Clemson University research areas

Published: December 29, 2011

These Clemson University research areas are examples of opportunities for collaboration and partnership with business and industry in South Florida.

Hurricanes

Measuring wind damage to buildings and other structures

In part with the use of wind towers deployed in hurricane watch areas in Florida and the Carolinas, civil engineering professor Scott Schiff studies the structural performance of buildings and bridges under hurricane conditions. Schiff directs Clemson University's Wind and Structural Engineering Research (WiSER) Facility, one of the nation's top laboratories for the study of wind effects on structures. WiSER evaluates loads or forces that bear down on structures arising from natural hazards such as high winds, hurricanes and earthquakes, and also studies the designs of structural systems to resist those loads. In addition to wind towers, researchers use wind-tunnel data, load actuators and pressure to simulate design loadings on structures being tested, and faculty are active in helping local governments and industry adapt building codes and structures to meet exact specifications. Contact Schiff at 864-656-0456, schiffs@clemson.edu or Tom Hallman in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, thallma@clemson.edu.

Hurricanes aren't getting stronger

Despite what you might have heard, hurricanes aren't getting stronger, statistically speaking. With 15 decades of data behind him, Clemson math professor Robert Lund has studied changes in the tropical cycle record in the North Atlantic between 1851 and 2008 and concluded that, although the number of hurricanes and tropical storms in the Atlantic Basin is increasing, there is no evidence that the strength of the storms – or their chances of making landfall – are any greater now than they used to be. Lund says that while this a "hot button in the argument for global warming... we do not see evidence" that warming waters of the Atlantic are increasing the strengths of storms. Lund can be reached at 864-656-0861, lund@clemson.edu or contact Tom Hallman in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, thallma@clemson.edu.

Lessons learned from past hurricanes

Are the communities along the Eastern Seaboard better suited to withstand a monster hurricane or were lessons learned during previous hurricanes forgotten? Planning and landscape architecture associate professor Grant Cunningham studies coastal development, resource policy and community development with exactly that question in mind. Contact Cunningham at 864-656-4456, 864-882-9077 or cunninm@clemson.edu or contact Tom Hallman in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, thallma@clemson.edu.

Saltwater intrusion in coastal wetland forests

Coastal wetland forests can stand up to hurricane-strength winds, but storm surges can drown them in saltwater. Clemson University researchers are looking at data to learn about the effects of excess saltwater on coastal ecosystems. For more information, contact forestry scientist William Conner at 843-546-6323, wconner@clemson.edu, or contact Peter Kent in Public Service Media Relations at 864-557-3491, pkent@clemson.edu.

Health/Aging

Total-joint replacement

In bioengineering, John DesJardins studies the performance of joint replacements, measuring the wear and tear on different materials as they react with natural body movement. DesJardins directs the Frank H. Stelling and C. Dayton Riddle Orthopaedic Education and Research Laboratory, which houses one of the country’s largest stores of post-use artificial joints: hip, knee and devices that were removed from patients, in some cases after 15 years or more of use. Results of the research will help manufacturers improve designs and lead to fewer repeat total-joint replacement procedures. Contact DesJardins at 864-656-4178, jdesjar@clemson.edu or Tom Hallman in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, thallma@clemson.edu.

Aging, mobility and driving safety

Psychology professor Johnell Brooks studies aging drivers’ capabilities and limitations. That research led her and other Clemson University researchers to work with simulation technology company DriveSafety, to develop a new driving simulator designed for patient rehabilitation that now is being used at 14 Army, Navy and Veterans Affairs facilities. The program recently expanded to Europe with the addition of a driving simulator at Charité Hospital in Berlin, Germany. Driving simulators provide patients with engaging treatment sessions in a safe environment, including practicing realistic driving skills. Therapists can work with patients on treatment areas that include cognitive, perceptual and physical skills. “Our ultimate goal is to enable drivers to maximize their independence,” said Brooks. She also has studied the relationship between mobility and driving performance and the danger of texting while driving. Contact Johnell Brooks at jobrook@clemson.edu or 864-656-2831 or Nancy Spitler in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, nspitle@clemson.edu.

