2025-26 College & PSA Award Recipients
Outstanding Junior Faculty in Research
James Sternberg
Assistant Professor
Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
James Sternberg has quickly emerged as a national leader in sustainable materials and packaging systems. His research addresses global challenges in plastic waste through innovations in biobased polymers, circular plastics and green manufacturing.
In a short time, Sternberg has secured more than $7.5 million in external funding, including leadership of a $4.75 million USDA Packaging Innovation Lab. He is also the recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for early-career faculty.
His work has been recognized with an EPA Green Chemistry Award, the Bioenvironmental Polymer Society Young Scientist Award and other sustainability honors. Published in leading journals and supported by multiple patents, his research reflects both scholarly impact and strong commercial potential.
Outstanding Senior Faculty in Research
Raghupathy Karthikeyan
Newman Endowed Chair and Professor
Agricultural Sciences
Raghupathy Karthikeyan is a nationally recognized leader in natural resources engineering whose interdisciplinary research focuses on water scarcity, crop resilience and environmental sustainability. Since joining Clemson in 2019, he has built a research program that connects science, engineering and real-world application.
He has secured more than $24 million in external funding, including leadership of a $10 million USDA-NIFA project focused on salinity tolerance and desalination technologies. His scholarly record includes more than 90 refereed publications, multiple book chapters and innovative modeling tools that support water quality and resource management.
Karthikeyan’s career has been marked by prestigious teaching, mentoring and service honors at both the institutional and national levels. His work continues to deliver practical solutions that protect natural resources and sustain agricultural productivity.
Outstanding Junior Faculty in Teaching
Churamani Khanal
Assistant Professor
Plant and Environmental Sciences
Churamani Khanal has distinguished himself through a dynamic, student-centered approach to teaching. Over the past five years, he has taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, earning praise for his clarity, creativity and ability to make complex topics accessible.
His teaching goes beyond content delivery. Khanal fosters critical thinking, collaboration and innovation while encouraging students to explore ideas and build confidence in their abilities. His open-door approach and commitment to student engagement create a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
He is also deeply invested in mentoring students in both academic and personal growth, emphasizing leadership, well-being and professional development. The respect and gratitude expressed by his students reflect his lasting impact as an educator.
Outstanding Senior Faculty in Teaching
Mireille Arguelles-Ramos
Assistant Professor
Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Mireille Arguelles-Ramos is an outstanding educator whose teaching philosophy centers on critical thinking and real-world application. Since joining Clemson in 2018, she has developed and delivered courses that combine hands-on laboratory experiences, case-based learning and innovative instructional strategies.
She continuously refines her courses based on student feedback and best practices in education, helping students connect theory to practice in meaningful ways. Her classroom is defined by both rigor and a strong commitment to student success.
Beyond the classroom, Arguelles-Ramos is a dedicated mentor to undergraduate and graduate students, guiding research projects and supporting academic and professional growth. Her approachable and empathetic style has made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Faculty Advising and Mentoring Award
Anastasia Thayer
Assistant Professor
Agricultural Sciences
Anastasia Thayer exemplifies transformative mentorship through her dedication to student success at every level. In just four years, she has co-chaired six master’s students, mentored undergraduate researchers through multiple competitive programs and guided a postdoctoral scholar.
Her mentoring is defined by both academic rigor and genuine care. Students consistently describe Thayer as approachable, thoughtful and deeply invested in their growth as researchers and professionals. She helps them navigate research challenges, career decisions and professional opportunities with confidence.
Under her guidance, students have produced high-quality research, presented at conferences and earned competitive positions in academia and industry. Her ability to balance high expectations with meaningful support creates an environment where students thrive.
Outstanding Junior Faculty in Extension
Liliane Severino da Silva
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Liliane Severino da Silva has rapidly established herself as a leader in forage-livestock systems, integrating research and Extension to improve sustainability, productivity and resilience for producers across South Carolina and beyond. Since joining Clemson in 2021, she has delivered more than 85 Extension programs reaching more than 3,500 people.
Her scholarly record includes 27 refereed publications, multiple book chapters and contributions to nine research and Extension books. She also serves in major leadership roles, including president of the American Forage and Grassland Foundation, while chairing upcoming conferences in her field.
Through innovative outreach such as her “Forage Drops” platform, which has surpassed 200,000 views, Silva continues to expand access to science-based information. Her work reflects the powerful integration of research, outreach and professional leadership.
Outstanding Senior Faculty in Extension
William “Scott” Whiteside
Professor
Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
With nearly four decades of service, Scott Whiteside has built one of the most respected Extension programs in food processing and packaging in the nation. His expertise in thermal processing, food safety and packaging has supported everyone from small entrepreneurs to global manufacturers.
A defining achievement of his career is the creation of the Cryovac Retort Laboratory, a facility that has become a national model for innovation and training. In 2024, he led a major modernization effort supported by more than $500,000 in industry investment, further strengthening its impact.
