2025 Research Symposium

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Watt Family Innovation Center

More info on the Agenda Items and Breakout Sessions

• 8:15am: Welcome from Symposium Chairs - Amanda McLeod and Andrew Metcalf

  The annual Research Symposium is organized by the Research Advisory Board, which includes a faculty member from each college and the Libraries. This year’s Symposium co-chairs (noted below) will provide a Symposium welcome in the Watt Auditorium.

  Symposium Co-Chairs:  

  • Amanda McLeod, University Libraries
  • Andrew Metcalf, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
• 8:30am-9:15am: Welcome and Clemson Research Update - Provost Dr. Bob Jones and Dr. Tanju Karanfil

  Provost Bob Jones and Tanju Karanfil, Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors, will discuss the state of Clemson’s research enterprise in an evolving academic landscape, as well as answer questions from attendees.

• 9:15am-10:30am: Keynote Panel College ADRs

  In a panel moderated by the symposium co-chairs, the associate deans for research from each college will come together to discuss Navigating an Evolving Academic Landscape by answering questions gathered from symposium attendees.

• Morning Breakout Sessions (10:45am-12:00pm)

  Tigers in the Headlines: Elevating Clemson Research Through the Media

  Room 108 Auditorium

  Panelists: 

  • Alex Brooks, director of communications
  • Heidi Coryell Williams, executive director of storytelling
  • Danny Weathers, professor, Marketing
  • Carlos Garcia, professor, Chemistry

  Moderator:

  • Shelia Cotten, associate vice president of research development

  Abstract: What if everyone could appreciate and understand the work you do? Whether you are a part of designing buildings or differentiating human cultures, prepare to take high-level insights and outreach and turn it into something more akin to “party talk,” easily understandable by a range of audiences. The Marketing and Communications division, in conjunction with the Division of Research, will present a panel discussion highlighting the importance of communicating research with external audiences. Panelists will discuss ways to amplify scholarship and connect general readership audiences with Clemson-led research. Faculty will discuss the process and the benefit that these tools can bring to individual faculty members and the institution. A potential next step of this panel would be a media training workshop in the future.

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  Developing Opportunities to Enhance Student Learning

  Room 106

  Panelists:

  • Sallie Hambright-Belue, associate professor, School of Architecture
  • Matthew Lawrence Nicolette, assistant professor, School of Architecture
  • Brooke Bennett, assistant professor, Psychology
  • Anna Baker, assistant professor, Psychology

  Moderator:

  • Irene Pericot-Valverde, assistant professor, Psychology

  Abstract: This panel discussion will focus on ways to enhance student learning and classroom experiences by engaging students in research, service-learning experiences, and experiential learning opportunities. The panel will also discuss how this work can be used to further faculty research, which can be an incentive for faculty to introduce these opportunities into their teaching responsibilities. As the University strives to offer the #1 Student Experience, this panel will be valuable to others who want to develop their courses to be more engaging for students.

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  How May We Serve You?  Clemson University Core Facilities – An Overview and Discussion of Available Services

  Room 203

  Panelists: 

  • Matt Breed, attending veterinarian/director of animal resources (Godley-Snell Research Center, Aquatic Animal Research Laboratory)
  • Ken Webb, professor, S.C. Bioengineering Center for Regeneration and Formation of Tissues
  • Chris Parkinson, director, Clemson University Bioinformatics and Genomics Facility
  • Nishanth Tharayil, director, Multi-User Analytical and Metabolomics Lab
  • Kelliann Koehler, research specialist, Electron Microscopy Facility

  Moderator:

  • Terri Bruce, director, Clemson Light Imaging Facility

  Abstract: This session will include brief talks/descriptions of available multi-user cores (university and department level) and how to access them, including a discussion of contacts and how to use scheduling systems, such as iLabs. The talks will be followed by a panel discussion with core directors from across campus.