DNA repair and cancer

Biochemists Weiguo Cao and Michael Sehorn study how cells repair damaged DNA, which can cause both cancer and genetic illnesses. There are many factors that can damage DNA, one of which is UV rays. Unrepaired DNA can lead to mutations, which may accumulate and lead to cancer and other illnesses. Some of the drugs used in cancer treatments work by intentionally damaging DNA. Their success can be influenced by DNA repair activities. A clearer understanding of DNA repair may offer to improve cancer therapy. “The link between DNA repair and cancer is well known in some instances,” Cao said. “For example, some people are susceptible to skin cancer due to defect in DNA repair.”  Contact Weiguo Cao at  864-656-4176 (office) or 864-650-0142 (cell) or email at wgc@clemson.edu;  Michael Sehorn at 864-656-2572 (office) or 864-656-2572 (home); or Nancy Spitler in Media Relations at 864-656-1222 or nspitle@clemson.edu.

Raspberries vs. cancer

Lyn Larcom’s research on raspberries has found that these berries and other fruits contain powerful chemical compounds that can improve the body’s resistance to cancer growth and skin aging brought on by pollution and sun exposure. A goal of the research is to develop skin creams that inhibit cancer and the skin changes resulting from aging and sun exposure. Contact Lyn Larcom at 864-656-5308 (office); 864-654-6896 (home/cell) or lllrcm@clemson.edu or Peter Kent in Public Service Media Relations at 864-557-3491, pkent@clemson.edu.

Aquatic/Wildlife

Protecting the manatee

An invasive algae has the potential to adversely impact the manatee, particularly in winter months. Toxicologist John Rodgers and his graduate students developed a management plan for the algae. Contact John H. Rodgers Jr., 864-656-0492 (office), 864-650-0210 (cell), 864-653-3990 (home) or email jrodger@clemson.edu or Nancy Spitler in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, nspitle@clemson.edu

Effects of oil spills and wind farms on sea birds

Pat Jodice collaborates with colleagues at the University of Florida to examine the survival and movement patterns of coastal and marine birds following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. His team has tracked brown pelicans and black skimmers in the Gulf and along the Atlantic coast. He also is researching the development of wind farms and its effects on seabirds. Contact Patrick Jodice at 864-506-6043 (cell) or 864-656-6190 (office) or Nancy Spitler in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, nspitle@clemson.edu.

Prozac and fish

Steve Klaine, director of Clemson’s Institute of Environmental Toxicology, has studied the effects of pharmaceutical drugs on fish. More than 50 percent of the U.S. population is on at least one prescription drug.  Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to degrade these compounds and most find their way into our surface waters. Klaine found that fish exposed to Prozac and other antidepressants were not quite as efficient in capturing their prey, a trait that could result in population decline. Contact Stephen J. Klaine at sklaine@clemson.edu or 864-710-6763 (cell) or Nancy Spitler in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, nspitle@clemson.edu.

Nanomaterials and aquatic organisms

Steve Klaine, director of Clemson’s Institute of Environmental Toxicology, leads a multidisciplinary team of faculty and graduate students studying the effects of nanomaterials on aquatic organisms. Nanomaterials are very small natural or manmade materials that are being used in products in virtually every sector of society. Smart drugs that deliver cancer medicine only to cancer cells; strong, light materials for automobile bumpers, airplanes and tennis racquets; and tiny reactive particles that clean water at a fraction of previous costs are just a few of the many applications of nanotechnology. Klaine's research has demonstrated that these materials may enter aquatic food chains and reduce the ability of aquatic animals to feed successfully. Contact Stephen J. Klaine at sklaine@clemson.edu or 864-710-6763 (cell) or Nancy Spitler in Media Relations at 864-656-2061, nspitle@clemson.edu.