2022 Graduates
Congratulations to the Class of 2022. You made it! The hours in classes, labs and in the field, the time spent studying for tests, all of that has paid off and you’re crossing the finish line. We are so proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see what amazing things you’ll do in the future. No matter where you go, you’ll always have a home in CAFLS. Go Tigers!
CAFLS alumni.
Julia Daniel
Agribusiness
Nesmith, SC
What is the best thing about being a student in CAFLS? The best thing about being a student in CAFLS is the amount of love and support the faculty, staff and other students show each other. We really are all one big family.
Describe CAFLS in one word. Home
What advice would you give to an incoming student? Keep an open mind and get involved!! College can be scary at first, but if you stay optimistic and surround yourself with great people, you will love it at here.
What are your post-grad plans? I will be working at International Paper Company, in Eastover, SC as a Fiber Supply Associate.
Erica Wearing
Agricultural Education
Seneca, SC
What makes your major unique? My major is unique in that we get to sample a little bit of everything CAFLS has to offer. While all of us have areas we enjoy more (mine being plant science!), I still got to take agricultural mechanization, animal science and environmental courses so I have a well-rounded foundation.
Who has been your favorite instructor in your major and why? I have had some awesome professors in my major, but my favorite is Dr. DiBenedetto. She was tough and required a lot from students, but I have already seen how well that preparation will serve me in my career. I also completed an internship with her and participated in two research projects. I am thankful for all the opportunities she provided.
Describe CAFLS in one word. Caring.
What are your post-grad plans? I will be an agricultural educator at Oakridge Middle School in Clover, SC!
Lindsey Burroughs
Animal and Veterinary Science
Laurens, SC
What makes your major unique? What makes AVS unique is the number of hand-on courses and opportunities. This allows us to uniquely experience what we are learning and gives us a chance to do it ourselves.
What is your favorite place on campus? McGinty Mall. It is such a beautiful and relaxing place to study, and it has always been my favorite ever since I was young and came to Clemson for 4-H horse competitions.
What advice would you give to an incoming student? I would tell them to cherish every moment because before they know it, they too will be graduating and saying goodbye.
What will you miss most about Clemson? I will miss getting the opportunity to go out to the farms and interact with the animals.
Jewel Dinkins
Animal and Veterinary Science
Blythewood, SC
What is the best thing about being a student in CAFLS? A great support system, with so many different options of careers to work towards. The professors and staff are extremely helpful.
What has been your favorite class in your major and why? My favorite class would have to be Poultry Techniques because the instructor really encouraged hands-on learning. I enjoyed taking care of the chickens and learning how to help them grow.
What makes your major unique? Animal science is one of the most rigorous majors at Clemson, especially if you are pre-vet. But that is all for great reason – there are so many different successful career paths available.
What are your post-grad plans? I want to work towards earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine so that I can pursue my dream job as a conservation veterinarian for wildlife and the preservation of endangered species.
George DeCarvalho
Environmental and Natural Resources
Greenville, SC
Who has been your favorite instructor and why? Dr. Donald Hagan. I had him for a really hard class (Dendrology) and even though it was incredibly tough I still find myself using what I learned in that class all the time. He was also my advisor and went above and beyond to help me find opportunities like undergraduate research and internships. He is tough, but fair.
What makes your major unique? I started in a different major but soon found my way to Environmental and Natural Resources. I’ve always liked being outdoors, hunting and fishing, so this was a natural fit for me. The major is unique because it allows you to customize a fair number of courses you select based on your interests. This allowed me to create my own path around the things I’m passionate about.
How has CAFLS surprised you? The instructors have so much expertise and knowledge, I really felt like I was learning from the very best. At the same time, they really care about students. As a student, it can be intimidating to learn from such accomplished faculty, but they never made us feel inferior by talking down to us just because they knew more than we did.
Katie Hannahs
Food Science and Human Nutrition
Buffalo Grove, IL.
What is the best thing about being a student in CAFLS? Even though the majors and members of CAFLS are so diverse, we all unite as being part of CAFLS and are proud of it.
How has CAFLS surprised you? How diverse the majors and people in CAFLS are -- I've met people from all over the country and all the majors do such unique things that aren’t just farm-related.
What makes your major unique? How tight-knit it is. We really have a close community that hangs out together outside of class.
What are your post-grad plans? Production Supervisor at Schwans Company's frozen pizza manufacturing plant in Salina, KS.
Julia Jellema
Plant and Environmental Sciences
Charleston, SC
What is the best thing about being a student in CAFLS? It is so easy to make connections with CAFLS professors and staff. I am thankful for their passion because that is what caused me to fall in love with research and plant biochemistry!
Describe CAFLS in one word. Admirable
How has CAFLS surprised you? I did not expect CAFLS to allow for such class variety within majors. I have been able to focus on chemistry within my major by choosing additional chem-related classes.
What are your post-grad plans? I’ll be attending Montana State University to pursue an M.S. in Plant Sciences on a research assistantship.
Audrey Jen
Plant and Environmental Sciences
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What is the best thing about being a student in CAFLS? The best thing about being a student in CAFLS is that you have access to big-university resources, while still getting a small-town, family atmosphere in your classes.
Who has been your favorite instructor in your major and why? Dr. Chris Saski. He relates to students, gives us practical assignments that teach us new skills, and is open to constructive criticism.
What makes your major unique? Everyone in PES cares about feeding our growing population and food security. Our students will be growers, extension agents, plant geneticists, and more. I am proud to be surrounded by such intelligent, caring individuals.
What are your post-grad plans? I will be moving to Wenatchee, WA to work for Apeel Sciences as an Associate Product Manager.
Brian Rogers
Turfgrass
Manasquan, New Jersey
What has been your favorite class in your major and why? Senior Capstone - this course equips you with knowledge that applies what was learned in the classroom and prepares you for the real world. I have learned from the past experiences of professionals in my career field, and they have provided valuable, insightful advice in all facets of life regarding post-graduation.
Describe CAFLS in one word. Rewarding
What advice would you give to an incoming student? Take advantage of clubs, internships and relationships with colleagues, peers and professors. Networking and communication are two of the most important aspects of professional life and help you be successful as long as you work hard and practice all of the other pillars of character that come with being a good person.
What are your post-grad plans? I will be taking a job as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent in North Carolina!
