Meet the BSP Scholars
See Yourself in STEM.
Breakthrough Scholars are Clemson University undergraduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Students considered for the program are inquisitive learners with demonstrated leadership potential and a desire to make a difference through research, service, and academic excellence.
The Breakthrough Scholars Program offers individualized support to these students to help them grow their leadership abilities, specialized knowledge, and experience in their chosen fields.
Find out how scholars are selected.
Meet our Scholar cohorts (organized by the year they were admitted to Clemson University) below:
2025 Scholars
Alejandra Rodriguez
Hometown: Easley, S.C.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Visit Alejandra's LinkedIn page
2024 Scholars
Lada Palygina
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Genetics
Visit Lada's LinkedIn page
2023 Scholars
Omar Abdel Azim
Hometown: Greenwood, S.C.
Major: Computer Science and and Electrical Engineering
Visit Omar's LinkedIn page
Stephanie Rodriguez-Umana
Hometown: North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Engineering Leadership
Visit Stephanie's LinkedIn page
2021-2022 Scholars
Kathleen (Katie) Barfield
Hometown: Chapin, S.C.
Major: Genetics and Sociology
Minor: Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies
Visit Katie's LinkedIn page
Kathleen Kidd
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Visit Kathleen's LinkedIn page
Brianna Sebastian-Olazabal
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Sustainability
Visit Brianna's LinkedIn page