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  Bridging Colleges: Unlocking the Future of Health Research Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  Room 208

  Panelists:  

  • Cullen Jackson, clinical professor, Industrial Engineering
  • Lesly Ross, director, Institute for Engaged Aging
  • Jim Morris, professor, Genetics and Biochemistry
  • Alexis Stamatikos, assistant professor, Food, Nutrition and Packaging

  Moderator:

  • Kerry Smith, director, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center

  Abstract: This panel discussion explores the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaborations in health research between multiple colleges at Clemson. As healthcare challenges become increasingly complex, traditional single-discipline approaches often fall short of delivering comprehensive solutions. This panel brings together experts from diverse research areas - public health, engineering, social sciences and behavioral health - to share insights on the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research initiatives. Topics will include successful collaborations that highlight innovative problem-solving, the integration of varied methodologies and the cultivation of cross-disciplinary communication. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of how interdisciplinary approaches can enhance health research outcomes, ultimately contributing to more effective interventions and policies that address the multifaceted nature of health issues in today's society.

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  Supporting Faculty and Students on Their Research Translation Journeys

  Room 218

  Panelists: 

  • Rahul Raghuaman, graduate student, Industrial Engineering
  • Olivia McAnirlin, co-director, Virtual Reality and Nature Lab
  • David Vaughn, director, Clemson Engineers for Developing Communities
  • Chris Gesswein, executive director, Clemson University Research Foundation
  • John DesJardin, professor, Bioengineering
  • Eric Weissman, executive director, NextGEN
  • Tia Dumas, associate vice president for strategic alliances

  Moderators:

  • K.C. Wang, executive director, STRIDE
  • Craig Kinley, program coordinator, STRIDE

  Abstract: The panel will feature speakers sharing their roles and experiences with respect to conducting and supporting research translation. The panelists will include faculty in different stages of research translation, tech transfer specialists from CURF and other internal and external support organizations in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including Clemson STRIDE, NextGEN and SCRA. The panel will foster an open discussion with the audience about the challenges, rewards and the support one would encounter on research translation journeys.

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  Community-Engaged Research Across Education, Architecture & Construction, and Sociology

  Room 308

  Panelists: 

  • Chien-fei Chen, professor, Sociology
  • Amer Hamad Issa Abukhalaf, assistant professor, Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development
  • Kristen Cuthrell, chair, Education and Human Development
  • Darris Means, dean's fellow for rural education

  Moderator:

  • Phillip Grant, assistant professor, Educational and Organizational Leadership Development

  Abstract: In this facilitated panel, faculty will provide exemplars of community-engaged research, i.e., partnerships in which researchers and practitioners collaborate to identify and implement opportunities for transformation that are informed by evidence generated through collaborative inquiry. College of Education faculty will dive into rural education research-practice partnerships. College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences faculty will explore the work of a recent NSF regional rural and urban sustainability network in the Southeast. College of Architecture, Art and Construction faculty will share community-driven approaches to disaster resilience. The discussion will center around these guiding questions:

  1. How have you leveraged community engaged research to support and sustain rural communities?
  2. What institutional and environmental barriers to that work have you encountered, and how have you overcome those barriers?
  3. In what ways and to what extent has collaborating with university partners in varied disciplines contributed to your work?
  4. In what ways and to what extent has collaborating with non-university partners (e.g., K-12 educators, families, business leaders, community leaders) contributed to your work?

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  Empowering Researchers: AI-Driven Information Literacy and Predatory Publishing Detection

  Room 310 

  Panelists: 

  • Anne Grant, University Libraries
  • Fanchen Meng, director of analytics systems and apps, Watt Family Innovation Center
  • Ruoyu Yang, research associate-machine learning, Watt Family Innovation Center

  Moderator:

  • Karen Burton, University Libraries

  Abstract: This panel discussion will delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence, information literacy and the fight against predatory publishing. Panelists will explore how Clemson Libraries, in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, has leveraged AI and machine learning tools to enhance research processes and explore innovative methods for detecting predatory journals. This session will highlight successful strategies for cross-disciplinary partnerships, ethical AI use in research and creative solutions to complex challenges in the digital information environment. Join us to discover how AI and information literacy can safeguard the integrity of academic publishing and foster responsible scholarship.