Whiteside is recognized as an FDA- and USDA-certified Processing Authority and has led more than 60 Better Process Control Schools along with dozens of other training programs in the United States and abroad. His work has generated significant funding, supported graduate education and strengthened South Carolina’s food manufacturing economy.
Outstanding Junior Extension Agent
Samantha Porzelt
Water Resources Extension Agent
Cooperative Extension
Samantha Porzelt has quickly distinguished herself as a leader in Extension through her work in stormwater management, water resources and sustainable landscaping practices. Through workshops, field demonstrations and statewide initiatives, she has reached hundreds of participants each year with practical, science-based education.
Her leadership of the Master Rain Gardener program and coordination of the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium reflect her ability to bring people together around shared environmental goals. She has a gift for translating complex science into accessible, actionable solutions for communities.
Porzelt is also an active contributor to publications, media outreach and professional service, and her work has earned national recognition from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Her energy, expertise and commitment are making a meaningful difference across South Carolina.
Outstanding Senior Extension Agent
Danielle McFall
Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Agent
Cooperative Extension
Danielle McFall has been instrumental in shaping Clemson Extension’s Rural Health and Nutrition program into a nationally recognized model for improving health outcomes. For nearly a decade, she has led efforts to expand access to evidence-based programming for chronic disease prevention and management.
As master trainer for Health Extension for Diabetes, McFall has guided the development, delivery and expansion of a program that now reaches communities across multiple states. Her work directly improves lives, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Through strategic vision, strong partnerships and a hands-on commitment to service, McFall has helped secure significant funding and build sustainable programs. Her work reflects the land-grant mission at its best.
Professional Staff Award
Toni Becker
Student Services Manager
Forestry and Environmental Conservation
Toni Becker is a constant source of guidance, encouragement and connection for graduate students, faculty and staff. Her office has become more than a place for paperwork. It is a welcoming space where students feel comfortable seeking advice, sharing challenges and celebrating success.
She has transformed the graduate student experience through thoughtful innovation, revitalizing orientation programs, creating professional development workshops and introducing mid-semester check-ins to help students stay supported throughout their academic journey.
Her leadership has strengthened recruitment, improved course scheduling and enhanced alumni tracking. Becker’s kindness, consistency and commitment continue to make graduate education more accessible, supportive and successful.
Administrative Staff Award
Glenda Brown
Administrative Coordinator
Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
For more than 30 years, Glenda Brown has been a cornerstone of her department, supporting generations of faculty, staff and students with knowledge, reliability and positivity. She is known as someone colleagues can always count on.
Whether navigating complex processes or providing day-to-day support, Brown approaches every task with professionalism and a genuine desire to help others succeed. During a recent period of transition, she stepped up in extraordinary ways, taking on additional responsibilities while ensuring operations continued without disruption.
Her contributions go well beyond her job description. Brown embodies teamwork, resilience and a commitment to service that strengthens her entire department.
Advising and Mentoring Award
Kaycee Keasler
Student Services Manager
Agricultural Sciences
Kaycee Keasler supports nearly 300 students across multiple programs and catalog years, bringing remarkable care and precision to every interaction. Her work helps students stay on track to graduate while navigating complex curricula and scheduling challenges.
She maintains strong communication with both students and faculty, creating a collaborative and supportive advising environment. Her willingness to listen, adapt and advocate for students has earned deep appreciation from those she serves.
In addition to advising, Keasler plays an important role in recruitment, retention and course planning. Her dedication and care exemplify the very best of mentoring at Clemson.
Technical Field Staff Award
Benjamin Fogle
Lead Agricultural Engineering Specialist
Agricultural Sciences
Benjamin Fogle’s work sits at the intersection of innovation, precision and service. His technical expertise spans data analytics, experimental design, fabrication and field operations, making him an essential contributor to Clemson’s research and Extension mission.
He plays a critical role in ensuring that field and laboratory research are conducted to the highest standards, producing reliable data that supports meaningful outcomes for South Carolina agriculture. His behind-the-scenes contributions also help make major events and field days run smoothly.
Beyond his technical skill, Fogle is a dedicated mentor and collaborator who invests in the success of students and colleagues. His leadership reflects integrity, creativity and a deep commitment to service.
Laboratory/Office Award
Leah Gregory
Lab Supervisor
Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science
For more than a decade, Leah Gregory has been the steady force behind laboratory operations at Baruch. Her behind-the-scenes work supports research projects, data quality and student learning experiences across the institute.
As laboratory manager and safety officer, Gregory ensures that thousands of water quality samples are processed each year with precision and care. She also maintains high standards of safety, organization and operational excellence.
Students and colleagues know her as a calm, dependable mentor who helps others build both technical skills and confidence. Her quiet dedication strengthens research outcomes, supports her team and sustains a culture of excellence.
