiness, has taken an active role in AFA, a national agricultural association. Members of the AFA Student Advisory Team will experience personal and professional development opportunities in team leadership and interaction, media and communications, interaction with corporate and association leaders, public speaking training and experience, exposure to career opportunities, and they will be eligible for an AFA academic scholarship. In 2008, Molly attended the South Carolina Commissioner's School for Agriculture (SCCSA) and became inspired—she never had much introduction to agriculture or natural resources prior to attending SCCSA and now she has developed quite a passion for the industries. After graduation Molly plans to work in the agriculture and food industries to help raise awareness of the availability of healthy foods and to promote healthy eating habits.
CAFLS Faculty & Staff News
Ahmad Khalilian awarded 2011 Godley-Snell Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research
Agricultural engineer Ahmad Khalilian received Clemson University's highest agricultural honor: The Godley-Snell Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research. Khalilian is internationally recognized for his work in precision agriculture and irrigation and is a leader in zone management for nematodes in row corps.
William Conner, honored as Alumnus of the Year by Louisiana State University
William Conner, assistant director at the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, was honored as Alumnus of the Year by Louisiana State University for his internationally recognized research on wetland forests.
Patrick McMillan, host of award-winning TV show "Expeditions," wins another round of awards
Patrick McMillan, faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, Curator of the Campbell Museum and Interim Director of the SC Botanical Garden, was recently awarded an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences-Southeast. He also won a Silver Telly Award, three Bronz Telly Awards, two Communicator Awards of Excellence, and two Communicator Awards of Distinction.
Mike Hood honored by NC and SC Beekeepers Associations
Mike Hood, professor in the School of Agricutural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, received the McIver-Hass Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the NC State Beekeepers Association for 20 years of outstanding contributions and endless support of both NC and SC beekeepers associations.
Board of Trustees Faculty Awards
The Clemson University Board of Trustees honored faculty for their accomplishments and service at a formal reception and banquet on April 14, 2011. Twenty-six CAFLS faculty members were recognized.
Click here for the entire list >>>
Board of Trustees Staff Awards
The Clemson University Board of Trustees honored classified and unclassified staff for their outstanding achievements and service at a formal reception and banquet on May 12, 2011. Nine CAFLS staff members were recognized.
Click here for the entire list >>>
Alumni News
Clemson alums team up to make life a little sweeter
Kensey Morris, a CAFLS alum who majored in Packaging Science, is the general manager of the new sweet sensation in downtown Greenville, SC — The Chocolate Moose. Fresh desserts are baked every day using organic ingredients whenever possible. The founder/owner of The Chocolate Moose is another Clemson alum, Kristin Kuhlke Cobb (CBBS). Cupcake, another store founded by Cobb opened its doors in Charleston, SC in 2006. Since then the bakery's delicious offerings have been featured not only in the local press, but on USA Today, Martha Stewart Radio and the Ellen Degeneres website. Contact the Chocolate Moose at their website: http://www.chocomoosebakery.com/
Food Marketing Institute names Hilary Thesmar as Food Safety VP
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI), the nation's largest food retail association, has named Hilary Thesmar, PhD, Vice President of Food Safety. At FMI, Thesmar will supervise all programs related to food safety, food defense, and food quality. Thesmar was previously Senior Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the National Turkey Federation based in Washington, D.C. Thesmar is a registered dietition with a MS in human nutrition from Winthrop University and a PhD in food technology from Clemson University.
Blake Berry named president-elect of historic Pendleton Farmers Society
Blake Berry, agricultural science educator at Pendleton High School, was recently named president-elect of the historic Pendleton Farmers Society. Berry is a graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters degree in Agricultural Education. It was at a meeting of the Farmers Society that Thomas Green Clemson, son-in-law of former US Vice President John C. Calhoun, first discussed the idea of a land grant institution, which later became a reality and today is Clemson University.
Walter Patrick Earle, 2011 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee
Walter Patrick Earle, agricultural education teacher at McBee High School in McBee South Carolina and a Clemson alum, has been inducted to the National Teachers Hall of Fame. He is the second teacher from South Carolina to receive this honor.
Scott Zengel, PhD, featured on National Public Radio on Anniversary of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Scott Zengel, PhD, a scientist for Atkins North America, has been working with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a shoreline assessment coordinator. 
Part of his work involves designing and managing an applied field testing program to develop and evaluate marsh cleanup techniques for the most heavily impacted shorelines. Zengel received his PhD from Clemson University.
IN THIS ISSUE
Aspire Higher! Student Awards and Achievements
Congratulations Graduates!
Dean Scott congratulates Leah Elizabeth Cress, a CAFLS graduate, at the Spring Graduation on May 13. CAFLS graduated 411 students—9 PhD, 23 Masters, and 379 baccalaurate degrees were conferred.
Read the Clemson University press release
Study Abroad
Contact Amy Sanders, Bookhart Student Services Center
Upcoming Dates
South Carolina Commissioner's School for Agriculture
July 23-28
at Clemson University
Contact Katie Black, Bookhart Student Services Center
Fall Semester Classses Begin
August 24, Wednesday
Family Weekend 2011
September 23
Contact Katie Black
hulse@clemson.edu
CAFLS Career Fair
September 28
Hendrix Student Center
Bookhart Student Services Center
CAFLS Tailgate
Boston College game and Homecoming weekend
October 8
Contact Sennah Honea, schonea@clemson.edu
"Expeditions" with Patrick McMillan
Now in its fifth season
on ETV
Tune in to Clemson's only national award-winning TV show
Sunday at 7:30 pm on South Carolina ETV.
Visit the CU Student Organic Farm website
Visit the SC Grown website for more information