• Afternoon Breakout Sessions (1:00pm-2:15pm)

  Mentoring as a universal enabler for innovation

  Room 108 Auditorium

  Panelists: 

  • Marieke Van Puymbroeck Chancellor, associate dean, Graduate School
  • Lori Dickes, professor, Political Sciences
  • Sheila Cotten, associate vice president for research development
  • Tia Dumas, associate vice president for strategic alliances

  Moderator:

  • Stephen Creager, associate dean, College of Science

  Abstract: Mentoring is a universal activity that impacts students and faculty alike in many areas of their lives including the pursuit of research. Mentoring includes elements of onboarding for new students / employees and of evaluation (e.g. student grading and faculty annual evaluations) but it is also distinct from these, providing access to experience and guidance that can greatly enhance educational and professional work. The pursuit of impactful research may be greatly aided by impactful mentoring. This moderated panel discussion will address similarities and differences in mentoring for graduate students, faculty, and university leaders. Stephen Creager, Associate Dean in Science, will moderate the panel which will include the following persons as panelists: Tia Dumas, Associate Vice President for Strategic Alliances and Leader of the Clemson Chair Academy; Lori Dickes, Director of the Office of Faculty ADVANCEment; Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Associate Dean of the Graduate School; and Shelia Cotten, Associate Vice President for Research Development. Panel discussion will address ways in which leaders can promote / encourage impactful mentoring, specific things that leaders seek to accomplish and to avoid in mentoring programs, and similarities / differences in approaches to mentoring for different groups.

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  Achieving Professional, Effective Graphics Efficiently with Available Clemson Resources

  Room 106

  Panelists:

  • Stacie Poore Powell, data services librarian, University Libraries
  • Yaswanth Mulakala, data visualization specialist, University Libraries

  Moderator:

  • Brad Walters, program manager, Office of Research Development

  Abstract: The Office of Research Development (ORD) and the Data Visualization Lab (DVL) have partnered to present a workshop on Clemson’s technical graphic and data visualization resources. This workshop will offer an in-depth exploration of Clemson’s extensive yet underutilized infographic resources, equipping researchers with the tools to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of their grant proposal visuals. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of Clemson’s visualization resources and strategies for integrating data visualization and technical graphics into their grant proposals, ultimately enhancing clarity, professionalism, and competitiveness in funding applications.

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  Leveraging Research Metrics for Strategic Growth: Insights from Three Vendors

  Room 203

  Panelists:

  • Deron Morgan, representative for InCites 
  • Patty Smith, representative for Dimensions
  • Scott Bard, representative for SciVal 

  Moderator:

  • Elias Tzoc, associate dean, University Libraries

  Abstract: As Clemson University continues to document its growing research success and aims to double its research expenditures by 2035, understanding and leveraging research analytics and metrics are more crucial than ever. This panel brings together representatives from three leading research platforms -- InCites, Dimensions and SciVal -- to provide an overview of their key features and unique capabilities. These technologies are essential for documenting and showcasing research impact and metrics, particularly at R1 and AAU institutions. This session will offer valuable insights into enhancing research strategies and outcomes. Join us to learn how these powerful resources can help Clemson achieve its ambitious research goals.

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  Demystifying NIH Funding

  Room 208

  Panelists:  

  • Aggie Simionescu, professor, Bioengineering
  • Dan Simionescu, professor, Bioengineering
  • Sarah Floyd, assistant professor, Public Health Sciences
  • Xia Jing, associate professor, Public Health Sciences

  Moderator:

  • Morgan Simpson, research development specialist, Office of Research Development

  Abstract: This panel discussion will provide guidance and advice to faculty interested in submitting proposals to the NIH who might not have much experience with applying for/receiving NIH funding. Discussion topics will include the different types of NIH funding mechanisms, the preparation, submission and revision of NIH proposals, and perspectives on the NIH review panel process. The panel session will also introduce faculty to the NIH Accelerator program, which is designed to provide guidance and mentorship to investigators seeking NIH funding.

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  High-Performance Computing in Bioinformatics

  Room 218

  Panelists: 

  • Rooksana Noorai, assistant director, Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • Vijay Shankar, biostatistician, Center for Human Genetics
  • Alex Feltus, professor, Genetics and Biochemistry
  • David Feliciano, associate professor, Biological Sciences
  • Shahid Mukhtar, professor, Genetics and Biochemistry,
  • Christopher Parkinson, professor, Biological Sciences

  Moderator:

  • Zachary Gerstner, HPC research computing facilitator

  Abstract: This panel will discuss the current state and evolution of bioinformatics in HPC at Clemson and beyond. The panel will discuss Palmetto/Secretariate's impact on their work, how their use of HPC has evolved over time, and how HPC & AI are contributing to the future of bioinformatics research.

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  Translating Industry Partnerships into Scalable Knowledge: Building Training, Databases, & Toolkits

  Room 308

  Panelists: 

  • Anjali Joseph, director, Center for Health Facilities Design & Testing
  • Dina Battisto, professor, School of Architecture
  • Vivek Sharma, assistant professor, Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development

  Moderator:

  • Lyndsey Deaton, assistant professor, School of Architecture

  Abstract: In this panel discussion, we will explore how pilot or example projects with industry partners can evolve into scalable, impactful tools, training programs and databases that benefit the broader sector. The session will emphasize the importance of academia in designing, maintaining and updating these resources due to our impartiality and commitment to ensuring consistency across the industry. Panelists will share insights on the process of translating successful pilot projects into standardized, widely applicable resources. Attendees will gain strategies for fostering long-term collaborations between academia and industry, ensuring that tools and training are both effective and sustainable for future use. In this session, I will present three distinct projects that demonstrate how academia can develop toolkits, databases and training programs that translate industry partnerships into scalable, standardized resources.

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  Leveraging the Value of Social Media Data for Scientific Inquiry

  Room 310

  Panelists: 

  • Enamul Kabir, research associate, Communication
  • Thomas Maher, assistant professor, Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
  • Sarah Jerasa, assistant professor, Education and Human Development
  • Sara Sarasua, associate professor, School of Nursing

  Moderator:

  • Brandon Boatwright, assistant professor, Communication

  Abstract: This panel, comprised of five Clemson faculty from different units, will center around the various ways social media data can be used to examine a myriad of topics from interdisciplinary perspectives. Clemson University is uniquely positioned to conduct cutting-edge scholarship using social media data by virtue of its data accessibility through the Social Media Listening Center, its embrace of computational research methods to analyze large datasets, and its support for scholarly activities that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Faculty from academic units including Communication, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice, Nursing, Education and Environmental Sciences will share how research they are conducting utilizes social media data to answer pressing questions of theoretical and practical significance. Researchers on this panel will discuss various approaches to collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting social media data and provide practical insight to conducting scholarship that effectively incorporates social media data.

• 2:30pm-2:45pm: Grad 3-minute Thesis Presentations

  Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland that challenges graduate students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. 

  During this session, John Lopes, dean of the Graduate School, will welcome three Clemson 3MT competitors to present 3-minute theses:  

  • Matt Harrington – Bioengineering
  • Josie Nasekos – Agricultural Sciences
  • Praise Ayotola Ayinla – Political Science
• 2:45pm-3:30pm: Remarks and SVP Awards Ceremony - President Dr. James Clements and Dr. Tanju Karanfil

  President Jim Clements and Senior Vice President Tanju Karanfil will announce the Researcher of the Year awards, the University Research, Scholarship and Artistic Achievement Awards and the Distinguished Postdoctoral Award.  

  For Researcher of the Year, each college nominated a senior faculty member and a junior faculty member who received their terminal degree within the past 10 years. Researcher of the Year is awarded in both the senior faculty and junior faculty categories.  

  URSAAA recognizes Clemson University faculty who have achieved rare career milestones, such as receiving the highest level of national or international recognition in their field; authoring a paper that has received more than 1,000 citations; or expending more than $1 million on research in a fiscal year.

  The Clemson University Distinguished Postdoctoral Award is an honor recognizing outstanding performance in scientific research, leadership, advocacy, outreach and teaching.